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DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-1018302
Laser and Endoluminal 192-Iridium Radiation
Publication History
Publication Date:
17 March 2008 (online)

Summary
The combination of laser and endoluminal 192-iridium irradiation for the palliation of malignancies of the esophagus and the cardia was introduced to overcome the short-term effect of laser treatment alone. On the basis of early experience, this method would seem to prolong the effect of laser treatment alone, and is associated with a low risk of complications. However, the initial optimistic results, claiming permanent relief of dysphagia in 80 % of the patients, cannot be reproduced under prospective conditions. The combination of laser and 192-iridium irradiation with other palliative methods, such as external radiation treatment and/or chemotherapy is feasible, and remains to be studied in a comparative way.
Key words:
Esophageal cancer - Laser - Endoluminal irradiation - Iridium - Palliation