The goal are to achieve cancer control rates at least as good as the surgical treatments, to preserve function and appearance, and to decrease the risk of systematic metastases. Candidates for the protocols undergo a coordinated pretreatment evaluation and preparation, including imaging and endoscopies. The current protocol involves accelerated radiation therapy combined with one of three chemotherapy regimens. Post-treatment surveillance involves imaging, endoscopies, and biopsies. The ultimate functional capability of those treated patients is not yet clear.
Some patients continue to require supplemental gastrostomy feedings.
Review of the current literature, however, suggests that this treatment is a promising alternative for patients with advanced cancers of the aerodigestive tract.