title: Laser and endoluminal 192-iridium radiation.
abstract: The combination of laser and endoluminal 192-iridium irradiation for the palliation of malignancies of the esophagus and the cardia was introduced to overcome the short-term effect of laser treatment alone. On the basis of early experience, this method would seem to prolong the effect of laser treatment alone, and is associated with a low risk of complications. However, the initial optimistic results, claiming permanent relief of dysphagia in 80% of the patients, cannot be reproduced under prospective conditions. The combination of laser and 192-iridium irradiation with other palliative methods, such as external radiation treatment and/or chemotherapy is feasible, and remains to be studied in a comparative way.
mesh_terms: D001918:Brachytherapy; D002299:Cardia / Q000601:surgery; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D004938:Esophageal Neoplasms / Q000628:therapy*; D004940:Esophageal Stenosis / Q000628:therapy*; D004945:Esophagoscopy; D006801:Humans; D007496:Iridium Radioisotopes / Q000627:therapeutic use; D053685:Laser Therapy; D010166:Palliative Care; D019736:Prostheses and Implants; D013274:Stomach Neoplasms / Q000628:therapy*
chemical_list: D007496:Iridium Radioisotopes