Chemotherapy is called a systemic treatment because the drug enters the bloodstream, travels through the body, and can kill cancer cells throughout the body. Chemotherapy with or without radiation is being tested in clinical trials. Treatment by stage Treatments for cancer of the esophagus depend on the stage of the disease and the patient's general health. Standard treatment may be considered because of its effectiveness in patients in past studies, or participation in a clinical trial may be considered. Not all patients are cured with standard therapy and some standard treatments may have more side effects than are desired.
Clinical trials are ongoing in most parts of the country for most stages of cancer of the esophagus.
Chemotherapy plus radiation therapy. Surgery may be performed after other therapy is completed. Clinical trials are testing changes in the timing of when chemotherapy and radiation therapy are given. A clinical trial of surgery with or without radiation therapy. Clinical trials of chemotherapy and radiation therapy with surgery.