Induction Chemotherapy Followed by Chemoradiotherapy in Esophageal Cancer

Inclusion Criteria: 1. Histologically confirmed squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus; 2. Localized, nonmetastatic disease (T1-4, N0-1) confirmed by endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) and CT scan (according to UICC TNM version 6); 3. Absence of distant metastasis of solid organ; 4. Not suitable for surgery (either for medical reasons or patient's choice); 5. Age at diagnosis 18 to 70 years; 6. Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status ≤ 2 7. No prior cancer therapy; 8. No history of concomitant or previous malignancy; 9. Hematologic function: WBC ≥ 4.0×109/L, PLT ≥ 80×109/L, Hb ≥ 10mg/dL; 10. Renal function: Cr ≤ 1.25×UNL; 11. Hepatic function: BIL ≤ 1.5×UNL, ALT/AST ≤ 2.5×UNL; 12. Documented informed consent to participate in the trial. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Younger than 18 or older than 70 years of age; 2. ECOG performance status of 3 or above; 3. Other cancer history; 4. Previous radiotherapy history; 5. Subjects with distant metastases; 6. Pregnancy or breast feeding. Women of childbearing age must use effective contraception; 7. Serious cardiovascular disease (congestive heart failure, uncontrollable arrhythmia, unstable angina, myocardial infarction, serious heart valve disease, resistant hypertension); 8. Evidence of bleeding diathesis or serious infection.