Laser treatment of upper gastrointestinal tract carcinoma: determinants of survival

Fifty-nine consecutive patients with stenosing carcinoma of the upper gastrointestinal tract were entered into a prospective study defining parameters of survival during laser treatment. A total of 322 laser sessions were performed, 56% of which on an outpatient basis. Life table analysis revealed that survival was poor in the presence of metastases, and in patients under 60 years of age. Survival was statistically independent of tumor histology, location, length or previous treatment of any kind. In contrast, the degree of stenosis both before and after laser treatment was related to survival in a significant fashion. The best separation into groups was achieved with the parameter dysphagia after laser treatment. Thus, the data are compatible with an important role of adequate enteral nutrition in these debilitated patients.