THE EVALUATION OF THE ESOPAGEAL CANCER BY RADIOTHERAPY

Abstract

Forty-nine cases with esophageal carcinoma are treated by radiotherapy and are followed with radiological examination from 1979 to 1984. 19 cases of them were evaluated by radiological and endoscopic findings. Japanese Society of Esophageal Diseases indicated the evaluation on esophageal cancer by chemotherapy and radiotherapy. 1. CR (Complete Response) : Disappearance of the primary focus on the barium filled view for a period longer than 4 weeks. 2. PR (Partial Response) : The decrease in the involved areas on the barium filled view after the treatment is more than 50% for a period longer than 4 weeks. 3. MI (Minor Improvement) : The decrease in the involved areas on the barium filled view after the treatment is more than 25% and less than 50% for a period longer than 4 weeks. 4. NC (No Change) : Improvement of the involved areas on the barium filled view after the treatment is no more than 25%. 5. PD (Progressive Disease) : Increase in the involved area. Progression of subjective and objective symptom. The evaluated cases were judged on base of this criteria. There were three CR, eight PR, two MI, six NC and six PD in result evaluated 19 cases. Evaluation of the response of chemotherapy or radiotherapy were performed by both change of radiological and endoscopic findings of esophageal cancer by radiotherapy. The value of the long diameter by short diameter were compared with that of only the long diameter by the criteria for evaluation of the radiological findings (improvement of stenosis) . The values of the long diameter by short diameter were corresponded to that of the long diameter except 3 cases. Therefore, it is considered that evaluation with the criteria should be decided by value of the long diameter by short diameter and change of randwall and concavity on radiological findings.