External beam radiation plus intraluminal brachytherapy in locally advanced, inoperable carcinoma esophagus: A retrospective study from tertiary cancer care center

Background: Worldwide, an estimated 572,034 esophageal cancer cases and 508,585 deaths occurred in 2018 and it accounts for approximately 3.2% of all malignancy. Because esophagus has no serosal covering with extensive, longitudinal connecting system of lymphatic plexus, direct invasion to contiguous structures and lymph node metastasis occurs early. Unresectable or metastatic disease at the time of diagnosis is seen in approximately 80% of patients, with cure rate 87% of patients. Conclusion: In patients with locally advanced carcinoma of esophagus and poor performance status who are unable to tolerate radical concurrent chemoradiation, combination of EBRT plus ILBT produces good local control, DFS, and durable relief of dysphagia with acceptable toxicity.