Objective: To study the effect of endoscopic treatment on malignant obstructions of the esophagus. Methods: 64 cases of advanced esophageal cancer patients had obstructions of the esophagus, 7 cases could not be operated on, 57 cases had recurred lesions after operation and radiation therapies. The obstructions were all dilated with esophageal dilators, and then were treated using local chemotherapy, or local administration of elemene emulsion injection and a stent was placed in the esophageal lumen.Results: The obstructions were relieved with dilation for only about one week, but the obstructions, using relieved for more than three months after dilation using other treatments. After dilation, the PR of carcinoma was about 80% in local chemotherapy group, however, CR was about 8% and PR was about 92% in the group of elemene emulsion injection. Conclusion: Endoscopic treatment is an effective palliative method for advanced esophageal cancer.