Novel milestones for early esophageal carcinoma:From bench to bed

Esophageal cancer(EC)is the seventh most common cancer worldwide,and esophageal squamous cell carcinoma(ESCC)accounts for the majority of cases of EC.To effectively diagnose and treat ESCC and improve patient prognosis,timely diagnosis in the initial phase of the illness is necessary.This article offers a detailed summary of the latest advancements and emerging technologies in the timely identification of ECs.Molecular biology and epigenetics approaches involve the use of molecular mechanisms combined with fluorescence quanti-tative polymerase chain reaction(qPCR),high-throughput sequencing technology(next-generation sequencing),and digital PCR technology to study endogenous or exogenous biomolecular changes in the human body and provide a decision-making basis for the diagnosis,treatment,and prognosis of diseases.The invest-igation of the microbiome is a swiftly progressing area in human cancer research,and microorganisms with complex functions are potential components of the tumor microenvironment.The intratumoral microbiota was also found to be connected to tumor progression.The application of endoscopy as a crucial technique for the early identification of ESCC has been essential,and with ongoing advancements in technology,endoscopy has continuously improved.With the advancement of artificial intelligence(AI)technology,the utilization of AI in the detection of gastrointestinal tumors has become increasingly prevalent.The implementation of AI can effectively resolve the discrepancies among observers,improve the detection rate,assist in predicting the depth of invasion and differentiation status,guide the pericancerous margins,and aid in a more accurate diagnosis of ESCC.

Prediction of lymph node metastasis in early esophageal cancer

BACKGROUND Given the poor prognosis of patients with lymph node metastasis,estimating the lymph node status in patients with early esophageal cancer is crucial.Indicators that could be used to predict lymph node metastasis in early esophageal cancer have been reported in many recent studies,but no recent studies have included a review of this subject.AIM To review indicators predicting lymph node metastasis in early esophageal squamous cell carcinoma(ESCC)and early esophageal adenocarcinoma(EAC).METHODS We searched PubMed with“[early esophageal cancer(Title/Abstract)]and[lymph node(Title/Abstract)]”or“[early esophageal carcinoma(Title/Abstract)]and[lymph node(Title/Abstract)]”or“[superficial esophageal cancer(Title/Abstract)]and[lymph node(Title/Abstract)].”A total of 29 studies were eligible for analysis.RESULTS Preoperative imaging(size),serum markers(microRNA-218),postoperative pathology and immunohistochemical analysis(depth of invasion,tumor size,differentiation grade,lymphovascular invasion,neural invasion,expression of PIM-1<30%)were predictive factors for lymph node metastasis in both early ESCC and EAC.Serum markers(thymidine kinase 1≥3.38 pmol/L;cytokeratin 19 fragment antigen 21-1>3.30 ng/mL;stathmin-1)and postoperative pathology and immunohistochemical analysis(overexpression of cortactin,mixed-lineage leukaemia 2,and stanniocalcin-1)were predictive for lymph node metastasis in early ESCC.Transcription of CD69,myeloid differentiation protein 88 and toll-like receptor 4 and low expression of olfactomedin 4 were predictive of lymph node metastasis in early EAC.A total of 6 comprehensive models for early ESCC,including logistic regression model,nomogram,and artificial neural network(ANN),were reviewed.The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve of these models reached 0.789-0.938,and the ANN performed best.As all these models relied on postoperative pathology,further models focusing on serum markers,imaging and immunohistochemical indicators are still needed.CONCLUSION Various factors were predictive of lymph node metastasis in early esophageal cancer,and present comprehensive models predicting lymph node metastasis in early ESCC mainly relied on postoperative pathology.Further studies focusing on serum markers,imaging and immunohistochemical indicators are still in need.

Magnetic anchor technique assisted endoscopic submucosal dissection for early esophageal cancer

BACKGROUND Esophageal cancer has high incidence globally and is often diagnosed at an advanced stage.With the widespread application of endoscopic technologies,the need for early detection and diagnosis of esophageal cancer has gradually been realized.Endoscopic submucosal dissection(ESD)has become the standard of care for managing early tumors of the esophagus,stomach,and colon.However,due to the steep learning curve,difficult operation,and technically demanding nature of the procedure,ESD has currently been committed to the development of various assistive technologies.AIM To explore the feasibility and applicability of magnetic anchor technique(MAT)-assisted ESD for early esophageal cancer.METHODS Isolated pig esophagi were used as the experimental model,and the magnetic anchor device was designed by us.The esophagi used were divided into two groups,namely the operational and control groups,and 10 endoscopists completed the procedure.The two groups were evaluated for the following aspects:The total operative time,perforation rate,rate of whole mucosal resection,diameter of the peering mucosa,and scores of endoscopists’feelings with the procedure,including the convenience,mucosal surface exposure degree,and tissue tension.In addition,in the operational group,the soft tissue clip and the target magnet(TM)were connected by a thin wire through a small hole at the tail end of the TM.Under gastroscopic guidance,the soft tissue clip was clamped to the edge of the lesioned mucosa,which was marked in advance.By changing the position of the anchor magnet(AM)outside the esophagus,the pulling force and pulling direction of the TM could be changed,thus exposing the mucosal peeling surface and assisting the ESD.RESULTS Herein,each of the two groups comprised 10 isolated esophageal putative mucosal lesions.The diameter of the peering mucosa did not significantly differ between the two groups(2.13±0.06 vs 2.15±0.06,P=0.882).The total operative time was shorter in the operational group than in the control group(17.04±0.22 min vs 21.94±0.23 min,P<0.001).During the entire experiment,the TM remained firmly connected with the soft tissue clip and did not affect the opening,closing,and release of the soft tissue clip.The interaction between the TM and AM could provide sufficient tissue tension and completely expose the mucosa,which greatly assists the surgeon with the operation.There was no avulsion of the mucosa,and mucosal lesions were intact when peeled.Therefore,the scores of endoscopists’feelings were higher in the operational group than in the control group in terms of the convenience(9.22±0.19 vs 8.34±0.15,P=0.002),mucosal surface exposure degree(9.11±0.15 vs 8.25±0.12,P<0.001),and tissue tension(9.35±0.13 vs 8.02±0.17,P<0.001).The two groups did not significantly differ in the perforation rate and rate of whole mucosal resection.CONCLUSION We found MAT-assisted ESD safe and feasible for early esophageal cancer.It could greatly improve the endoscopic operation experience and showed good clinical application prospects.

Endoscopic ultrasound staging for early esophageal cancer: Are we denying patients neoadjuvant chemo-radiation?

AIM To evaluate the accuracy of endoscopic ultrasound(EUS) in early esophageal cancer(EC) performed in a highvolume tertiary cancer center. METHODS A retrospective review of patients undergoing esophagectomy was performed and patients with c T1 N0 and c T2 N0 esophageal cancer by EUS were evaluated. Patient demographics, tumor characteristics, and treatment were reviewed. EUS staging was compared to surgical pathology to determine accuracy of EUS. Descriptive statistics was used to describe the cohort. Student's t test and Fisher's exact test or χ~2 test was used to compare variables. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine if clinical variables such as tumor location and tumor histology were associated with EUS accuracy.RESULTS Between 2000 and 2015, 139 patients with clinical stage Ⅰ or Ⅱ?A esophageal cancer undergoing esophagectomy were identified. There were 25(18%) female and 114(82%) male patients. The tumor location included the middle third of the esophagus in 11(8%) and lower third and gastroesophageal junction in 128(92%) patients. Ninety-three percent of patients had adenocarcinoma. Preoperative EUS matched the final surgical pathology in 73/139 patients for a concordance rate of 53%. Twenty-nine patients(21%) were under-staged by EUS; of those, 19(14%) had unrecognized nodal disease. Positron emission tomography(PET) was used in addition to EUS for clinical staging in 62/139 patients. Occult nodal disease was only found in 4 of 62 patients(6%) in whom both EUS and PET were negative for nodal involvement. CONCLUSION EUS is less accurate in early EC and endoscopic mucosal resection might be useful in certain settings. The addition of PET to EUS improves staging accuracy.

Artificial intelligence technique in detection of early esophageal cancer

Due to the rapid progression and poor prognosis of esophageal cancer(EC),the early detection and diagnosis of early EC are of great value for the prognosis improvement of patients.However,the endoscopic detection of early EC,especially Barrett's dysplasia or squamous epithelial dysplasia,is difficult.Therefore,the requirement for more efficient methods of detection and characterization of early EC has led to intensive research in the field of artificial intelligence(AI).Deep learning(DL)has brought about breakthroughs in processing images,videos,and other aspects,whereas convolutional neural networks(CNNs)have shone lights on detection of endoscopic images and videos.Many studies on CNNs in endoscopic analysis of early EC demonstrate excellent performance including sensitivity and specificity and progress gradually from in vitro image analysis for classification to real-time detection of early esophageal neoplasia.When AI technique comes to the pathological diagnosis,borderline lesions that are difficult to determine may become easier than before.In gene diagnosis,due to the lack of tissue specificity of gene diagnostic markers,they can only be used as supplementary measures at present.In predicting the risk of cancer,there is still a lack of prospective clinical research to confirm the accuracy of the risk stratification model.

Feasibility of same-day discharge following endoscopic submucosal dissection for esophageal or gastric early cancer

BACKGROUND Endoscopic submucosal dissection(ESD)is an established technique for the treatment of early gastrointestinal neoplasia.Generally,multi-day(M-D)admission is required for patients undergoing ESD due to potential complications.AIM To evaluate the feasibility of a same-day(S-D)discharge strategy for ESD of the esophagus or stomach.METHODS The data of patients who underwent esophageal or gastric ESD were retrospectively collected from January 2018 to December 2021 at Peking University Cancer Hospital.The propensity score matching(PSM)method was applied to balance the unevenly distributed patient baseline characteristics between the S-D and M-D groups.Intraoperative and postoperative parameters were compared between the matched groups.RESULTS Among the 479 patients reviewed,470 patients,including 91 in the S-D group and 379 in the M-D group,fulfilled the inclusion and exclusion criteria.Following PSM,78 patients in each group were paired using the 1:1 nearest available score match algorithm.No significant difference was found between groups with respect to intraoperative and postprocedural major adverse events(AEs).Tumor size,complete resection rate,and procedural duration were comparable between the groups.The S-D group demonstrated a significantly shorter length of hospital stay(P<0.001)and lower overall medical expenses(P<0.001)compared with the M-D group.CONCLUSION The S-D discharge strategy may be feasible and effective for esophagogastric ESD,and the procedural-related AEs can be managed successfully.

Oral higher dose prednisolone to prevent stenosis after endoscopic submucosal dissection for early esophageal cancer

BACKGROUND Esophageal stenosis is one of the main complications of endoscopic submucosal dissection(ESD)for the treatment of large-area superficial esophageal squamous cell carcinoma and precancerous lesions(≥3/4 of the lumen).Oral prednisone is useful to prevent esophageal stenosis,but the curative effect remains controversial.AIM To share our experience of the precautions against esophageal stenosis after ESD to remove large superficial esophageal lesions.METHODS Between June 2019 and March 2022,we enrolled patients with large superficial esophageal squamous cell carcinoma and high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia experienced who underwent ESD.Prednisone(50 mg/d)was administered orally on the second morning after ESD for 1 mo,and tapered gradually(5 mg/wk)for 13 wk.RESULTS In total,14 patients met the inclusion criteria.All patients received ESD without operation-related bleeding or perforation.There were 11 patients with≥3/4 and<7/8 of lumen mucosal defects and 1 patient with≥7/8 of lumen mucosal defect and 2 patients with the entire circumferential mucosal defects due to ESD.The longitudinal extension of the esophageal mucosal defect was<50 mm in 3 patients and≥50 mm in 11 patients.The esophageal stenosis rate after ESD was 0%(0/14).One patient developed esophageal candida infection on the 30th d after ESD,and completely recovered after 7 d of administration of oral fluconazole 100 mg/d.No other adverse events of oral steroids were found.CONCLUSION Oral prednisone(50 mg/d)and prolonged prednisone usage time may effectively prevent esophageal stricture after ESD without increasing the incidence of glucocorticoid-related adverse events.However,further investigation of larger samples is required to warrant feasibility and safety.

Relationships of early esophageal cancer with human papillomavirus and alcohol metabolism

BACKGROUND It is well known that an alcohol consumption habit together with inactive heterozygous aldehyde dehydrogenase-2(ALDH2)is an important risk factor for the development of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma(ESCC).It remains controversial whether human papillomavirus(HPV)infection contributes to the occurrence/development of ESCC.There has been no study in which the relationship between ESCC and HPV in addition to alcohol dehydrogenase-1B(ADH1B)and ALDH2 genotypes was evaluated.AIM To evaluate relationships between HPV infection and development of esophageal cancer,particularly early esophageal cancer,based on ADH1B/ALDH2 polymorphisms.METHODS We conducted an exploratory retrospective study using new specimens,and we enrolled 145 patients who underwent endoscopic resection for superficial ESCC and had been observed for more than two years by both physical examination and endoscopic examination in Hokkaido University Hospital.Saliva was collected to analyze genetic polymorphisms of ADH1B/ALDH2.We performed in situ hybridization for resected specimens to detect HPV by using an HPV type 16/18 probe.RESULTS HPV was detected in 15(10.3%)of the 145 patients with ESCC.HPV-positive rates in inactive ALDH2*1/*2 and ALDH2*1/*1+*2/*2 were 10.8%and 9.8%,respectively(P=1.00).HPV-positive rates in slow-metabolizing ADH1B*1/*1 and ADH1B*1/*2+*2/*2 were 12.0%and 10.0%,respectively(P=0.72).HPV-positive rates in the heavy or moderate alcohol consumption group and the light or rare consumption group were 11.1%and 8.7%,respectively(P=0.68).HPV-positive rates in the heavy smoking group and the light or no smoking group were 11.8%and 8.3%,respectively(P=0.59).The 3-year incidence rates of secondary ESCC or head and neck cancer after initial treatment in the HPV-positive and HPVnegative groups were 14.4%and 21.4%(P=0.22),respectively.CONCLUSION In the present situation,HPV status is considered to be less important than other risk factors,such as alcohol consumption,smoking habit,ADH1B/ALDH2 polymorphisms,and HPV status would therefore have no effect on ESCC risk management.

Artificial intelligence-assisted endoscopic detection of esophageal neoplasia in early stage:The next step?

Esophageal cancer(EC)is a common malignant tumor of the digestive tract and originates from the epithelium of the esophageal mucosa.It has been confirmed that early EC lesions can be cured by endoscopic therapy,and the curative effect is equivalent to that of surgical operation.Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy is still the gold standard for EC diagnosis.The accuracy of endoscopic examination results largely depends on the professional level of the examiner.Artificial intelligence(AI)has been applied in the screening of early EC and has shown advantages;notably,it is more accurate than less-experienced endoscopists.This paper reviews the application of AI in the field of endoscopic detection of early EC,including squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma,and describes the relevant progress.Although up to now most of the studies evaluating the clinical application of AI in early EC endoscopic detection are focused on still images,AIassisted real-time detection based on live-stream video may be the next step.

Endoscopic submucosal tunnel dissection for early esophageal squamous cell carcinoma in patients with cirrhosis:A propensity score analysis

BACKGROUND Although early esophageal squamous cell carcinoma(EESCC)with cirrhosis is a relatively rare clinical phenomenon,the management of EESCC in cirrhotic patients continues to be a challenge.AIM To evaluate the feasibility,safety,efficacy and long-term survival outcomes of endoscopic submucosal tunnel dissection(ESTD)for treating EESCC in patients with cirrhosis.METHODS This was a single-center retrospective cohort study.We examined 590 EESCC patients who underwent ESTD between July 14,2014,and May 26,2021,from a large-scale tertiary hospital.After excluding 25 patients with unclear lesion areas or pathological results,the remaining 565 patients were matched at a ratio of 1:3 by using propensity score matching.A total of 25 EESCC patients with comorbid liver cirrhosis and 75 matched EESCC patients were ultimately included in the analysis.Parametric and nonparametric statistical methods were used to compare the differences between the two groups.The Kaplan–Meier method was used to create survival curves,and differences in survival curves were compared by the log-rank test.RESULTS Among 25 patients with liver cirrhosis and 75 matched noncirrhotic patients,there were no significant differences in intraoperative bleeding(P=0.234),30-d post-ESTD bleeding(P=0.099),disease-specific survival(P=0.075),or recurrence-free survival(P=0.8196).The mean hospitalization time and costs were significantly longer(P=0.007)and higher(P=0.023)in the cirrhosis group than in the noncirrhosis group.The overall survival rate was significantly lower in the cirrhosis group(P=0.001).CONCLUSION ESTD is technically feasible,safe,and effective for patients with EESCC and liver cirrhosis.EESCC patients with Child-Pugh A disease seem to be good candidates for ESTD.

Endoscopic diagnosis of early-stage primary esophageal small cell carcinoma: Report of two cases

BACKGROUND Primary esophageal small cell carcinoma(PESCC)is a highly aggressive malignancy,and its detailed clinical behaviors have remained virtually unknown.Because of the rapid tumor progression,the diagnosis of esophageal small cell carcinoma at early stage is extremely difficult in clinical practice.Currently,only a handful of PESCC cases have been reported.CASE SUMMARY Case 1:A 62-year-old man was diagnosed with an esophageal submucosal tumor by endoscopy.Endoscopic ultrasonography showed a 0.8 cm low echo nodule in the muscularis mucosa.As the patient refused to undergo endoscopic resection,neoplasia was detected by endoscopy 1 year later.Case 2:A 68-year-old woman was diagnosed as having an esophageal submucosal tumor by endoscopy at a local hospital.About 2 wk later,we performed endoscopic ultrasonography and found a 1 cm low echo nodule in the muscularis mucosa;the submucosal was thinner than normal but still continuous;mucosal hyperemia and erosion were found on the surface of the tumor.Endoscopic submucosal dissection(ESD)was performed and the histopathological finding showed a small cell carcinoma invading the submucosal layer.CONCLUSION Early esophageal small cell carcinoma shows submucosal infiltrating growth with a hypoechoic mass in the muscularis mucosa as diagnosed by endoscopic ultrasonography.It is easily misdiagnosed as submucosal masses.Endoscopic manifestations should be identified and pathological biopsies should beemployed. ESD may be performed to provide an opportunity for early treatmentof PESCC.

Combination of concurrent endoscopic submucosal dissection and modified peroral endoscopic myotomy for an achalasia patient with synchronous early esophageal neoplasms

Achalasia is generally accepted as a condition associated with an increased risk for developing esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. In our paper, we introduced an achalasia patient combined with synchronous early esophageal neoplasms. We performed a combination of concurrent endoscopic submucosal dissection(ESD) and peroral endoscopic myotomy(POEM). No complications other than postoperative pain that needed morphine treatment for two days had occurred. Dysphagia was significantly improved. Neither reflux nor cough occurred. The short-term efficacy and safety of our case is favorable and suggests that concurrent ESD and POEM could be a treatment option to such patients.

Artificial intelligence and early esophageal cancer

The development of esophageal cancer(EC)from early to advanced stage results in a high mortality rate and poor prognosis.Advanced EC not only poses a serious threat to the life and health of patients but also places a heavy economic burden on their families and society.Endoscopy is of great value for the diagnosis of EC,especially in the screening of Barrett’s esophagus and early EC.However,at present,endoscopy has a low diagnostic rate for early tumors.In recent years,artificial intelligence(AI)has made remarkable progress in the diagnosis of digestive system tumors,providing a new model for clinicians to diagnose and treat these tumors.In this review,we aim to provide a comprehensive overview of how AI can help doctors diagnose early EC and precancerous lesions and make clinical decisions based on the predicted results.We analyze and summarize the recent research on AI and early EC.We find that based on deep learning(DL)and convolutional neural network methods,the current computer-aided diagnosis system has gradually developed from in vitro image analysis to real-time detection and diagnosis.Based on powerful computing and DL capabilities,the diagnostic accuracy of AI is close to or better than that of endoscopy specialists.We also analyze the shortcomings in the current AI research and corresponding improvement strategies.We believe that the application of AI-assisted endoscopy in the diagnosis of early EC and precancerous lesions will become possible after the further advancement of AI-related research.

Diffuse xanthoma in early esophageal cancer: A case report

BACKGROUND Gastrointestinal xanthomas are asymptomatic and infrequent non-neoplastic lesions that commonly occur in the stomach with Helicobacter pylori-associated gastritis and rarely in the esophagus.To date,there have been no reports of esophageal xanthoma combined with esophageal cancer.Herein,we present the first case in the literature of a diffuse xanthoma complicated with early esophageal cancer.Moreover,this combination makes the endoscopic diagnosis difficult if it is not in mind.CASE SUMMARY A 68-year-old man visited our department with a 2-mo history of epigastric discomfort.He underwent surgery for gastric cancer 6 years ago.Esophagogastroduodenoscopy showed a semi-circumferential irregular yellowish-colored and granular lesion in the esophagus(30-35 cm from the incisors).Using magnifying endoscopy with narrow band imaging,aggregated minute and yellowish-colored spots with tortuous microvessels on the surface were observed,and background coloration was clearly seen in the lesion.As endoscopic biopsy suggested a histologically high-grade dysplasia;the lesion was completely resected en bloc by endoscopic submucosal dissection(ESD).The resected specimen was confirmed to be a squamous cell carcinoma in situ with extensive foamy cells in the superficial mucosal layer.Immunohistochemically,the observed foamy cells were strongly positive for CD68,which is characteristic of xanthoma.The clinical course was favorable,and no recurrence was observed 2 years and 7 mo after ESD.CONCLUSIONDiffuse xanthoma concurrent with early esophageal cancer is extremely rare.The characteristic endoscopic features may assist endoscopists in diagnosing similar lesions.

Clinical Applications of Successive Spot Radiographs in Esophagography for Diagnosing the Early Esophageal Cancer

Objective:To introduce primary experience of clinical applications of successive spot radiographs in esophagography for the diagnosis of early esophageal cancer(EEC). Methods: Six patients with EEC were examined and diagnosed by a digital X-ray machine.According to the routine double contrast study of esophagus,the patient gulped a barium suspension in the upright position when the successive films were taken by 2 frames per second lasting for about 10 seconds.Various phases were obtained including barium-filled views,mucosal relief views and double contrast views. Results: Functional changes and abnormal mucosal folds of esophagus were present on successive spot radiographs of esophagography in patients with EEC and those patients with EEC were confirmed by endoscopic and pathologic findings.Four patients had mild loss of distensibility,2 patients had spasmodic contraction and 1 patient had barium retention.Thickened or interrupted folds were found in all cases.Little niches were detected in 5 of 6 patients. Conclusion: Evidence presented in barium studies of esophagus is more comprehensive and intact for the diagnosis of EEC when successive spot radiographs are employed.Functional changes of esophagus are more evident with this approach.

Effect of postoperative early enteral nutrition support on anti-tumor immune response and inflammatory response process in the elderly patients with esophageal cancer

Objective: To explore the effect of postoperative early enteral nutrition support on anti-tumor immune response and inflammatory response process in the elderly patients with esophageal cancer. Methods: A total of 110 cases of elderly patients with esophageal cancer who underwent radical operation in this hospital between January 2015 and December 2017 were divided into the parenteral nutrition group (n=57) who received parenteral nutrition support and the enteral nutrition group (n=53) who received enteral nutrition support according to the postoperative nutrition intervention methods. The differences in anti-tumor immune response and inflammatory response degree were compared between the two groups of patients immediately after the patients returned to the ward (T0), 48h after nutritional support (T1) and 72h after nutritional support (T2). Results: At T0, there was no statistically significant difference in the contents of Th1/Th2 immune response and Th17/Treg immune response indexes as well as inflammatory mediators in serum between the two groups of patients. At T1 and T2, serum Th1 cytokines IFN-γ and IL-12 contents of enteral nutrition group were higher than those of parenteral nutrition group whereas Th2 cytokines IL-4 and IL-13 contents were lower than those of parenteral nutrition group;serum contents of Th17 cytokines IL-6 and IL-17 as well as Treg cytokines TGF-β and IL-10 were lower than those of parenteral nutrition group;serum inflammatory mediators hs-CRP, PGE and HMGB1 contents were lower than those of parenteral nutrition group. Conclusion: Postoperative early enteral nutrition support can effectively regulate the Th1/Th2 and Th17/Treg immune response balance and inhibit the systemic inflammatory response in elderly patients with esophageal cancer.

Chromosome 11 aneusomy in esophageal cancers and precancerous lesions-an early event in neoplastic transformation:An interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization study from south India

AIM: To detect aneusomic changes with respect to chromosome 11 copy number in esophageal precancers and cancers wherein the generation of cancer-specific phenotypes is believed to be associated with specific chromosomal aneuploidies. METHODS: We performed fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) on esophageal tissue paraffin sections to analyze changes in chromosome 11 copy number using apotome-generated images by optical sectioning microscopy. Sections were prepared from esophageal tumor tissue, tissues showing preneoplastic changes and histologically normal tissues (control) obtained from patients referred to the clinic for endoscopic evaluation. RESULTS: Our results demonstrated that aneusomy was seen in all the cancers and preneoplastic tissues, while none of the controls showed aneusomic cells. There was no increase in aneusomy from precancers to cancers. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that evaluation of chromosome 11 aneusomy in esophageal tissue using FISH with an appropriate signal capture-analysis system, can be used as an ancillary molecular marker predictive of early neoplastic changes. Future studies can be directed towards the genes on chromosome 11,which may play a role in the neoplastic transformation of esophageal precancerous lesions to cancers.

Early diagnosis of esophageal cancer:How to put“early detection”into effect?

This editorial comments on the article by Qu et al in a recent edition of World Journal of Gastrointestinal Oncology,focusing on the importance of early diagnosis in managing esophageal cancer and strategies for achieving“early detection”.The five-year age-standardized net survival for esophageal cancer patients falls short of expectations.Early detection and accurate diagnosis are critical strategies for improving the treatment outcomes of esophageal cancer.While advancements in endoscopic technology have been significant,there seems to be an excessive emphasis on the latest high-end endoscopic devices and various endoscopic resection techniques.Therefore,it is imperative to redirect focus towards proactive early detection strategies for esophageal cancer,investigate the most cost-effective screening methods suitable for different regions,and persistently explore practical solutions to improve the five-year survival rate of patients with esophageal cancer.

Esophageal cancer screening,early detection and treatment:Current insights and future directions

Esophageal cancer ranks among the most prevalent malignant tumors globally,primarily due to its highly aggressive nature and poor survival rates.According to the 2020 global cancer statistics,there were approximately 604000 new cases of esophageal cancer,resulting in 544000 deaths.The 5-year survival rate hovers around a mere 15%-25%.Notably,distinct variations exist in the risk factors associated with the two primary histological types,influencing their worldwide incidence and distribution.Squamous cell carcinoma displays a high incidence in specific regions,such as certain areas in China,where it meets the cost-effect-iveness criteria for widespread endoscopy-based early diagnosis within the local population.Conversely,adenocarcinoma(EAC)represents the most common histological subtype of esophageal cancer in Europe and the United States.The role of early diagnosis in cases of EAC originating from Barrett's esophagus(BE)remains a subject of controversy.The effectiveness of early detection for EAC,particularly those arising from BE,continues to be a debated topic.The variations in how early-stage esophageal carcinoma is treated in different regions are largely due to the differing rates of early-stage cancer diagnoses.In areas with higher incidences,such as China and Japan,early diagnosis is more common,which has led to the advancement of endoscopic methods as definitive treatments.These techniques have demonstrated remarkable efficacy with minimal complications while preserving esophageal functionality.Early screening,prompt diagnosis,and timely treatment are key strategies that can significantly lower both the occurrence and death rates associated with esophageal cancer.

Risk factors for predicting early variceal rebleeding after endoscopic variceal ligation

AIM: To analyze the clinical risk factors for early variceal rebleeding after endoscopic variceal ligation (EVL).METHODS: 342 cirrhotic patients with esophageal varices who received elective EVL to prevent bleeding or rebleeding at our endoscopy center between January 2005 and July 2010.were included in this study.The early rebleeding cases after EVL were confirmed by clinical signs or endoscopy.A case-control study was performed comparing the patients presenting with early rebleeding with those without this complication.RESULTS: The incidence of early rebleeding after EVL was 7.60%,and the morbidity of rebleeding was 26.9%.Stepwise multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that four variables were independent risk factors for early rebleeding: moderate to excessive ascites [odds ratio (OR) 62.83,95% CI: 9.39-420.56,P < 0.001],the number of bands placed (OR 17.36,95% CI: 4.00-75.34,P < 0.001),the extent of varices (OR 15.41,95% CI: 2.84-83.52,P = 0.002) and prothrombin time (PT) > 18 s (OR 11.35,95% CI: 1.93-66.70,P = 0.007).CONCLUSION: The early rebleeding rate after EVL is mainly affected by the volume of ascites,number of rubber bands used to ligate,severity of varices and prolonged PT.Effective measures for prevention and treatment should be adopted before and after EVL.