[Endoscopic argon-plasma coagulation and combined radiotherapy for short (up to 3 cm) esophageal cancers]

The immediate and 3-year results were evaluated of application of combined radiotherapy and/or endoscopic argon-plasma coagulation carried out for esophageal cancers 3 cm long or less in 39 patients. Recurrences were reported, in 31.4% ca. 4 months later. Joint use of the modalities was followed by an up to 5-months rise in relapse-free period. Mean survival time was 20.2 months, and it was significantly higher in radiation-treated patients without metastases. One-year survival was 96.6% in those without distant metastases, 2-year--72%, and 3-year--47.6%. Our data point to new vistas in application of our techniques, particularly, for short (up to 3 cm) inoperable esophageal cancers.