Clinical evidence of neoadjuvant immunotherapy for resectable locally advanced esophageal carcinoma:A systematic review

Background:Immune checkpoint inhibitors(ICIs)as the neoadjuvant therapy for resectable locally advanced esophageal carcinoma(rlaEC)remains challenging given the poor reports of efficacy and safety.This study aimed to summarize reliable evidence for the preoperative neoadjuvant immunotherapy of rlaEc by analyzing all the published clinical trials on the ICIs as the neoadjuvant therapy for rlaEC.Methods:PubMed,Cochrane Library,Embase and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched from inception until June 1st,2023,for available reports to perform a meta-analysis.The primary endpoints were RO resection,objective response rate(ORR),pathological complete response(pCR)and major pathological response(MPR),as well as treatment-related adverse events(AEs)and postoperative complications.The Stata 14.0 software was employed to estimate pooled effect size.Results:A total of 18 single-arm clinical trials involving 625 patients met the inclusion criteria.Meta-analysis showed that,among these patients with rlaEC,the pooled R0 resection rate was 97.0%(95%CI:94.0%-99.0%),the p0oled ORR was 70.0%(95%CI:64.0%-76.0%),the p0oled pCR and MPR rate were 34.0%(95%CI:29.0%-39.0%)and 56.0%(95%CI:47.0%-65.0%)respectively.The incidence of main treatment-related AEs and postoperative complications was about 6%-45% and 8%-19% respectively.Conclusions:Patients with rlaEC were tolerated to neoadjuvant immunotherapy and it might be beneficial to improve efficacy.But this meta-analysis had limitations and the conclusions still needed to be validated by more rigorous phase II randomized controlled clinical trials.

EFFECT OF PREOPERATIVE CHEMOTHERAPY ON METASTASIZED LYMPH NODES IN PATIENTS WITH ADVANCED ESOPHAGEAL CARCINOMA

Objective To investigate the effect and clinical value of preoperative chemotherapy on the treatment of metastasized lymph nodes in patients with advanced esophageal carcinoma. Methods We studied the pathological results of primary lesions and lymph nodes of 97 patients with advanced esophageal cancer between 1996 and 1999,62 patients were treated by preoperative chemotherapy and 35 patients were treated by surgery only. Results The metas- tasized rate and degree of mediastinum in preoperative group were 16.1% and 4.7% ,whereas 65.7% and 34.2% in the surgery only group (P<0.05) ;That of abdomen in preoperative group were 25.8% and 6.6% ,whereas 48.6% and 12.0% in the surgery only group (P<0.05). Conclusion Preparative chemotherapy is effective not only against the primary lesions but also the metastasized lymph nodes. The lower complete response rate of the metastasized lymph may account for the unsatisfied long-term results. Whole resection of primary lesions and lymph nodes are still very important for a better prognosis even for patients who have a good response for the preoperative chemotherapy.

Impact of baseline steroids on the efficacy of neoadjuvant immunochemotherapy in locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND Immunochemotherapy involving the combination of programmed cell death 1/programmed cell death ligand 1 inhibitors with chemotherapy has advanced the treatment of locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma(ESCC).The use of corticosteroids as pretreatment might reduce immunotherapy efficacy.AIM To investigate the impact of baseline corticosteroid use on neoadjuvant immunochemotherapy(nIC)outcomes in locally advanced ESCC patients.METHODS Patients with locally advanced ESCC who received nIC at Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center and the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University were included.Patients were divided into dexamethasone and antihistamine groups on the basis of the administered pretreatment.Antiallergic efficacy and safety were evaluated,as well as its impact on short-term efficacy[complete pathological response(pCR),major pathological response(MPR)]and long-term efficacy[overall survival(OS),progression-free survival(PFS)]of nIC.RESULTS From September 2019 to September 2023,142 patients were analyzed.No severe treatment-related adverse events or deaths were observed.Allergy occurrence was greater in the antihistamine group(P=0.014).Short-term efficacy was not significantly different:The pCR rates were 29.9%and 40.0%,and the MPR rates were 57.9%and 65.7%in the dexamethasone and antihistamine groups,respectively.The long-term efficacy was not significantly different:The 2 years OS rates were 95.2%and 93.5%,and the 2 years PFS rates were 90.3%and 87.8%.Subgroup analysis revealed no difference in OS between the 20 mg dexamethasone group and the<20 mg dexamethasone group,but PFS was significantly greater in the 20 mg dexamethasone group(93.9%vs 56.4%,P=0.001).CONCLUSION Dexamethasone or antihistamines can be used before nIC in locally advanced ESCC without affecting short-or long-term efficacy.Administering 20 mg dexamethasone before nIC may improve PFS in ESCC.

Present situation and prospect of immunotherapy for unresectable locally advanced esophageal cancer during peri-radiotherapy

Four major studies(Checkmate577,Keynote-590,Checkmate649 and Attraction-4)of locally advanced esophageal cancer published in 2020 have established the importance of immunotherapy,represented by anti-programmed death protein(PD)-1 in postoperative adjuvant treatment and advanced first-line treatment of locally advanced or advanced esophageal cancer and esophagogastric junction cancer,from the aspects of proof of concept,long-term survival,overall survival rate and progression-free survival.For unresectable or inoperable nonmetastatic esophageal cancer,concurrent radiotherapy and chemotherapy is the standard treatment recommended by various guidelines.Because its curative effect is still not ideal,it is necessary to explore radical radiotherapy and chemotherapy in the future,and it is considered to be promising to combine them with immunotherapeutic drugs such as anti-PD-1.This paper mainly discusses how to combine radical concurrent radiotherapy and chemotherapy with immunotherapy for unresectable local advanced esophageal cancer.

Short-term effects of nedaplatin plus futraful chemotherapy in treatment of advanced esophageal carcinoma

Objective:To observe the efficacy and the side effects of nedaplatin with futraful in the treatment of advanced esophageal carcinoma.Methods:Observing group NDP/FT-207 regimen:given nedaplatin 80-100 mg/m2 on day 1 and futraful 500-600 mg/m2 on day 1 to 5;control group:DDP/5-Fu regimen received cisplatin 80-100 mg/m2 on day 1 and 5-Fluorouracil 500-750 mg/m2 on day 1 to 5.In both groups per 28 days was a cycle, 2-3 cycles were one course.Results:Response and toxicity could be assessed in all the 78 patients, 42 patients were in observing group, the other 36 patients were in control group.The response rate of patients treated by NDP/FT-207 and DDP/5-Fu were 57.1%(24/42) and 50%(18/36) respectively.The two groups have no significant difference.The toxicities as gastrointestinal disorders and myelosuppression in observing group was lighter than those in control group.Conclusion:The combination of NDP and FT-207 is a safer and effective regimen.

Nedaplatin concurrent with three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy for treatment of locally advanced esophageal carcinoma

AIM:To evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of nedaplatin(NDP)concurrent with radiotherapy in the treatment of locally advanced esophageal carcinoma.METHODS:Sixty-eight patients with locally advanced esophageal carcinoma were randomized into either a NDP group(n=34)or a cisplatin(DDP)group(n=34).The NDP group received NDP 80-100 mg/m2iv on day 1+leucovorin(CF)100 mg/m2iv on days 1-5+5-fluorouracil(5-FU)500 mg/m2iv on days 1-5.The DDP group received DDP 30 mg/m2iv on days 1-3+CF 100 mg/m2on days 1-5+5-FU 500 mg/m2iv on days 1-5.The treatment was repeated every 4 wk in both groups.Concurrent radiotherapy[60-66 Gy/(30-33f)/(6-7 wk)]was given during chemotherapy.RESULTS:There was no significant difference in the short-term response rate between the NDP group and DDP group(90.9%vs 81.3%,P=0.528).Although the 1-and 2-year survival rates were higher in the NDP group than in the DDP group(75.8%vs 68.8%,57.6%vs 50.0%),the difference in the overall survival rate was not statistically significant between the two groups(P=0.540).The incidences of nausea,vomiting and nephrotoxicity were significantly lower in the NDP group than in the DDP group(17.6%vs 50.0%,P=0.031;11.8%vs 47.1%,P=0.016;8.8%vs 38.2%,P=0.039).There was no significant difference in the incidence of myelosuppression,radiation-induced esophagitis or radiation-induced pneumonia between the two groups.CONCLUSION:NDP-based concurrent chemoradiotherapy is effective and well-tolerated in patients with locally advanced esophageal carcinoma.NDP-based regimen has comparable efficacy to DDP-based regimen but is associated with lower incidences of gastrointestinal and renal toxicity.

Clinical Observation of Bevacizumab Combined with S-1 in the Treatment of Pretreated Advanced Esophageal Carcinoma

Objective To investigate the clinical effects and safety of bevacizumab combined with S-1 as the second-line treatment of recurrent and/or metastatic esophageal cancer after chemoradiation. Methods Patients with recurrent or metastatic esophageal cancer after chemoradiation were treated with bevacizumab and S-1. Bevacizumab was used by intravenous infusion, 7.5mg/kg body weight on day 1; S-1 was used by oral at 80mg/m^2·d on day 1-14, 21 days as a cycle of treatment and repeated until either progressive disease or intolerable toxicity occurred. Chest CT were performed and RECIST 1.1 was used for response evaluation. Kaplan-Meier method was used for survival analysis. Side effects were recorded and analyzed. Results Totally 78 patients were enrolled in the study, including 67 squamous cell carcinoma and 11 adenocarcinoma histologically. The overall response(CR+PR) rate was 22.4%(17/76) and disease control(CR+PR+SD) rate was 61.8%(47/76) respectively. The median follow-up time was 20 months(range from 9 to 44 months). The median progression-free survival(PFS) was 4.9 months(95% CI 4.4-5.5) and the median overall survival(OS) was 8.1 months(95% CI 7.6-9.2). The median PFS and OS of patients with metastasis diseases were 6.2 months(95% CI 3.3 to 6.3) and 8.5 months(95% CI 5.8 to 11.2), where PFS was longer than that of patients with local regional recurrence(median 5.0 months, 95% CI 3.0 to 5.5, P=0.017) and OS was longer than that of patients with regional disease and metastasis(median 8.0 months, 95% CI 4.6 to 9.5, P=0.010). The common adverse effects were mild to moderate neutropenia(84.2%), grade Ⅰ -Ⅱ hand and foot syndrome(51.3%), grade Ⅰ -Ⅱ nausea(48.7%), mild epistaxis(30.1%) and mild vomiting(14.5%). Esophageal bleeding occurred in 7.9% of patients. One patient(1.3%) died from massive bleeding which was caused by esophageal perforation. Conclusion Bevacizumab combined with S-1 was effective and safe for esophageal cancer patients who had recurrent or metastatic diseases after chemoradiation.

Effectiveness and safety of combined nimotuzumab and S-1 chemotherapy with concurrent radiotherapy for locally advanced esophageal cancer in malnourished and elderly patients:A prospective phaseⅡstudy

Objective:Definitive chemoradiotherapy(dCRT)is the standard treatment for unresectable locally advanced esophageal cancer.However,this treatment is associated with substantial toxicity,and most malnourished or elderly patients are unable to complete this therapy.Therefore,there is a need for a more suitable radiotherapy combination regimen for this population.This study was aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a combination regimen comprising chemotherapy with nimotuzumab and S-1 and concurrent radiotherapy for patients with fragile locally advanced esophageal cancer with a high Nutritional Risk Screening 2002(NRS-2002)score.Methods:Eligible patients with unresectable esophageal carcinoma who had an NRS-2002 score of 2 or higher were enrolled.They were treated with S-1 and nimotuzumab with concurrent radiotherapy,followed by surgery or definitive radiotherapy.The primary endpoint was the locoregional control(LRC)rate.Results:A total of 55 patients who met the study criteria were enrolled.After completion of treatment,surgery was performed in 15 patients and radiotherapy was continued in 40 patients.The median follow-up period was 33.3[95%confidence interval(95%CI,31.4−35.1)]months.The LRC rate was 77.2%(95%CI,66.6%−89.4%)at 1 year in the entire population.The overall survival(OS)rate and event-free survival(EFS)rate were 57.5%and 51.5%at 3 years,respectively.Surgery was associated with better LRC[hazard ratio(HR)=0.16;95%CI,0.04−0.70;P=0.015],OS(HR=0.19;95%CI,0.04−0.80;P=0.024),and EFS(HR=0.25;95%CI,0.08−0.75;P=0.013).Most adverse events were of grade 1 or 2,and no severe adverse events occurred.Conclusions:For malnourished or elderly patients with locally advanced esophageal cancer,radiotherapy combined with nimotuzumab and S-1 is effective and has a good safety profile.

Epidemiology and prognostic nomogram for locally advanced gastric signet ring cell carcinoma:A population-based study

BACKGROUND Gastric signet ring cell carcinoma(GSRC)represents a specific subtype of gastric cancer renowned for its contentious epidemiological features,treatment principles,and prognostic factors.AIM To investigate the epidemiology of GSRC and establish an improved model for predicting the prognosis of patients with locally advanced GSRC(LAGSRC)after surgery.METHODS The annual rates of GSRC incidence and mortality,covering the years 1975 to 2019,were extracted from the Surveillance,Epidemiology,and End Results(SEER)database to explore the temporal trends in both disease incidence and mortality rates using Joinpoint software.The clinical data of 3793 postoperative LAGSRC patients were collected from the SEER database for the analysis of survival rates.The Cox regression model was used to explore the independent prognostic factors for overall survival(OS).The risk factors extracted were used to establish a prognostic nomogram.RESULTS The overall incidence of GSRC increased dramatically between 1975 and 1998,followed by a significant downward trend in incidence after 1998.In recent years,there has been a similarly optimistic trend in GSRC mortality rates.The trend in GSRC showed discrepancies based on age and sex.Receiver operating characteristic curves,calibration curves,and decision curve analysis for 1-year,3-year,and 5-year OS demonstrated the high discriminative ability and clinical utility of this nomogram.The area under the curve indicated that the performance of the new model outperformed that of the pathological staging system.CONCLUSION The model we established can aid clinicians in the early prognostication of LAGSRC patients,resulting in improved clinical outcomes by modifying management strategies and patient health care.

Lenvatinib combined with sintilimab plus transarterial chemoembolization as first-line treatment for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND Recently,combination therapy has shown a better trend towards improved tumour response and survival outcomes than monotherapy in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC).However,research on triple therapy[lenvatinib+sintilimab+transarterial chemoembolization(TACE)]as a first-line treatment for advanced HCC is limited.AIM To evaluate the safety and efficacy of triple therapy as a first-line treatment for advanced HCC.METHODS HCC patients with Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer stage C treated with triple therapy were enrolled.All patients were treated with lenvatinib every day and sintilimab once every 3 wk.Moreover,TACE was performed every 4-6 wk if necessary.The primary outcome of the study was overall survival(OS).The secondary outcomes were the objective response rate(ORR),disease control rate(DCR),and incidence of adverse events.RESULTS Forty HCC patients who underwent triple therapy were retrospectively analysed from January 2019 to January 2022.With a median follow-up of 8.5 months,the 3-,6-,and 12-mo OS rates were 100%,88.5%,and 22.5%,respectively.The ORR and DCR were 45%and 90%,respectively.The median progressive free survival and median OS were not reached.Common complications were observed in 76%of the patients(grade 3,15%;grade 4,2.5%).CONCLUSION Combination therapy comprising lenvatinib,sintilimab and TACE achieved promising outcomes in advanced HCC patients and had manageable effects.

Rare esophageal carcinoma-primary adenoid cystic carcinoma of the esophagus: A case report

BACKGROUND Esophageal adenoid cystic carcinoma(EACC)is an exceedingly rare malignant tumor of the esophagus,posing significant challenges in the clinic.CASE SUMMARY This report detailed the case of a 72-year-old male whose diagnosis of EACC was confirmed through postoperative histopathological examination.The patient underwent thoracoscopy-assisted radical resection of the esophageal tumor,coupled with lymph node dissection.Pathological findings revealed an adenoid cystic carcinoma infiltrating the entire layer of the muscularis propria,locally extending into the outer membrane of the esophageal fiber,involving the cardia and exhibiting no lymph node metastasis.The patient’s condition was classified as primary EACC,T3N0M0,per the American Joint Committee on Cancer(2017;8th edition).One month after surgery,the patient received postoperative adjuvant radiation therapy.CONCLUSION In addressing the rarity and high potential for biopsy misdiagnosis of EACC,this study delved into its diagnostic methods and treatment.

Effect of cetuximab plus FOLFOX4 regimen on clinical outcomes in advanced gastric carcinoma patients receiving evidence-based care

BACKGROUND Although chemotherapy is effective for treating advanced gastric carcinoma(aGC),it may lead to an adverse prognosis.Establishing a highly effective and low-toxicity chemotherapy regimen is necessary for improving efficacy and outcomes in aGC patients.AIM To determine the efficacy and safety of cetuximab(CET)combined with the FOLFOX4 regimen(infusional fluorouracil,folinic acid,and oxaliplatin)as firstline therapy for patients with aGC,who received evidence-based care(EBC).METHODS A total of 117 aGC patients who received EBC from March 2019 to March 2022 were enrolled.Of these,60 in the research group(RG)received CET+FOLFOX4 as first-line therapy,whereas 57 in the control group(CG)received FOLFOX4.The efficacy[clinical response rate(RR)and disease control rate(DCR)],safety(liver and kidney dysfunction,leukopenia,thrombocytopenia,rash,and diarrhea),serum tumor marker expression[STMs;carbohydrate antigen(CA)19-9,CA72-4,and carcinoembryonic antigen(CEA)],inflammatory indicators[interleukin(IL)-2 and IL-10],and quality of life(QOL)of the two groups were compared.RESULTS A markedly higher RR and DCR were observed in the RG compared with the CG,with an equivalent safety profile between the two groups.RG exhibited notably reduced CA19-9,CA72-4,CEA,and IL-2 levels following treatment,which were lower than the pre-treatment levels and those in the CG.Post-treatment IL-10 was statistically increased in RG,higher than the pre-treatment level and the CG.Moreover,a significantly improved QOL was evident in the RG.CONCLUSION The CET+FOLFOX4 regimen is highly effective as first-line treatment for aGC patients receiving EBC.It facilitates the suppression of STMs,ameliorates the serum inflammatory microenvironment,and enhances QOL,without increased adverse drug effects.

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.

Combination therapy with toripalimab and anlotinib in advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma:A case report

BACKGROUND Toripalimab and anlotinib have shown good response in esophageal cancer,with high objective response rate and progression free survival.Thus,they have been approved as second-line or above-line therapy for advanced or unresectable esophageal carcinoma.Combination of these two drugs may have synergistic effects,but evidence of which is lacking.CASE SUMMARY Here,we report on a 73-year-old male,newly diagnosed with advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma(ESCC),who received a combination of toripalimab and anlotinib.Complete response was achieved after treatment for 3 mo and remission was maintained up to 14 mo.CONCLUSION The combination therapy of toripalimab and anlotinib is a promising treatment for unresectable ESCC and related clinical trials are warranted.

Efficacy of concurrent chemoradiotherapy with thalidomide and S-1 for esophageal carcinoma and its influence on serum tumor markers

BACKGROUND Although the current conventional treatment strategies for esophageal carcinoma(EC)have been proven effective,they are often accompanied by serious adverse events.Therefore,it is still necessary to continue to explore new therapeutic strategies for EC to improve the clinical outcome of patients.AIM To elucidate the clinical efficacy of concurrent chemoradiotherapy(CCRT)with thalidomide(THAL)and S-1(tegafur,gimeracil,and oteracil potassium capsules)in the treatment of EC as well as its influence on serum tumor markers(STMs).METHODS First,62 patients with EC treated at the Zibo 148 Hospital between November 2019 and November 2022 were selected and grouped according to the received treatment.Among these,30 patients undergoing CCRT with cis-platinum and 5-fluorouracil were assigned to the control group(Con),and 32 patients receiving CCRT with THAL and S-1 were assigned to the research group(Res).Second,inter-group comparisons were carried out with respect to curative efficacy,incidence of drug toxicities,STMs[carbohydrate antigen 125(CA125)and macrophage inflammatory protein-3α(MIP-3α)],angiogenesis-related indicators[vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF);VEGF receptor-1(VEGFR-1);basic fibroblast growth factor(bFGF);angiogenin-2(Ang-2)],and quality of life(QoL)[QoL core 30(QLQ-C30)]after one month of treatment.RESULTS The analysis showed no statistical difference in the overall response rate and disease control rate between the two patient cohorts;however,the incidences of grade I–II myelosuppression and gastrointestinal reactions were significantly lower in the Res than in the Con.Besides,the post-treatment CA125,MIP-3α,VEGF,VEGFR-1,bFGF,and Ang-2 Levels in the Res were markedly lower compared with the pre-treatment levels and the corresponding post-treatment levels in the Con.Furthermore,more evident improvements in QLQ-C30 scores from the dimensions of physical,role,emotional,and social functions were determined in the Res.CONCLUSION The above results demonstrate the effectiveness of THAL+S-1 CCRT for EC,which contributes to mild side effects and significant reduction of CA125,MIP-3α,VEGF,VEGFR-1,bFGF,and Ang-2 Levels,thus inhibiting tumors from malignant progression and enhancing patients’QoL.

Is Escalated Radiation Dose in Definitive Chemoradiotherapy Better for Inoperable Esophageal Carcinoma? A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review

Purpose: This study aimed to compare the survival benefits between different total radiation doses in definitive chemoradiotherapy (dCRT) for inoperable esophageal carcinoma (EC) based on modern radiotherapy techniques. Methods: A systematic review was performed by searching the databases of PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and Web of Science. All studies published prior to November 30, 2022, comparing radiation dose and disease-related outcomes in EC patients. The hazard ratio (HR) and odds ratio (OR) were used to describe the risk of outcomes and toxicities. Results: Seven prospective trials involving 1124EC patients were enrolled for analyses. The results revealed that the effect on overall survival (HR = 0.99, 95% CI = 0.85 - 1.16, P = 0.94), local progression-free survival (HR = 0.83, 95% CI = 0.58 - 1.17, P = 0.29), local regional progression-free survival (HR = 0.94, 95% CI = 0.76 - 1.17, P = 0.61), progression-free survival (HR = 0.90, 95% CI = 0.71 - 1.13, P = 0.35) was similar in the high-dose and standard-dose groups. Additionally, a high radiation dose exhibited a potential disadvantage in respiratory toxicities when compared with a standard dose (4.8% vs 2.2%, OR 2.11, P = 0.06). Conclusions: The efficacy of the HD group (≥60 Gy) and the SD group (approximately 50 Gy) for inoperable local advanced EC was similar. However, the HD group exhibited a high radiation dose exhibited a potential disadvantage in respiratory toxicities when compared with a standard dose. Simultaneously, the final results of several ongoing prospective trials regarding the optimal radiation dose in dCRT are awaited.

Early esophageal carcinomas in achalasia patient after endoscopic submucosal dissection combined with peroral endoscopic myotomy:A case report

BACKGROUND Achalasia is associated with high risk of esophageal carcinoma.However,the optimal endoscopic surgery for patients with early esophageal carcinoma concomitant with achalasia remains unclear.CASE SUMMARY A combination of concurrent endoscopic submucosal dissection(ESD)and modified peroral endoscopic myotomy(POEM)was performed on a 62-year-old male,who presented with multiple early esophageal carcinomas concomitant with achalasia.The patient exhibited an improvement in feeding obstruction,and presented no evidence of disease during the 3-year follow-up.CONCLUSION The combination of ESD and POEM is a feasible treatment modality for patients with early esophageal carcinoma concomitant with achalasia.

A STUDY OF ENDOSCOPIC TREATMENT OF ADVANCED ESOPHAGEAL AND GASTRIC CARCINOMA

Objective: To investigate the effect of endoscopic treatment on advanced esophageal and gastric carcinoma. Methods: Twenty advanced gastric cancer patients and 25 advanced esophageal cancer patients, who had recurrence after operation and radiotherapy were managed by endoscopic treatment. Results: 10 cases were treated to stop bleeding only, 35 cases were treated by microwave, dilation and local chemotherapy. The successful rate of hemostasis was about 67%, the remission rate of digestive obstruction was about 100% after dilation, 83% of the recurrence lesions were relieved by endoscopic chemo therapy. Conclusion: Endoscope treatment has certain therapeutic efficiency for the recurrence of advanced esophageal and gastric cancer.

Clinical observation of nedaplatin concurrent with radiotherapy for mid-advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma and esophageal carcinoma

Objective: The aim of our study was to evaluate the short-term efficacy and the toxic reaction of nedaplatin concurrent with radiotherapy for mid-advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma and esophageal carcinoma. Methods: Thirty-four patients were confirmed diagnosis with cancer by pathologic results. All patients were given 6MV X-ray for radiotherapy, Dt 66-70 Gy/33-35 f/6-7 w, concurrently administrated nedaplatin (30 mg/m2) once a week (6 times). Results: A total 34 patients were enrolled, of whom 33 patients were available for objective response, 1 patient of esophageal cancer quit for allergic reaction. The response rate (RR) of nedaplatin-contained therapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma and esophageal carcinoma were 90.0% and 76.9%, respectively. The major toxic reaction was bone marrow suppression observed in 25 patients (73.5%), in which grade III aleukocytosis was observed in 3 patients (8.8%), grade III + IV thrombocytopenia in 3 patients (8.8%). And 6 patients (17.6%) showed gastrointestinal tract reaction. There were 4 patients with radiation esophagitis in the 13 patients with esophageal carcinoma. Conclusion: Nedaplatin can increase the therapeutic effect of radiation. Its incidence rate of bone marrow suppression is high, but the gastrointestinal tract reaction and renal toxicity is low and mild.

Nanomedicine-boosting icaritin-based immunotherapy of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma

Traditional treatments for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC),such as surgical resection,transplantation,radiofrequency ablation,and chemotherapy are unsatisfactory,and therefore the exploration of powerful therapeutic strategies is urgently needed.Immunotherapy has emerged as a promising strategy for advanced HCC treatment due to its minimal side effects and long-lasting therapeutic memory effects.Recent studies have demonstrated that icaritin could serve as an immunomodulator for effective immunotherapy of advanced HCC.Encouragingly,in 2022,icaritin soft capsules were approved by the National Medical Products Administration(NMPA)of China for the immunotherapy of advanced HCC.However,the therapeutic efficacy of icaritin in clinical practice is impaired by its poor bioavailability and unfavorable in vivo delivery efficiency.Recently,functionalized drug delivery systems including stimuli-responsive nanocarriers,cell membrane-coated nanocarriers,and living cell-nanocarrier systems have been designed to overcome the shortcomings of drugs,including the low bioavailability and limited delivery efficiency as well as side effects.Taken together,the development of icaritin-based nanomedicines is expected to further improve the immunotherapy of advanced HCC.Herein,we compared the different preparation methods for icaritin,interpreted the HCC immune microenvironment and the mechanisms underlying icaritin for treatment of advanced HCC,and discussed both the design of icaritin-based nanomedicines with high icaritin loading and the latest progress in icaritinbased nanomedicines for advanced HCC immunotherapy.Finally,the prospects to promote further clinical translation of icaritin-based nanomedicines for the immunotherapy of advanced HCC were proposed.