Endocavitary Radiotherapy in Carcinoma Oesophagus

Abstract

Radiation therapy is often used in an attempt to palliate or cure oesophageal neoplasms. However, the
radiation tolerance of the normal structures around the oesophagus (heart, lung and spinal cord) restricts
the radiation dose that can be delivered.
We used a nasogastric catheter to deliver High Dose Intra-luminal Iridium-192 irradiation for carcinoma
of the oesophagus using HDR-Varisource machine. This technique for treatment of carcinoma of the oesophagus
can help overcome the dose restraints.
The external beam radiation dose was about 46 Gy and the intra luminal dose was 5 Gy at 1 cm from
central axis. These after loading procedures are simple, fast and accurate and can be used to boost external
radiation therapy doses. Since the intra luminal boost delivers a high-localized dose with little side
effects, this simple technique should be used to obtain palliation, delay tumour progression, reduce overall
treatment time and attempt to improve survival in patients with oesophageal neoplasm. Intra luminal
brachytherapy helps achieve good palliation in these neoplasms.
abstract

Key Words: Radiotherapy, intraluminal / endocavitary radiotherapy, Carcinoma oesophagus.