Laser and endoluminal 192-iridium radiation.

The combination of laser and endoluminal 192-iridium irradiation for the palliation of malignancies of the esophagus and the cardia was introduced to overcome the short-term effect of laser treatment alone. On the basis of early experience, this method would seem to prolong the effect of laser treatment alone, and is associated with a low risk of complications. However, the initial optimistic results, claiming permanent relief of dysphagia in 80% of the patients, cannot be reproduced under prospective conditions. The combination of laser and 192-iridium irradiation with other palliative methods, such as external radiation treatment and/or chemotherapy is feasible, and remains to be studied in a comparative way.