Radiotherapy versus stenting in treating malignant dysphagia

Background: The most commonly used treatments for maliganat dysphagia are stenting and radiotherapy (RT). Methods: A prospective data of 91 patients with locally advanced or metastatic esophageal cancer who has been treated with either palliative RT, stent or both. Group I had RT only, Group II had stent only and group III had both RT and stent. Results: The median overall survival was 169, 119 and 237 in the three groups respectively. The difference between GI & III was statistically significant (P=0.01). Conclusions: Combinations of stent and RT may provide survival benefit in patients with malignant dysphagia. A randomized clinical trial is recommended.