Final answer:
The treatment of esophageal cancer in the lower third typically includes surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy with drugs like cisplatin. Advanced therapies target specific cancer proteins, and brachytherapy may be used post-surgery. Treatment aims vary based on disease stage.
Step-by-step explanation:
Treatment Options for Cancer in the Lower Third of the Esophagus
The treatment for cancer located in the lower third of the esophagus typically involves a combination of modalities, with the approach being tailored to the individual patient's condition and the stage of the disease. Surgery is often the primary method for treating localized esophageal cancers and may involve the removal of the cancerous section of the esophagus, surrounding tissues, and affected lymph nodes. Radiation therapy, which uses ionizing radiation such as X-rays, is frequently employed alongside surgery or as a palliative measure. The goal is to direct multiple beams from various angles to intersect at the site of the tumor, maximizing the dose to the cancer while minimizing exposure to healthy tissues.
Chemotherapy is another cornerstone in the treatment of esophageal cancer, often using drugs such as cisplatin, which was notably used to cure Lance Armstrong's metastasized testicular cancer. Recent advancements have led to the development of targeted therapies that hone in on specific proteins and molecular pathways involved in cancers that overexpress certain receptors like the EGFR (Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor).
Brachytherapy, a form of localized radiation like with iridium-192 needles, can be a treatment option as well, especially as a follow-up to surgery to eradicate any residual cancer cells. In cases of advanced disease, treatments may focus on palliation of symptoms and prolonging survival rather than curative intent.