[Therapeutic decisions in patients with operable, non-metastatic oesophageal cancer]. / Therapieentscheidung bei Patienten mit operablem, nicht metastasiertem Ösophaguskarzinom.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Therapy for oesophageal carcinoma is a subject of controversial debate. The aim of this study is to answer the question how the therapeutic decision in patients with operable, non-metastatic oesophageal cancer should be made. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic literature research regarding different therapeutic strategies in patients with oesophageal cancer was undertaken. RESULTS: Multiple criteria influence the therapy for oesophageal carcinoma. Radical oesophagectomy in a multimodal setting is the therapy of choice. Definitive chemoradiation is a conservative option for high risk patients. CONCLUSION: Therapeutic decisions in patients with oesophageal cancer should only be made after standardised staging and accurate risk analysis.