Adding external beam to intra-luminal brachytherapy improves palliation in obstructive squamous cell oesophageal cancer: A prospective multi-centre randomized trial of the International Atomic Energy Agency

BackgroundWhether the combination of high dose-rate brachytherapy (HDRBT) and External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT) is superior to HDRBT alone for the palliation of oesophageal cancer has only been explored in a previous IAEA pilot randomized trial.MethodsTwo hundred and nineteen patients were randomized to adding EBRT or not, after receiving two fractions of HDRBT within 1 week. Each HDRBT consisted of 8 Gy prescribed at 1 cm from source centre. Patients randomized to EBRT received 30 Gy in 10 fractions. The primary outcome was dysphagia-relief experience (DRE). Additional outcomes included various scores, performance status, weight and adverse events. A majority of charts, imaging and radiotherapy plans were externally audited.ResultsMedian follow-up was 197 days, with a median OS of 188 days and an 18% survival rate at 1 year. DRE was significantly improved with combined therapy, for an absolute benefit of +18% at 200 days from randomization (p = 0.019). In longitudinal regression analyses, scores for dysphagia (p = 0.00005), odynophagia (p = 0.006), regurgitation (p = 0.00005), chest pain (p = 0.0038) and performance status (p = 0.0015) were all significantly improved. In contrast, weight, toxicities and overall survival were not different between study arms.ConclusionSymptom improvement occurs with the addition of EBRT to standard HDRBT. The combination is well tolerated and relatively safe.