Treatment of Esophageal Cancer Patient Information

Treatment by stage

Treatments for cancer of the esophagus depend on the stage of the disease and the patient's general health.

Standard treatment may be considered because of its effectiveness in patients in past studies, or participation in a clinical trial may be considered. Not all patients are cured with standard therapy and some standard treatments may have more side effects than are desired. For these reasons, clinical trials are designed to find better ways to treat cancer patients and are based on the most up-to-date information. Clinical trials are ongoing in most parts of the country for most stages of cancer of the esophagus. To learn more about clinical trials, call the Cancer Information Service at 1-800-4-CANCER (1-800-422-6237); TTY at 1-800-332-8615.

Stage 0 Esophageal Cancer

Treatment is usually surgery to remove the tumor.

Stage I Esophageal Cancer

Treatment may be one of the following:

1. Surgery to remove the tumor and all or part of the esophagus (esophagectomy).
   
2. Chemotherapy plus radiation therapy. Surgery may be performed after other therapy is completed. Clinical trials are testing changes in the timing of when chemotherapy and radiation therapy are given.
   
3. A clinical trial of surgery with or without radiation therapy.
   
4. Clinical trials of chemotherapy and radiation therapy with surgery.

Stage II Esophageal Cancer

Treatment may be one of the following:

1. Surgery to remove the tumor and all or part of the esophagus (esophagectomy).
   
2. Chemotherapy plus radiation therapy. Surgery may be performed after other therapy is completed. Clinical trials are testing changes in the timing of when chemotherapy and radiation therapy are given.
   
3. A clinical trial of surgery with or without radiation therapy.
   
4. Clinical trials of chemotherapy and radiation therapy with surgery.

Stage III Esophageal Cancer

Treatment may be one of the following:

1. Surgery to remove the tumor to relieve pain or discomfort.
   
2. Chemotherapy plus radiation therapy. Surgery may be performed after other therapy is completed.
   
3. Clinical trials of chemotherapy plus radiation therapy.

Stage IV Esophageal Cancer

Treatment may be one of the following:

1. Radiation therapy with or without insertion of a tube to keep the esophagus open (intraluminal intubation and dilation).
   
2. Tumor removal by laser or electrical current.
   
3. Clinical trials of chemotherapy plus radiation therapy.

Recurrent Esophageal Cancer

Surgery or radiation therapy may be used to relieve pain or discomfort. A patient may choose to take part in a clinical trial.

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