[Esophageal cancer treated by intracavity radiotherapy with 131I combined with Chinese herbs].

106 patients with esophageal cancer were treated by intracavity radiotherapy with 131I combined with Chinese herbs. The ages ranged from 34-84 years with an average of 59.8 years. All cases were confirmed by cytology and/or pathology. According to the length of lesions the patients were divided into 4 groups: < 3 cm: 1 case; 3-5 cm: 30 cases; 5-7 cm: 37 cases and 7-9 cm: 38 cases. A special three-channel rubber tube were designed. The central tube linked up with a rubber balloon which contained Na131I solution (50 mCi/20 ml) for intracavity radiation. The radiation doses (19653 rads) were delivered continuously to esophageal lesions within 10 days. The Chinese herbs "203" powder and nutrient liquid meal were given separately through the feeding tube and herbs treatment tube. The results showed that 33 cases had complete response, 73 had partial response. The 1 year survival rate was 26/47 (55.3%). 131I combined with Chinese herbs therapy is a promising method for treatment of advanced esophageal cancer.