Induction Chemotherapy Followed by Chemoradiotherapy in Esophageal Cancer

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Histologically confirmed squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus;
2. Localized, nonmetastatic disease (T1-4, N0-1) confirmed by endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) and CT scan (according to UICC TNM version 6);
3. Absence of distant metastasis of solid organ;
4. Not suitable for surgery (either for medical reasons or patient's choice);
5. Age at diagnosis 18 to 70 years;
6. Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status ≤ 2
7. No prior cancer therapy;
8. No history of concomitant or previous malignancy;
9. Hematologic function: WBC ≥ 4.0×109/L, PLT ≥ 80×109/L, Hb ≥ 10mg/dL;
10. Renal function: Cr ≤ 1.25×UNL;
11. Hepatic function: BIL ≤ 1.5×UNL, ALT/AST ≤ 2.5×UNL;
12. Documented informed consent to participate in the trial.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Younger than 18 or older than 70 years of age;
2. ECOG performance status of 3 or above;
3. Other cancer history;
4. Previous radiotherapy history;
5. Subjects with distant metastases;
6. Pregnancy or breast feeding. Women of childbearing age must use effective contraception;
7. Serious cardiovascular disease (congestive heart failure, uncontrollable arrhythmia, unstable angina, myocardial infarction, serious heart valve disease, resistant hypertension);
8. Evidence of bleeding diathesis or serious infection.