A Quality of Life Comparison in Patients With Malignant Dysphagia Treated With Either Self-Expanding Plastic Stents (SEPS) or Self-Expanding Metal Stents (SEMS)

OBJECTIVES: Primary * Assess differences from baseline in health-related quality of life of patients with malignant dysphagia due to cancer of the esophagus or gastroesophageal junction palliated with self-expanding plastic stents (SEPS) compared to those who receive self-expanding metal stents (SEMS). Secondary * Perform a cost-effective analysis of each type of stent by independent evaluation of the rates of SEPS-related and SEMS-related morbidity that necessitates repeat endoscopic interventions and/or additional healthcare costs in these patients. * Analyze effective palliation (degree and duration of improvement of dysphagia) in these patients. * Determine the individual rates of complication associated with each type of esophageal stent in these patients. OUTLINE: This is a randomized, controlled study. Patients are randomized to 1 of 2 treatment arms. * Arm I: Patients undergo placement of a self-expanding metal stent on day 1. * Arm II: Patients undergo placement of a self-expanding plastic stent on day 1. Health-related quality of life is assessed at baseline, 30 days, and 3 months. PROJECTED ACCRUAL: A total of 90 patients will be accrued for this study.