 |
|
Imaging technology helps identify esophageal cancer patients who respond well to treatment
March 22, 2006New research at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center shows that Positron Emission Tomography (PET) is more accurate than conventional imaging in identifying patients who have good responses to chemotherapy and radiation treatment - a finding that could one day help some patients avoid surgery.
The results, from a study of 64 patients with esophageal cancer, are published in the April issue of Annals of Surgery. PET, a technology that produces images of the metabolic function of tissue, was used to test patients for cancer after treatment with a combination of chemotherapy and radiation (chemoradiation).
"While additional multi-center studies are needed, the research clearly shows that PET is a useful tool for identifying patients who respond well to chemoradiation," said Edward A. Levine, M.D., lead investigator. "Being able to identify these responders may alter the need to take some patients to surgery."
Over the past two decades, the most common treatment for esophageal cancer has been chemoradiation followed by surgery. Even with these treatments, the prognosis is poor for most patients, with long-term control rates of 25 to 35 percent. Some patients, however, respond well to chemoradiation and have improved long-term survival.
Identifying which patients will respond to chemoradiation alone - and perhaps avoid surgery to remove part of the esophagus - has been difficult. Conventional imaging, including both computed tomography (CT) and endoscopic ultrasound (EUS), are poor predictors of response to chemoradiation.
Recently, PET was shown to be more accurate than CT and EUS in evaluating newly diagnosed patients to determine the extent of the disease. So, Wake Forest researchers decided to evaluate its ability to determine response to chemoradiation.
"The technology has allowed us to evaluate the varying responses to chemoradiation in a cross-section of patients," said Levine, professor of surgery and chief of the Section of Surgical Oncology. "We have identified a subgroup of patients with good long-term control rates and improved long-term survival."
The researchers conducted the study between 2000 and 2004 in patients whose cancer had not spread beyond the esophagus and lymph nodes. Patients had a PET scan both before and after chemoradiation. Then, four to six weeks later, eligible patients had surgery to remove part of the esophagus. The surgical pathology reports from 41 patients were compared to PET results - and PET was found to be 88 percent accurate at correctly identifying patients without disease.
"These results show the predictive power of pre-treatment PET imaging for identifying patients likely to experience a significant tumor response following a course of pre-operative chemoradiation," said Levine. "The evidence suggests the potential for PET to change clinical practice, perhaps helping some patients avoid surgery."
Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center
Over the past two decades, the most common treatment for esophageal cancer has been chemoradiation followed by surgery. Even with these treatments, the prognosis is poor for most patients, with long-term control rates of 25 to 35 percent. Some patients, however, respond well to chemoradiation and have improved long-term survival.
Identifying which patients will respond to chemoradiation alone - and perhaps avoid surgery to remove part of the esophagus - has been difficult. Conventional imaging, including both computed tomography (CT) and endoscopic ultrasound (EUS), are poor predictors of response to chemoradiation.
Recently, PET was shown to be more accurate than CT and EUS in evaluating newly diagnosed patients to determine the extent of the disease. So, Wake Forest researchers decided to evaluate its ability to determine response to chemoradiation.
"The technology has allowed us to evaluate the varying responses to chemoradiation in a cross-section of patients," said Levine, professor of surgery and chief of the Section of Surgical Oncology. "We have identified a subgroup of patients with good long-term control rates and improved long-term survival."
The researchers conducted the study between 2000 and 2004 in patients whose cancer had not spread beyond the esophagus and lymph nodes. Patients had a PET scan both before and after chemoradiation. Then, four to six weeks later, eligible patients had surgery to remove part of the esophagus. The surgical pathology reports from 41 patients were compared to PET results - and PET was found to be 88 percent accurate at correctly identifying patients without disease.
"These results show the predictive power of pre-treatment PET imaging for identifying patients likely to experience a significant tumor response following a course of pre-operative chemoradiation," said Levine. "The evidence suggests the potential for PET to change clinical practice, perhaps helping some patients avoid surgery."
Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center
Esophageal Cancer Current Events and Esophageal Cancer News RSSReflux esophagitis due to immune reaction, not acute acid burn, UT Southwestern researchers report
Contrary to current thinking, a condition called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) might not develop as a direct result of acidic digestive juices burning the esophagus, UT Southwestern Medical Center researchers have found in an animal study.
African-Americans with colorectal cancer have poorer outcomes, lower survival rates
New research published in the November issue of the Journal of the American College of Surgeons shows that African-American patients with colorectal cancer are more likely to be diagnosed with advanced disease and are less likely to undergo surgical procedures compared with Caucasians, suggesting that improvements in screening and rates of operation may reduce differences in colorectal cancer outcomes for African-Americans.
Surgeons at Boston Medical Center offering new procedure for acid reflux/GERD
Boston Medical Center (BMC) surgeons are now offering patients an incisionless alternative to laparoscopic and traditional surgery for treatment of acid reflux or GERD.
Barrett's esophagus patients have same survival rates as general population
New Mayo Clinic research has found that survival rates of patients with Barrett's esophagus, which can be a precursor for esophageal cancer, are no different than the survival rates for the general population.
GERD negatively impacts sleep quality, results in considerable economic burden
There has been much debate about the relationship between gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and sleep.
Heavy drinkers face significantly increased cancer risk
Heavy drinkers of beer and spirits face a much higher risk of developing cancer than the population at large, says a group of Montreal epidemiologists and cancer researchers.
University of Saskatchewan and Canadian Synchrotron researchers shed light on esophageal disease
Canadian Light Source (CLS) staff scientist Luca Quaroni and Dr. Alan Casson, Head of the Department of Surgery at the University of Saskatchewan (U of S) used the synchrotron's infrared microscope to identify tissue afflicted with a condition known as Barrett's Esophagus from chemical fingerprints associated with the disease, which can lead to esophageal cancer.
NEJM study finds radiofrequency ablation can reverse Barrett's esophagus, reduce cancer risk
Patients who have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) for a prolonged period have an increased risk of developing Barrett's esophagus, a pre-cancerous condition where the tissue lining the esophagus becomes damaged by stomach acid and transformed into something like the inside of the stomach.
Technique eradicates problems in most patients with Barrett's esophagus
A procedure that uses heat generated by radio waves to treat Barrett's esophagus, a condition caused by acid reflux (severe heartburn), can eliminate signs of the potentially cancer-causing disorder and reduce the risk that the disease will progress.
Study examines reliability of clinical and pathological diagnoses of Barrett's esophagus
In a review of more than 2,000 patients coded for Barrett's esophagus, electronic diagnosis overestimated the prevalence of the disease according to researchers in California.
More Esophageal Cancer Current Events and Esophageal Cancer News Articles
 |
100 Questions & Answers About Esophageal Cancer, 2nd Edition by Pamela K. Ginex RN MPH OCN (Author), Maureen Jineleski RN BSN (Author), Manjit S. Bains MD (Author) The only reference to provide both the patient s and doctor s views, 100 Questions & Answers About Esophageal Cancer, Second Edition aims to provide a much needed primer for patients and their families and aims to address the questions most relevant to patients following a diagnosis of esophageal cancer. This text gives up-to-date, authoritative, practical answers to your questions about treatment options, post-treatment quality of life, sources of support, and much more. Written by two oncology nurses and a gastric surgeon, with extensive commentary from an esophageal cancer survivor, and new information on cancer therapies, this book is an invaluable resource for anyone coping with the physical and emotional turmoil of this frightening disease. |
 |
Beating Esophageal Cancer Together Sweatshirt Large White by Shop Zeus |
 |
Esophageal Cancer Awareness Ribbon Mouse Pad by MyHeritageWear.com The Esophageal Cancer Ribbon proudly displayed on a mouse pad. There is no better way to achieve awareness for the meaning of the Esophageal Cancer Ribbon than to display it on your mouse pad for everyone to see. The mouse pad measures at 9.25 x 7.75, it is machine washable, and the colors will not fade or run. Start gaining awareness today by presenting your Esophageal Cancer Ribbon mouse pad at work or at home. It is certain to keep your mouse rolling in style all while gaining support and awareness! |
 |
Beating Esophageal Cancer Together Mug by Design a Product LLC Text on mug: Beating Esophageal Cancer Together * Custom coffee mugs are dishwasher-safe and microwave-safe. Colors are permanently baked into the mug''s surface. * If you have new ideas or need help selecting text for your custom coffee mugs please contact us. * Size: 11 oz. capacity ceramic coffee mug. |
 |
Esophageal Cancer: Principles and Practice by Blair A. Jobe (Author), MD (Author), Charles R. Thomas (Author), Jr. (Author), John G. Hunter (Author), Joel Blair (Editor) Gastroesophageal cancers are the most common form of cancer incidents, and the second most common cause of death among cancer patients. In 2000, it was estimated that over one million new cases of gastroesophageal cancers were diagnosed worldwide, and over 900,000 individuals died from the disease. Using a multi-disciplinary approach, Esophageal Cancer: Principles and Practice addresses the complexities encountered in the understanding and management of esophageal cancers. Written by the world s leading experts in surgery, medical oncology, radiation oncology, gastroenterology, pathology, radiology, nutrition, nurse specialists, palliative medicine, and research relating to neoplasia of the esophagus, this text will serve as the definitive resource and enable practitioners to... |
 |
Problems of the Esophagus: GERD and Barrett's Esophagus Studies suggest that more than 15 million Americans suffer from heartburn everyday and spend millions of dollars in search of relief from this condition. Dr Lauren Gerson discusses heartburn and other problems of the esophagus, including Barrett's Esophagus, in this talk. She focuses on the causes and some of the solutions for these problems as indicated by the latest research, including studies conducted at Stanford. |
 |
100 Questions & Answers About Esophageal Cancer by Pamela K. Ginex (Author), Manjit S. Bains (Author), Jacqueline Hanson (Author), Bart L. Frazzitta (Author) Whether you’re a newly diagnosed Esophageal cancer patient, a survivor, or a friend or relative of either, this book offers help. The only text to provide the doctor’s and patient’s views, 100 Questions & Answers About Esophageal Cancer gives you authoritative, practical answers to your questions about treatment options, post-treatment quality of life, sources of support, and much more. Written by three esophageal cancer experts from Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center and an actual patient, this book is an invaluable resource for anyone coping with the physical and emotional turmoil of this frightening disease. |
 |
Beating Esophageal Cancer Together T-shirt Large White by Shop Zeus |
 |
Cure Esophageal Cancer Mug by Design a Product LLC Text on mug: Cure Esophageal Cancer * Custom coffee mugs are dishwasher-safe and microwave-safe. Colors are permanently baked into the mug''s surface. * If you have new ideas or need help selecting text for your custom coffee mugs please contact us. * Size: 11 oz. capacity ceramic coffee mug. |
 |
Esophageal Cancer Medical Guide by Qontro Medical Guides (Author) The Esophageal Cancer Medical Guide is a publication which has been designed to better help readers understand Esophageal Cancer. This Qontro Medical Guide has been designed with the reader in mind, and is a useful information source for readers at all levels looking to learn more about Esophageal Cancer. The Esophageal Cancer Medical Guide is highly recommended for those interested in understanding and learning more about Esophageal Cancer. |
| © 2009 BrightSurf.com |