Esophageal Cancers are uncommon cancers (1% of all cancers). Indigestion, heartburn, and loss of appetite are early symptoms, but as the tumor grows, blockage of the esophagus with painful swallowing, hoarse voice, and vomiting may occur. Most patients with esophageal cancer have a history of heavy alcohol and tobacco use. Barrett’s esophagitis, caused by chronic gastric reflux, is a newly recognized risk factor. Certain diets, especially those contain very hot foods or nitrosamines, are also associated with this disease. Unfortunately, since the tumor frequently has spread by the time of diagnosis, the prognosis is usually poor, with only 10-20% of patients alive 5 years after diagnosis.

Treatment of Esophageal Cancer may consist of combinations of chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation. Newer surgical techniques, such as laser surgery, and the use of pre-operative chemotherapy to allow better resection are changing the way this tumors is being treated. The most common medications for esophageal cancers include 5-FU and cisplatin.

Esophageal cancers are not currently treated with transplantation at Hackensack University Medical Center. However, the physicians at the Northern New Jersey Cancer Center are experienced in the diagnosis and treatment of this disease. Active research protocols for this disease include a comparison of combined modality therapy (high dose radiation plus cisplatin plus 5-FU versus standard dose radiation plus cisplatin plus 5-FU). A second study is evaluating the role of post-operative adjuvant paclitaxel and cisplatin. For more information on these protocols call (201) 996-5800.