Palliative therapy is treatment aimed at relieving symptoms -- it is not meant as a cure for the disease (cancer). In some cases, palliative therapy is given along with other treatments that are intended to cure the disease. In other cases, palliative treatments are given when a cure is not possible. The main purpose of this type of treatment is to improve the patient’s comfort and quality of life.

Esophageal dilatation

In this procedure, a device shaped like a cylinder is pushed through an area of the esophagus that is blocked. The goal is to open up the blocked area and allow better swallowing. This procedure can be repeated. There is a small risk of tearing a hole in the esophagus (called perforation). After this procedure, the esophagus stays open only about 2 weeks; therefore, dilatation is often followed by other treatments to keep the esophagus open.

Esophageal stents

A stent is a device made of mesh material. Most often stents are made out of metal, but they can also be made out of plastic. They are placed into the esophagus across the length of the tumor under endoscopy. Once in place, they self-expand (open up) to become a tube that helps hold the esophagus open. The success of these stents depends on the type of stent that is used and where it is placed. Stents will relieve trouble swallowing in most patients that are treated. They may be used after dilatation to keep the esophagus open.

Electrocoagulation

This method involves burning the tumor off with electric current. In some cases, this treatment can help relieve esophageal blockage.

Photodynamic therapy

This treatment is discussed in more detail in the section, "How is cancer of the esophagus treated?" It can be used to remove superficial layers of tumor tissue and help relieve esophageal blockage.

Laser endoscopy

In this treatment, laser beams are aimed at the cancer through an endoscope. A surgical incision is not needed. The laser opens up the esophagus by vaporizing and coagulating cancerous tissue. The laser used is called a neodymium: yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Nd:yag) laser. About 70% to 80% of patients will benefit from laser endoscopy. However, the cancer grows back, so the procedure may need to be repeated every month or 2. In some cases, this type of laser therapy is performed before an esophageal stent is placed.

Radiation therapy

External-beam radiation can help relieve some of the symptoms from advanced esophageal cancer, including pain and problems swallowing. Radiation is often used for cancer that has spread to the brain or spine, but is also useful in treating problems with swallowing from a blocked esophagus. If an area had been treated with external beam radiation therapy earlier, it may not be able to be treated that way again. In that case, brachytherapy may be an option. Brachytherapy is especially useful in helping to relieve a blocked esophagus.

Pain management

Pain control is an important concern for people with cancer. However, there are many ways to treat cancer pain. People with cancer should let their cancer care team know immediately if they are in pain. The cancer care team can provide medications and other palliative treatments to relieve pain and other symptoms.

Last Medical Review: 05/04/2009
Last Revised: 05/13/2009