What are the disadvantages of radiotherapy for esophageal cancer

summary

After suffering from esophageal cancer, I can't eat, and my body is getting weaker and weaker. When I went to the hospital for treatment, the doctor said that many methods can be used, such as chemotherapy, but long-term chemotherapy may have a bad effect on my body. Next, I will talk about the disadvantages of esophageal cancer radiotherapy.

What are the disadvantages of radiotherapy for esophageal cancer

First, radiotherapy methods include general radiotherapy, conformal radiotherapy and intensity modulated radiotherapy. Radiotherapy has greatly improved the survival rate of esophageal cancer, but the side effects of radiotherapy, such as radiation esophagitis, tracheal reaction, radiation pneumonitis and systemic reaction, have seriously affected the quality of life of patients. Therefore, how to fully understand and properly deal with these side effects caused by radiotherapy, not only patients but also many radiologists need to understand.

Second: the general reactions of radiotherapy include tiredness, loss of appetite, leukopenia, etc., which are caused by radiation. Some patients have local long-term reaction after 3 months of radiotherapy, most patients may not feel very much, and a few patients with large primary focus and deep infiltration will inevitably produce fibrosis at the focus after radiotherapy, resulting in esophageal stenosis, eating difficulties and other symptoms. For those with severe reactions, corresponding treatment can be carried out, such as traditional Chinese medicine.

Third: most patients with esophageal cancer can be treated with radical or palliative radiotherapy according to their condition, but there are also some contraindications for esophageal cancer, such as esophageal fistula. Generally speaking, the earlier the stage of esophageal cancer, the better the effect of radiotherapy. It is usually given a radical dose of about 60Gy. According to the guidelines, concurrent chemoradiotherapy is required. If patients can not tolerate concurrent chemotherapy due to poor constitution and other reasons, traditional Chinese medicine preparations such as elemene can be used as appropriate, which also has the effect of radiosensitization.

matters needing attention

Many patients with esophageal cancer, doctors recommend surgery and chemotherapy, but long-term chemotherapy on the human body will produce a lot of radiation, patients will have a lot of adverse reactions. The body will also be in extreme weakness, so the cycle of chemotherapy should be appropriate, and nutrition should be supplemented during chemotherapy.