[Combined concomitant chemotherapy and radiotherapy with or without surgery in the treatment of non-metastatic squamous carcinoma of the esophagus]. / Combinación de quimioterapia y radioterapia concomitantes con o sin cirugía en el tratamiento del carcinoma escamoso de esófago no metastásico.

Between June 1986 and October 1992 two prospective non-randomized and consecutive therapeutic schemes with a curative intent of non-metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus were developed. The first scheme consisted of concomitant administration of chemotherapy (cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil, 2 cycles) and radiotherapy (30 Gys) after surgery (esophagectomy) (14 evaluable patients). Without surgery, a higher dose of chemotherapy (4 cycles) and radiotherapy (55 Gys) was given on the second scheme (12 evaluable patients). Complete histological response was 42.6% for the first scheme and 50% for the second one. Toxicity was moderate in both schemes. Palliation was important in the second scheme. Actuarial survival was 28% at 1 year for the first scheme and 71% for the second one. Operative mortality was 27%. Concomitant chemoradiotherapy might be a therapeutic choice for locoregional control of squamous esophageal carcinoma.