Abstract: Objective: To evaluate the radiosensitizing effect of low-dose cisplatin in treating advanced esophageal carcinoma. Methods: The data of 70 patients with unresectable intermediate and advanced esophageal carcinoma, from April 2000 to November 2002, were randomized into the radiosensitization group with 35 patients (RS group) or the simple-radiotherapy group with 35 patients (RT group). The patients in the RS group were treated with radiotherapy combined with low-dose cisplatin, while those in the RT group received radiotherapy alone. Results: All patients were followed up for more than 3 years. The rate of complete remission was 60% in the RS group and was 31.4% in the RT group (P<0.05). The 1-, 2- and 3-year survival rate was 71.4%, 22.7% and 10.6% in the RS group and 42.9%, 8.6% and 2.8% in the RT group, respectively (P<0.05). Toxic effects were more severe in the RS group than in the RT group, however, it was tolerable for all of the patients. Conclusion: Lowdose cisplatin combined with radiotherapy can effectively treat advanced esophageal carcinoma with fewer side effects.