Esophageal strictures, tumors, and fistulae: alternative techniques for palliating primary esophageal cancer

Of all nonstent modalities available for palliating esophageal cancer, brachytherapy with or without external beam radiation therapy is the best modality, providing a survival benefit with a better quality of life in the long-term compared with stent placement. Both stent placement and brachytherapy provide comparable palliation to endoscopic chemical ablative therapy but are preferable because of the reduced requirement for reintervention. Other available modalities, such as laser therapy, photodynamic therapy, or chemical ablation, are not recommended for palliation of dysphagia because of a high incidence of complications and recurrent dysphagia.