[Radiotherapy for Bone Metastasis after Esophageal Cancer Surgery]

We examined the usefulness of radiotherapy for bone metastasis after esophageal cancer surgery. Between 2001 and 2016, we performed surgical resection for esophageal cancer in our department and 11 patients had postoperative bone metastases. Of these, 7 underwent radiotherapy. The median age was 71(60 to 76)years, with 5 males and 2 females. Six cases were squamous cell carcinoma and 1 case was adenocarcinoma. Metastatic sites included 3 vertebral bodies, 2 ribs, 2 skull bones, 1 ilium, 2 humerus, and 1 femur(there was overlap). Six cases also had other distant metastases. Three cases also underwent chemotherapy. Four of 7 cases(57%)showed reduction of metastatic lesions. The pain improvement rate was 57%. Radiation therapy for bone metastasis in esophageal cancer is thought to be effective for reduction of metastatic lesions and pain relief.