The purpose of this study was to examine whether combined cisplatin and late course accelerated fractionation radiotherapy (LCAH) (the combined group) can confer a better outcome over LCAH alone in treating esophageal carcinoma. Eighty-one eligible patients were randomly entered into two groups: the LCAH alone group, and the combined group. There was a better outcome in the combined group compared to the LCAH group, but the difference was not significant. The combined therapy could significantly improve the survival rate and local control of the disease in the early stage, but not in the advanced stage, because of the possibility of invasion. More severe complications occurred in the combined group than in the LCAH group, but they were within tolerance. In conclusion, LCAH concomitant with cisplatin could improve the survival of patients with esophageal cancer, especially in the early stage, as long as the side effects of the treatment are within tolerable limits.