Twice vs Once Daily Radiation

[babs225]

Does anyone have any recent studies on once or twice a day radiation treatments?

Thanks.

[This message has been edited by babs225 (edited 04-27-2001).]

[rosilita2]

there was a large study that came out last year (can't remember the hospital or group that did it) that stated a survival advantage on twice daily radiation instead of once daily. i beleive survival went up about 10%. The big point made in the study was the burning of the esphagus is much more intense in twice daily then once daily. but they did say all of the cases completly recovered the use of their esphagus. many patients going through twice daily had to use a feeding tube while going through it. the kind going down through the nose, not made through an incision is prefered.It also thought radiation shoud be concurent not sequential, if the patient is strong enough. if you opt for concurent it usually starts around the second round of chemo

[babs225]

My father will be starting around his 4th chemo. Perhaps because his is in the esophagus the doctors don't want to damage it more. I'll have to ask. Was the feeding tube necessary the entire time of radiation? Thanks for your response rosilita!!!