The Efficacy of Whole-Course Local Simultaneous Integrated Boost Intensity-Modulated Radiotherapy in the Treatment of Locally Advanced Esophageal Cancer and Its Impact on Immune Function

Objective: To analyze the efficacy of whole-course local simultaneous integrated boost intensity-modulated radiotherapy (SIB-IMRT) on patients with locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Methods: 88 patients with ESCC admitted to the hospital between October 2022 and October 2024 were selected and randomly divided into two groups using a random number table. The experimental group received SIB-IMRT treatment, while the control group received conventional intensity-modulated radiotherapy (C-IMRT). The objective remission rate, immune function, tumor markers, and adverse reaction rate were compared between the two groups. Results: The objective remission rate in the experimental group was higher than that in the control group (P < 0.05). Before treatment, there was no difference in immune function levels and tumor marker levels between the two groups (P > 0.05). After treatment, the immune function levels in the experimental group were better than those in the control group, and the tumor marker levels were lower than those in the control group (P < 0.05). The adverse reaction rate in the experimental group was lower than that in the control group (P < 0.05). Conclusion: SIB-IMRT can improve the objective remission rate of patients with ESCC, protect their immune function, down-regulate tumor marker levels, and prevent side effects after treatment.