Add BrightSurf on Google Email

A potential early esophageal cancer antigen: DDX53

Researchers found that tumor-resident T-cell receptor sequences showed high complementarity with the cancer testis antigen DDX53, suggesting an immune response that selects for DDX53-negative cells. This association was correlated with worse disease-free survival rates, highlighting a potential early esophageal cancer antigen.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncoscience·TypeObservational study·DateNov 17, 2023

Policies favoring high-volume hospitals may disadvantage rural cancer patients

Patients with cancer who live in rural Pennsylvania counties are more likely to receive complex surgeries at high-volume hospitals due to their perceived better outcomes. However, for less complex surgeries, rural patients are less likely to opt for high-volume hospitals despite potential benefits from centralization.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalJCO Oncology Practice·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 17, 2023

Identification of genetic drivers for esophageal cancer creates new opportunity for screening, treatment

Researchers discovered that nine percent of esophageal adenocarcinoma patients harbor cancer-predisposing gene mutations, which may trigger progression from Barrett's esophagus. This finding supports the idea that genetic testing can help risk-stratify EAC patients and potentially accelerate development of new treatments.

SourceMass General Brigham·JournalGastroenterology·TypeObservational study·DateJul 26, 2023

The largest study of its kind shows a need for improvement in esophageal cancer screenings

A large international database analysis found nearly a quarter of esophageal adenocarcinoma patients had normal endoscopies but were still diagnosed within a year. The study suggests using high-quality equipment, rigorous sampling protocols, and future research on biomarker panels to improve screening effectiveness.

University hospitals and Case Western Reserve University research teams receive Collaborative Science Pilot Awards

Three University Hospitals and Case Western Reserve University research teams received $50,000 Collaborative Science Pilot Awards to explore innovative research projects. The awards aim to increase competitiveness and capacity for major external funding opportunities in key areas such as cancer, brain health and genetics.

A new generic treatment for multiple types of cancer

Researchers have developed a new technique to generically treat several kinds of cancer, showing tumors grew almost three times less and survival rates reached 100% after just one injection. The method targets cancer cells with alpha radiation, sparing healthy tissue.

SourceRIKEN·JournalChemical Science·DateJun 27, 2023

Patients with some forms of aggressive esophageal cancers may benefit from treatment targeting how cells self-regulate

A study by Case Western Reserve University has identified a promising path to developing therapies for esophageal tumors. The research team linked the TGFβ-pathway, a cell signaling mechanism, to tumor development and found that a protein-coding gene called HNF4α is a predictive biomarker of cancer.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalGastroenterology·DateSep 7, 2022

New link found that connects cell signaling pathway to development of esophageal cancers, Barrett’s syndrome

A team of researchers at Case Western Reserve University has discovered a cell signaling pathway responsible for the development of esophageal adenocarcinomas. The Ephrin B2 (EphB2) Tyrosine kinase pathway is activated during cancer growth and regulates the behavior of normal esophageal cells, making it an attractive therapeutic target.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalGastroenterology·DateJul 28, 2022

Preliminary study shows minimally invasive diagnostic biomarker strategy successful in detecting early esophageal cancer

A minimally invasive device combined with molecular biomarkers has shown a 90% success rate in detecting esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, the predominant subtype of esophageal cancer. Early detection is crucial to improve survival rates, as symptoms often become apparent too late for effective treatment.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalGastroenterology·DateMay 18, 2022

Delays in surgery for advanced esophageal cancer result in significantly worse survival than early surgery

Patients with stage II/III esophageal cancer who received delayed surgery had a relative survival rate that was almost half that of patients who underwent early surgery. Early-stage cancer patients did not experience significant differences in survival rates between those who received immediate versus delayed surgery.

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateMay 12, 2022

Exercise program could improve cancer treatment outcomes

A moderate exercise programme was shown to improve chemotherapy success rates and reduce negative side effects in oesophageal cancer patients. The study found that exercise can be safely included as part of cancer treatment, potentially benefiting more patients.

SourceNIHR Biomedical Research Centre at Guy’s and St Thomas’ and King’s College London·JournalBritish Journal of Sports Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 1, 2022

Trastuzumab with chemoradiation and surgery does not improve outcomes for esophageal cancer patients, trial highlights future research opportunities

The NRG-RTOG 1010 clinical trial found that adding trastuzumab to chemoradiation and surgery did not improve disease-free survival for HER2-positive esophageal adenocarcinoma patients. Despite this, the study highlights future research opportunities to explore combining trastuzumab with other HER2-targeting agents.

SourceNRG Oncology·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·DateJan 21, 2022

Combination of muscle strengthening and aerobic exercises can reduce cancer mortality

A systematic review of epidemiological studies found that muscle strengthening exercises associated with aerobic activities can significantly reduce cancer mortality. The analysis suggested that strength training twice a week can protect against cancer, with the benefit being even greater when combined with aerobic activities.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalInternational Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity·TypeMeta-analysis·DateAug 9, 2021

Increased use of minimally invasive non-endoscopic tests for Barrett's esophagus screening

A new commentary suggests that more extensive use of minimally invasive non-endoscopic tests for Barrett's esophagus (BE) screening could lead to better early detection and prevention of esophageal adenocarcinoma, a deadly form of cancer. BE is often asymptomatic, but endoscopic treatment can reduce the risk of progression to cancer.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateMay 3, 2021

New Barrett's esophagus monitoring method could aid in easier and more precise prognoses

A new technique for sampling and testing cells from Barrett's esophagus patients can detect specific chromosomal alterations, including the presence of esophageal adenocarcinoma. The approach combines esophageal brushing with massively parallel sequencing to provide an accurate assessment of disease stages and identify high-risk patients.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalGASTROENTEROLOGY·DateMar 22, 2021