Radiotherapy for carcinoma of the Esophagus: Progress of treatment and research in China

Carcinoma of the esophagus is a common malignancy in China. Radiotherapy is one of the most important modalities of treatment. This article provides a review of the natural history of this disease, the results of radiotherapy for esophageal cancer and the recent advances in radiation techniques in China. Significant progress has been made in this area of research and treatment. Combined treatment modalities and new therapies are being evaluated and may be expected to contribute to improved patient outcomes and better palliation of symptoms in the future.