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Chemotherapy for Esophageal Cancer

Authors:
  • Amy Scholten, MPH
Publication Type:

Condition InDepth

Chemotherapy for Esophageal Cancer

Esophageal cancer is treated with different types of drugs. Chemotherapy drugs kill cancer cells. Targeted therapy drugs are used to keep cancer cells from growing.

Chemotherapy

To treat esophageal cancer, chemotherapy is often used with radiation. It may be given before or after surgery.

Targeted Therapy

Targeted therapy drugs do not harm healthy cells. For esophageal cancer, options include trastuzumab and ramucirumab.

Trastuzumab may be used with chemotherapy. It may help stop tumor growth in certain types of esophageal cancer. Side effects may be fever, weakness, nausea, diarrhea, and headache. It is sometimes linked to heart muscle damage.

Ramucirumab stops new blood vessels from growing. This is used to stop tumor growth. Common side effects are headache, high blood pressure, and diarrhea. Wound healing problems can be a serious side effect.

Managing Side Effects

A number of treatments can help manage side effects. They include medicine, lifestyle changes, and alternative treatments. Sometimes drugs are adjusted to reduce severe side effects. It is best to control side effects as soon as possible.

Chemotherapy Drugs and Delivery

There are many chemotherapy drugs. To treat this type of cancer, the drugs are often combined. They may include:

  • Fluorouracil (5-FU)
  • Cisplatin
  • Docetaxel
  • Paclitaxel
  • Epirubicin
  • Capecitabine
  • Carboplatin
  • Irinotecan
  • Methotrexate
  • Mitomycin
  • Vinorelbine
  • Oxaliplatin

Chemotherapy is often given through an IV. Some types can be given by mouth. It is given in cycles over a set period of time. A cancer doctor decides the number of cycles and types of drugs.

References

  • Esophageal and esophagogastric junction cancer. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/esophageal-and-esophagogastric-junction-cancer. Accessed March 15, 2021.
  • Esophageal cancer. Merck Manual Professional Version website. Available at: http://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/gastrointestinal-disorders/tumors-of-the-gi-tract/esophageal-cancer. Accessed March 15, 2021.
  • Esophagus cancer. American Cancer Society website. Available at http://www.cancer.org/acs/groups/cid/documents/webcontent/003098-pdf.pdf. Accessed March 15, 2021.
  • Short MW, Burgers KG, et al. Esophageal Cancer. Am Fam Physician. 2017;95(1):22-28.
  • Treatment option overview. National Cancer Institute website. Available at: https://www.cancer.gov/types/esophageal/patient/esophageal-treatment-pdq#section/_159. Accessed March 15, 2021.

Contributors

  • Mohei Abouzied, MD
Last Updated:
2021-01-01

(C) Copyright 2023 EBSCO Information Services

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.