Preoperative hyperthermochemoradiotherapy for esophageal carcinoma

Background. In order to acquire an improved prognosis, preoperative hyperthermia combined with chemotherapy and radiotherapy (HCR) has been performed in our department for patients with esophageal carcinoma. Methods. The experimental and clinical investigations that have been continuously performed in our department were introduced with regard to the therapeutic effect brought by HCR for carcinoma, chiefly for esophageal carcinoma. Results. A series of our investigations have demonstrated the excellent anticancer effect of HCR for esophageal carcinoma. Conclusions. Preoperative HCR has contributed to improvements in the prognosis of patients with esophageal carcinoma and is expected to make marked progress in the future with further development of anticancer agents and improvements in the hyperthermia devices.