title: [The docetaxel radiosensitization experience for the treatment of unresectable esophageal cancer].
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Dept. of Surgery, Tokyo Metropolitan Health and Medical Treatment Corporation Ohkubo Hospital.
authors.forename: Shoji
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Maruyama
authors.forename: Michio
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Maruyama
authors.forename: Hideaki
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Tanami
authors.forename: Masakazu
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ebuchi
authors.forename: Itaru
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Takashima
authors.forename: Kumi
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Hasegawa
authors.forename: Ayaki
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Koide
authors.forename: Nobuko
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Tamura
authors.forename: Yutaka
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Miyawaki
authors.forename: Masahide
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ohbu
authors.forename: Takeshi
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Nagahama
mesh_terms: 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
chemical_list: D011838:Radiation-Sensitizing Agents; D043823:Taxoids; D000077143:Docetaxel