Evaluation of changes in early indicators of cardiac dysfunction in esophageal cancer patients receiving radiotherapy-A Prospective Observational Study

Esophageal cancer is one of the most common malignancies of the gastrointestinal tract. As per GLOBOCAN 2020, it is the 9th most common cancer in the world. Radiotherapy is one of the most effective treatments for both resect able and unresectable esophageal cancer. Radiotherapy can improve outcomes in esophageal cancer, however when irradiation field includes the heart, late cardiac effects can develop. Radiotherapy has been proven to raise overall survival rates in esophageal cancer patients. Due to improvements in outcomes, cancer survival has increased and there is growing focus on long -term treatment related toxicity. Cardiovascular diseases associated with chest irradiation are pericarditis, coronary artery disease, valvular heart disease, conduction abnormalities and restrictive cardiomyopathy. These changes ultimately lead to cardiac wall abnormalities and heart failure. This study is being carried out to observe changes in early indicators of cardiac dysfunction post radiotherapy in carcinoma esophagus patients. It will be done in 20 patients. Studies will include detailed history and physical examination, complete hemogram, upper GI endoscopy with biopsy, CECT Whole abdomen + Thorax or PET CT for staging and metastatic work-up. Baseline cardiac evaluation with 12 lead ECG,2D ECHO and Cardiac MRI. Coronary calcium scoring will be recorded with Weston scoring technique in radiotherapy planning CT scan. Coronary calcium scoring,2D ECHO, ECG and Cardiac MRI will be done post treatment to see any changes from baseline.