[Palliative therapy of inoperable esophageal carcinoma]

The life expectancy of patients with inoperable esophageal neoplasms is very limited. Therefore, palliative strategies should be immediately effective in relieving dysphagia. The efficiency of different methods so far available for palliation is discussed. In inoperable localized cancers, combined chemotherapy and radiation therapy are more effective than irradiation alone. Patients with more advanced carcinomas will benefit from the development of self-expanding metal stents. These stents can be placed quickly, are safe and show low morbidity rates.