Preoperative in vitro chemosensitivity test of esophageal cancer with endoscopic specimens

Background. From January 1990 to June 1991, the authors tested in vitro chemosensitivity before surgery with endoscopic biopsy specimens from 23 patients with intrathoracic esophageal cancer. Methods. The authors tested eight anticancer agents using the dye exclusion method, and all 23 patients received chemotherapy with the most sensitive three drugs according to the results of the chemosensitivity test. Results. Ten patients (43.5%) had a tumor reduction of more than 50% on radiologic studies, and 4 patients (17.4%) had a good histologic effect. Conclusions. The chemosensitivity test is useful in selecting preoperative chemotherapeutic agents for patients with esophageal cancer. Cancer 1993; 71:661-6.