[The docetaxel radiosensitization experience for the treatment of unresectable esophageal cancer].
BACKGROUND
Docetaxel is an increasingly important drug for the treatment of esophageal cancer. The docetaxel radiosensitization has been established in cancer cell lines. The therapeutic response and toxicity of a weekly docetaxel in combination with radiotherapy for unresectable esophageal cancer were examined.


METHODS
Ten patients with locally advanced or metastatic squamous cell esophageal cancer were recruited in the following protocol. The median age was 65.7 years. Patients received radiation in 2 Gy single daily fractions to a total dose of 60 Gy. Docetaxel (10 mg/m2) was administered weekly for 6 consecutive weeks.


RESULTS
One patient could not be evaluated. The overall response rate was 77% with 11% CR and 66% PRs. Mild grade 2 leukocytes toxicity was observed in 2/10 patients, which enforced the treatment absence for 7-14 days. Grade 2 stomatitis was noted in one patient. No severe grade 3 adverse effects were observed.


CONCLUSIONS
It is concluded that low dose docetaxel with radiotherapy is feasible and, a high response rate can be expected. Toxicity is modest, and this protocol may be useful for the outpatients or neoadjuvant chemotherapy.
Maruyama
Shoji
S
Dept. of Surgery, Tokyo Metropolitan Health and Medical Treatment Corporation Ohkubo Hospital.
Maruyama
Michio
M
Tanami
Hideaki
H
Ebuchi
Masakazu
M
Takashima
Itaru
I
Hasegawa
Kumi
K
Koide
Ayaki
A
Tamura
Nobuko
N
Miyawaki
Yutaka
Y
Ohbu
Masahide
M
Nagahama
Takeshi
T
D000368:Aged; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D000077143:Docetaxel; D004938:Esophageal Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D020360:Neoadjuvant Therapy; D011838:Radiation-Sensitizing Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use* / Q000633:toxicity; D011879:Radiotherapy Dosage; D043823:Taxoids / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use* / Q000633:toxicity
D011838:Radiation-Sensitizing Agents; D043823:Taxoids; D000077143:Docetaxel