Intensity-modulated radiotherapy combined with paclitaxel and platinum treatment regimens in locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

This study was conducted to investigate the efficacy and toxicity of combination treatment with intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) and concurrent chemotherapy with paclitaxel plus different platinum agents in locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). This retrospective study enrolled 242 patients treated with paclitaxel (135 mg/m(2)) plus platinum regimens. According to the different platinum agents used, patients were classified into: cisplatin 80 mg/m(2) (CP), nidaplatinum 80 mg/m(2) (NP), lobaplatin 35 mg/m(2) (LP), and oxaliplatin 135 mg m(2) (OP) groups, and survival and toxicity rates between the four groups were compared. The median overall survival (OS) was 31.1 months. No significant differences were observed among the CP, NP, LP, and OP groups with regard to 3-year survival rates (46.2, 56.4, 45.7, and 29.0%, respectively). A stratified analysis indicated that 3-year survival rates were significantly lower in the OP group. Renal toxicities and gastrointestinal reactions were more frequent in the CP group than in the other three groups. Three-year survival rates were similar among patients receiving 2, 3, or >= 4 cycles of chemotherapy (40.1, 49.5, and 50.8%, respectively). Multivariate analysis indicated that tumor volume and maximum diameter of metastatic lymph nodes might be independent prognostic factors. Paclitaxel plus nidaplatinum or lobaplatin is recommended in locally advanced ESCC due to their satisfying therapeutic effects and less toxicity. Tumor volume and maximum diameter of metastatic lymph nodes are independent prognostic factors in ESCC patients receiving IMRT and concurrent chemotherapy.