Docetaxel and Cisplatin Chemo- and Radiochemotherapy Followed by Surgery in Patients With Locally Advanced Esophageal Cancer - A Multicenter Phase II Trial

Fecha de inicio: 1 de marzo de 2003

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: * Histologically confirmed squamous cell carcinoma or adenocarcinoma of the thoracic esophagus, including the gastroesophageal junction (Siewert type I) * Locally advanced disease that is technically operable with curative intent (R0) * T3, N0 OR T1-3, N+ OR T4, NX * No T1-2, N0 * No inoperable T4 (unequivocal organ involvement) * No distant metastasis, including M1a lymph node status * Lymph nodes suspicious of M1a status by CT scan, PET scan, or ultrasound must be verified by fine-needle aspiration cytology * No carcinoma of the cervical esophagus * Obstructive tumors allowed PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age * 18 to 70 Performance status * WHO 0-1 Life expectancy * Not specified Hematopoietic * Neutrophil count at least 1,500/mm\^3 * Platelet count at least 100,000/mm\^3 Hepatic * AST no greater than 1.5 times upper limit of normal (ULN) * Alkaline phosphatase no greater than 2.5 times ULN * Bilirubin no greater than 1.5 times ULN Renal * Creatinine clearance greater than 60 mL/min Cardiovascular * No New York Heart Association class III or IV congestive heart failure * No unstable angina pectoris * No myocardial infarction within the past 3 months * No significant arrhythmias * No other severe or uncontrolled cardiovascular disease Other * Not pregnant or nursing * Negative pregnancy test * Fertile patients must use effective contraception during and for 12 months after study treatment * No definite contraindications to corticosteroids as premedication * No geographic situation that would preclude proper staging and follow-up * No active uncontrolled infection * No preexisting peripheral neuropathy greater than grade 1 * No uncontrolled diabetes mellitus * No active autoimmune disease * No other serious medical condition that would preclude study participation * No other prior or concurrent malignancy except nonmelanoma skin cancer or adequately treated carcinoma in situ of the cervix * No significant neurologic or psychiatric disorder, including psychotic disorders, dementia, or seizures that would preclude comprehension and ability to provide informed consent and complete quality of life questionnaires PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy * Not specified Chemotherapy * No prior chemotherapy Endocrine therapy * Not specified Radiotherapy * No prior radiotherapy to the chest Surgery * Not specified Other * More than 30 days since prior treatment on another clinical trial * No other concurrent experimental drugs