 |
|
Genetic predictors of esophageal cancer identified
November 05, 2008PHILADELPHIA - Researchers have identified 11 genotypes that may increase esophageal cancer risk, according to research published in the November issue of Cancer Prevention Research, a journal of the American Association for Cancer Research.
"We observed a significantly increased risk of esophageal cancer with increasing numbers of risk genotypes," said Yuanqing Ye, Ph.D., an instructor in the Department of Epidemiology at the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center.
Major risk factors for esophageal cancer include obesity, smoking and gastroesophageal reflux disease. Compared to the high prevalence of these risk factors in the general population, the incidence rate of esophageal cancer is low, indicating that a small percentage of people are genetically predisposed to develop esophageal cancer.
Researchers at the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center identified 11 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in microRNA-related genes that showed at least a borderline significant association with esophageal cancer. A person can have one or more of these SNPs in their genetic makeup, putting him or her into low-risk, medium-risk and high-risk groups. The study showed that each unfavorable genotype was associated with an increased cancer risk. Individuals with more than four unfavorable genotypes were more than three times as likely to develop esophageal cancer.
"Our ultimate goal is to construct a quantitative cancer risk prediction model based on an individual's epidemiological profile, environment exposure and genetic makeup," said Xifeng Wu, M.D., Ph.D., a professor in the Department of Epidemiology at the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center and lead author of the study. "This risk prediction model can evaluate each person's relative risk and absolute risk of developing esophageal cancer within a certain time period."
Esophageal cancer is the fastest growing cancer in the United States with significantly increasing rates of occurrence. The majority of esophageal cancer patients are diagnosed at an advanced stage with poor prognosis. Understanding what places a person at high risk for esophageal cancer may have clinical applications to guide cancer screening, intensive monitoring, and cancer prevention.
"Considering the dramatic increase in incidence, difficulty of early diagnosis, the poor survival rate for esophageal cancer, and the limited knowledge of the natural history of this tumor, we need a greater understanding of the etiology of esophageal cancer for improvement of diagnosis and hopefully a better prognosis," said Wu.
American Association for Cancer Research
Researchers at the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center identified 11 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in microRNA-related genes that showed at least a borderline significant association with esophageal cancer. A person can have one or more of these SNPs in their genetic makeup, putting him or her into low-risk, medium-risk and high-risk groups. The study showed that each unfavorable genotype was associated with an increased cancer risk. Individuals with more than four unfavorable genotypes were more than three times as likely to develop esophageal cancer.
"Our ultimate goal is to construct a quantitative cancer risk prediction model based on an individual's epidemiological profile, environment exposure and genetic makeup," said Xifeng Wu, M.D., Ph.D., a professor in the Department of Epidemiology at the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center and lead author of the study. "This risk prediction model can evaluate each person's relative risk and absolute risk of developing esophageal cancer within a certain time period."
Esophageal cancer is the fastest growing cancer in the United States with significantly increasing rates of occurrence. The majority of esophageal cancer patients are diagnosed at an advanced stage with poor prognosis. Understanding what places a person at high risk for esophageal cancer may have clinical applications to guide cancer screening, intensive monitoring, and cancer prevention.
"Considering the dramatic increase in incidence, difficulty of early diagnosis, the poor survival rate for esophageal cancer, and the limited knowledge of the natural history of this tumor, we need a greater understanding of the etiology of esophageal cancer for improvement of diagnosis and hopefully a better prognosis," said Wu.
American Association for Cancer Research
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! |
 |
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... |
 |
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. |
 |
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 |