[Current status of radiotherapy in treatment of esophageal cancer]

An improvement of the quality of life by alleviating pain, improving swallowing and increasing weight is achieved in about 80% of patients with esophageal cancer. With survival rates of 41%, 21% and 11% after 1, 2 and 5 years, respectively the curative potential of radiotherapy is considered low. Survival is significantly better in patients with small tumors than with large tumors. Radiochemotherapy must still be considered an experimental modality. Afterloading may be helpful for palliation. Postoperative and postradiation results are relatively positive due to improved local control and patient selection.