Health technology assessment : HTA
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Health Technol Assess · May 2021
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter StudyPalliative radiotherapy combined with stent insertion to reduce recurrent dysphagia in oesophageal cancer patients: the ROCS RCT.
Most patients with oesophageal cancer present with incurable disease. For those with advanced disease, the mean survival is 3-5 months. Treatment emphasis is therefore on effective palliation, with the majority of patients requiring intervention for dysphagia. Insertion of a self-expanding metal stent provides rapid relief but dysphagia may recur within 3 months owing to tumour progression. Evidence reviews have called for trials of interventions combined with stenting to better maintain the ability to swallow. ⋯ Further studies are required to identify interventions that improve stent efficacy and to address the multidimensional challenges of eating and nutrition in this patient population.