Primary Radiation vs. Primary Surgical Therapy for Cervical Esophageal Cancer

What is the best initial therapy for patients requiring treatment of cervical esophageal cancer?

Background: Cancer of the cervical esophagus is infrequently encountered by the otolaryngologist; however, head and neck surgeons may be asked to collaborate with the treatment team providing care for these patients. Treatment has largely been surgical resection, radiation therapy, chemoradiation therapy, or a combination of the three. Surgical resection requires laryngectomy under most circumstances. The advantage of surgery is that after surgery, the stomach functions better over the long term than does the irradiated esophagus. Unfortunately, level one evidence is not available.

Study design: Retrospective study.

Setting: The Cancer Institute and Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing.

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