Abstract: Objective To evaluate long term therapeutic efficacy and the side reaction on external irradiation combined combined with Cf-252 intracavitary radiation in the treatment of advanced esophageal carcinoma. Methods 50 patients with locally advanced esophageal cancer were first treated with conventional external beam therapy, external beam irradiation using 6-MV X-ray, 2 Gy/fraction, 1 time / day, 5 times / week, to a dose of 40 Gy over 4 weeks, then with external and intracavitary radiation concomitantly (4.0 Gy per fraction, once a week to 12 Gy in 3 fractions), with external irradiation skipped on the day of intracavitary radiation. The total dose of external irradiation was 50 Gy. Results The 1-, 3- and 5-year local control rate were 75.47%.52.0%、45.06%, the median local control of time was 45 months. The 1-, 3- and 5-year survival rates were 78.0%、42.0%、28.0%, the median survival time was 28 months. The late esophagitis rate was 64%. Conclusion External irradiation combined with Cf-252 neutron ray irradiation in the treatment of advanced esophageal cancer have a better long term results, the clinical application is promising.

Key words: esophageal carcinoma, radiotherapy, intracavitary radiation therapy, Cf-252, long term effect