Answer:

Treatment for metastatic esophageal cancer focuses on controlling disease progression, alleviating symptoms, improving quality of life, and extending survival time. For those whose cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes, the 5-year survival rate is about 28%. However, if the cancer has spread to distant organs or lymph nodes, the survival rate is around 5-6%.

Further survival depends on several factors, including age and overall health. Younger individuals in good health generally have a better prognosis than older adults or those with underlying conditions.

Treating metastatic esophageal cancer requires a multi-modal approach, with the primary methods including:

Surgery may be used to alleviate symptoms (e.g., gastrostomy for feeding).

Chemotherapy involves administering chemicals to destroy or inhibit the growth of cancer cells. This can shrink tumors and prolong survival. Chemotherapy for esophageal cancer typically uses single or combination drug regimens tailored to the patient's condition and tumor characteristics.

A nurse attends to a patient during chemotherapy. Photo illustration: Tam Anh General Hospital

Radiation therapy uses high-energy X-rays to kill cancer cells and control symptoms. It can be used alone or combined with chemotherapy as adjuvant therapy before or after surgery to eliminate residual cancer cells.

Immunotherapy activates the body's immune system to detect and destroy cancer cells, helping restore its response to esophageal cancer cells.

Targeted therapy: Some esophageal cancer cells have abnormally high levels of the HER2 protein, which fuels cancer growth. Targeted drugs can precisely target these genetic mutations or abnormal proteins in cancer cells, destroying them with minimal impact on healthy cells.

Palliative care focuses on pain management, nutritional support, and emotional well-being. This approach is often recommended for individuals with metastatic, late-stage esophageal cancer.

It's crucial to adhere to the prescribed treatment plan and follow-up appointments to monitor disease progression and make necessary adjustments. Additionally, maintain a suitable diet by prioritizing soft, easily digestible foods and eating smaller, more frequent meals. Avoid hard, fatty, or spicy foods that strain the esophagus and digestive system, limit alcohol consumption, and refrain from smoking. Maintaining a positive outlook throughout the treatment process is also important.

MSc. Dr. Nguyen The Thu

Department of Oncology

Tam Anh General Hospital Hanoi