Phosphoproteomics reveals therapeutic targets of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

Dear Editor,Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma(ESCC)is one of the most aggressive squamous cell carcinomas and highly prevalent in Asia.The incidence of ESCC is affected by environmental factors(alcohol consumption,tobacco use,etc.)and genetic factors,both result in tumorigenesis by altering proteomic,posttranslational modification(PTM)and metabolic characterization of esophageal epithelial cells.Recently,large-scale investigations of ESCC have been performed,focusing on the discovery of new driver mutations.However,the mechanisms underlying ESCC development remain unclear,and comprehensive protein profiling of ESCC is necessary to understand its underlying mechanisms.So far,the approaches to the treatment of ESCC patients mainly include endoscopic therapy,surgery and chemoradiotherapy.However,most patients especially with poor prognosis ESCC still lack effective targeted treatment.