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Updated Barrett's Guideline aims to improve patient outcomes

The American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy has released an updated guideline on screening and surveillance of Barrett's esophagus, aiming to improve patient outcomes. The guideline addresses various endoscopic procedures and technologies used in screening and surveillance, including advanced imaging and sampling modalities.

SourceAmerican Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy·JournalGastrointestinal Endoscopy·DateSep 5, 2019

Newly identified drug targets could open door for esophageal cancer therapeutics

Researchers at Case Western Reserve University have identified two molecular pathways that could lead to new treatments for esophageal cancer. By blocking the JNK and TGF-beta pathways, tumors can be slowed in growth and even regressed in mice. The study's findings suggest a new targeted therapeutic avenue for this deadly form of cancer.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalGASTROENTEROLOGY·DateFeb 27, 2019

Does work stress increase cancer risk?

A study of over 280,000 people found a significant association between work stress and increased risk of colorectal and esophagus cancers. However, no link was observed for prostate, breast, or ovarian cancers, with the relationship varying by region.

SourceWiley·JournalInternational Journal of Cancer·DateDec 12, 2018

Detecting esophageal cancer cells

Researchers at the University of Texas at Arlington have developed a new nanoparticle-based platform that can simultaneously image and treat esophageal cancer cells. The platform uses near-infrared fluorescence for better tissue imaging and tumor targeting properties, making it easier to detect and guide surgeons in removing tumors.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 5, 2018

For patients with esophageal cancer, status of lymph nodes after preoperative therapy determines survival

A new study presented at the AATS Annual Meeting shows that patients with malignant lymph nodes following preoperative therapy were less likely to survive than those with no cancer. The study found a strong association between pathologic nodal response and improved survival, highlighting the need for optimized neoadjuvant strategies.

Drinking hot tea associated with a 5-fold increased risk for esophageal cancer

A recent study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that consuming hot tea at high temperatures is associated with a significant increase in the risk of esophageal cancer. The research, which followed over 450,000 participants for nine years, suggests that abstaining from hot tea may be beneficial for individuals who drink al...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateFeb 5, 2018

Robots offer key advantages in esophageal surgery

Researchers at Allina Health have found robotic-assisted surgery to be effective and safe for a select group of patients undergoing transhiatal esophagectomy. The study, which analyzed data from 100 patients, highlights the benefits of robotic technology in improving surgical outcomes.

SourceAllina Health·JournalDiseases of the Esophagus·DateAug 11, 2017

Treatment improved overall survival in elderly patients with early-stage esophageal cancer

A retrospective study found that treatment improved overall survival in elderly patients with early-stage esophageal cancer. Surgery and local therapies such as chemoradiation showed significantly improved five-year overall survival rates compared to observation, with a median age of 84 years.

SourceInternational Association for the Study of Lung Cancer·JournalJournal of Thoracic Oncology·DateApr 27, 2017

Study shows likely overuse of PET scans to detect recurrence in lung & esophageal cancers

A study published in the JNCI: Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that PET scans did not improve two-year survival rates for lung and esophageal cancer patients. The researchers suggest potential overuse of PET scans in detecting recurrence, warranting efforts to decrease unnecessary utilization.

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateFeb 22, 2016

Pitt/McGowan Institute team discovers stem cells in the esophagus

Researchers from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine discovered a pool of stem cells in the esophagus, which could lead to new treatments for esophageal cancer and Barrett's esophagus. The study found that these stem cells divide slowly compared to other cells in the esophagus, suggesting they may play a role in tissue rene...

Study helps compare risks of treatments for early esophageal cancer

Researchers found that traditional surgical resection provided significantly better outcomes with an 87.6 percent five-year survival rate compared to endoscopic resection at 76 percent. The study suggests that endoscopic treatment is safe and effective for low-risk T1a cancer patients, but should only be offered to those with unfavorab...

SourceNorthwestern Memorial HealthCare·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateJul 28, 2014

Radiofrequency ablation and complete endoscopic resection equally effective for dysplastic Barrett's esophagus

A systematic review compared the efficacy and safety of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and complete endoscopic resection (EMR) for dysplastic Barrett's esophagus. Both treatments were found to be effective in short-term treatment, but RFA had lower short-term adverse event rates. Long-term esophageal strictures were more common with EMR.

SourceAmerican Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy·JournalGastrointestinal Endoscopy·DateMay 21, 2014

Patients enjoy good quality of life 10 years after esophagectomy and gastric pull-up

A new study from the University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine found that long-term survivors of esophagectomy with gastric pull-up can enjoy a satisfying meal and good quality of life. The study concluded that pessimism about the long-term quality of life after esophagectomy is unwarranted.

SourceAmerican Association for Thoracic Surgery·JournalJournal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery·DateMar 19, 2014