The most commonly used treatments for maliganat dysphagia are stenting and radiotherapy (RT). A prospective data of 91 patients with locally advanced or metastatic esophageal cancer who has been treated with either palliative RT, stent or both. Group I had RT only, Group II had stent only and group III had both RT and stent. The median overall survival was 169, 119 and 237 in the three groups respectively. The difference between GI & III was statistically significant (P=0.01). Combinations of stent and RT may provide survival benefit in patients with malignant dysphagia. A randomized clinical trial is recommended.
Keywords: Malignant dysphagia; esophageal cancer; radiotherapy; stent.