We propose to conduct a multi-center randomized trial to evaluate the efficacy and the patients’ survival by comparing primary chemo-irradiation without surgery versus standard surgical resection as the treatment for squamous oesophageal cancer. Those patients with residual cancer after primary chemo-irradiation will have salvage oesophagectomy to control the disease. Over a 3-year period, a total of 80 patients will be recruited from 4 different hospitals with 100 patients being randomized into each treatment arm. Treatment outcomes will be compared on an intention-to-treat analysis basis.