[Chemotherapy of esophageal and cardial carcinomas]

In esophageal carcinoma chemotherapeutic agents such as bleomycin, methotrexate, cisplatin, VP-16, and vindesine produce remission rates up to 30%. Combination chemotherapy resulting in remission rates of about 50% has so far been insufficiently tested. Selection of patients with favorable prognostic criteria is mandatory for optimal treatment results. A combined modality approach is promising but needs further evaluation. The FAM regimen is recommended for the routine treatment of inoperable stomach carcinoma. The specific problems of upper gastrointestinal tract cancer chemotherapy are discussed.