The purpose of palliative therapy is to relieve symptoms, not to cure the malignancy. Its primary objective is to improve the quality of a patient’s life, particularly in cases where cure is no longer possible.
Metal mesh devices called esophageal metallic stents can be placed into the esophagus to relieve dysphagia. It has been successful in relieving dysphagia in roughly 80% of patients who have opted for this kind of therapy. The metallic stents are placed across the tumor. They then expand so that the esophagus is kept open. How successful the stent is depends on where the tumor is located and the type of stent that is used.
External beam radiotherapy and brachytherapy can also be used for palliative treatment. Both radiation modalities are useful when esophageal cancer patients experience dysphagia or pain secondary to esophageal obstruction. Radiation is also utilized to treat bleeding from esophageal cancer.
In a laser endoscopy, a laser beam is aimed through an endoscope at the cancer. This is given when the tumor is partially blocking the esophagus. In such cases, a special laser called a neodymium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Nd:yag) laser may be used to vaporize and coagulate the cancer tissues. This kind of laser surgery may benefit as much as 70% to 80% of esophageal cancer patients. The drawback to this procedure is that it has to be repeated at six to eight week intervals.
An Nd:yag laser therapy may also be used prior to the placement of esophageal stents.
Phytodynamic therapy is also used to relieve symptoms, particularly when the cancer has returned.
Palliative therapy is particularly concerned with the pain that a patient feels. Esophageal cancer patients should explore the different medications and therapies that are available to relieve the pain arising from cancer.
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Reviewed by:
Jiade J. Lu, M.D.
Diplomate, American Board of Radiology (Radiation Oncology)
Medical Director
The Cancer Information Network
Date Modified: 05/31/04
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