Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 19, 2026

Endobronchial Ultrasound-guided Intratumoral Injection of Cisplatin for the Treatment of Isolated Mediastinal Recurrence of Lung Cancer
Published on: February 12, 2017
A single-institutional brachytherapy experience in the management of esophageal cancer
Maria Grazia Fabrini1, Franco Perrone, Mario De Liguoro
1Radiotherapy Division, Pisa University Hospital, Pisa, Italy.
Purpose:
The aim of this work was to analyze the efficacy of high-dose-rate brachytherapy in the management of patients with esophageal cancer.
Methods And Materials:
Between 2001 and 2008, 104 patients (88 males and 16 females) received a brachytherapy treatment as a part of a personalized multimodal approach. The median age was 72 years, and the median Karnofsky performance status was 60. Brachytherapy was used in different situations: to complete a primary treatment with radical intent in patients not suitable for surgery; to control local recurrences; or to obtain a rapid and durable palliation of dysphagia in patients with metastases or in poor general condition. In selected cases, endoscopic ultrasound images were integrated in treatment planning procedure to obtain a more accurate volume definition. Efficacy in controlling dysphagia was assessed 1 month after brachytherapy.
Results:
Fifty-one patients received a radical treatment, and 53 patients were treated to relieve the symptoms. The median overall survival was 20.8 months. Lymph node involvement was found to be a significant prognostic factor for overall survival and dysphagia. Dysphagia was controlled in 88 patients (84.6%), and the median dysphagia-free interval was 17.5 months. Early and late adverse events were generally mild to moderate. The most severe effects were esophagotracheal fistulas, observed in 3 patients.
Conclusions:
Brachytherapy has an important role in the management of esophageal cancer with a low rate of complications. endoscopic ultrasound-assisted treatment planning can be useful for a better individualization of curative treatments.
Related Concept Videos
Barrett Esophagus-II: Clinical Manifestations and Management
To diagnose Barrett's esophagus, healthcare providers often recommend an endoscopy for those showing symptoms of acid reflux. The procedure entails...
Esophageal Varices-II: Clinical Features and Management
In the initial assessment, a thorough review of the patient's medical history is vital to identify risk factors such as liver disease, alcohol abuse, or...
Esophageal Strictures-II: Clinical Features and Management
Healthcare providers should gather a comprehensive medical history and conduct a physical examination for diagnosis. If esophageal stricture is...
Esophageal Perforation-II: Clinical Manifestations and Management
Clinical Manifestations:
Esophageal Strictures-I: Introduction
Etiology
The primary cause of esophageal strictures is long-standing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), accounting for about 70 to 80% of adult cases. Chronic acid reflux can lead to injury and scarring of the esophageal lining, culminating in...
Barrett Esophagus-I: Introduction
This constant acid exposure transforms the esophagus's pink mucosal lining (stratified squamous epithelium) into a type of lining more similar...
