Laser and photodynamic therapy for esophageal cancer.

Abstract

Esophageal cancer has a poor prognosis. The diagnosis in clinical practise is often made in advanced stages when curative treatment is impossible. Overall five year survival is reached only in 10% of patients and a palliative treatment is indicated in 60% of patients. From these patients one year survival could be observed in 55% and five year survival only in about 20% of patients. Progressive dysphagia is responsible for the poor quality of life. (Ref. 4.).