Outcome for malignant tracheobronchial stenoses in esophageal cancer.
OBJECTIVE
Optimal tracheobronchial stenosis treatment in esophageal cancer remains a clinical challenge.


METHODS
Subjects were 26 patients with tracheobronchial stenosis due to esophageal cancer treated by modalities such as expandable metallic stent emplacement, laser therapy, radiotherapy, and/or chemotherapy. We assessed patient outcome and modality efficacy, and determined prognostic factors for survival using multivariate analysis.


RESULTS
Of the 26, 16 (61%) had improved respiration after treatment. Average posttreatment survival was 140 days (10-1550 days). Multivariate analysis indicated that a Karnofsky performance score of > or = 70% was the most significant prognostic factor, with chemotherapy and laser therapy also significant factors.


CONCLUSIONS
Although individual modalities were effective in ameliorating respiratory symptoms, patients with good performance status survived the longest. After a tracheobronchial stenosis diagnosis in esophageal cancer patients, chemotherapy and laser therapy are recommended if the patient is in good general condition.
Takamori
Shinzo
S
Department of Surgery, Kurume University School of Medicine, 67 Asahi-machi, Kurume 830-0011, Japan.
Fujita
Hiromasa
H
Hayashi
Akihiro
A
Mitsuoka
Masahiro
M
Terazaki
Yasuhiro
Y
Miwa
Keisuke
K
Fukunaga
Mari
M
Shirouzu
Kazuo
K
D000368:Aged; D001982:Bronchial Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D003251:Constriction, Pathologic; D004938:Esophageal Neoplasms / Q000150:complications*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011379:Prognosis; D015607:Stents; D016019:Survival Analysis; D014135:Tracheal Stenosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome