Background: Dysphagia is one of the most common presenting symptoms in esophageal cancer (EC) and can lead to significant nutritional decline, which is associated with increased toxicity and poor outcomes. Invasive feeding tubes or endoscopic stents are frequently used to improve nutrition in this setting. We evaluated the role of induction chemotherapy prior to concurrent chemoradiation as presurgical treatment in improving dysphagia. Methods: Retrospective analysis of 4 prospective studies conducted at MSKCC with induction chemotherapy followed by concurrent chemoradiation and surgery in locally advanced esophageal/GEJ cancer. Regimens included cisplatin/paclitaxel, cisplatin/irinotecan, and cisplatin/irinotecan/bevacizumab. Dysphagia was graded prospectively using a validated dysphagia scale. Response of dysphagia and nutritional status to induction chemotherapy was evaluated. Results: Of 161 patients (pts) undergoing induction chemotherapy, [median age 59(21-76), KPS 90 (70-100), 77% adenocarcinoma], 121 (76%) had dysphagia, with 59(37%) having grade 2 dysphagia or higher (20% Stage II, 80% Stage III). 6(4%) required EGD dilatation/stent and none required feeding tube placement prior to treatment. 22% patients had>10% body weight loss prior to treatment and average weight loss in all pts was 4.3kg. After induction chemotherapy, 104 (64%) had improvement in dysphagia. This was associated with a weight gain in 42% of pts. Only 7(4%) had worsening dysphagia after induction chemotherapy: 4/7 required feeding tubes (2% of all pts), 2/7 underwent endoscopic dilatation or stent (1% of all pts). 6/7 of these pts with worsening dysphagia had poor short term outcomes after induction treatment: 2/7 progressive disease, 3/7 unresectable at surgery, 1/7 post-operative death. Conclusions: Induction chemotherapy prior to concurrent chemoradiation for locally advanced esophageal cancer can effectively improve swallowing and nutritional status, while mitigating need for feeding tubes or stents in patients with significant dysphagia. Post-induction dysphagia may be prognostic and merits further investigation.