Articles tagged with Esophageal Cancer
Researchers found a unique microbial signature for esophageal cancer that could help identify at-risk individuals and develop alternative therapeutic strategies. The study suggests that analyzing the oesophageal microbiota may provide innovative diagnostic tools to improve the management of this condition.
Researchers discovered that cancer-associated genetic mutations are prevalent in healthy esophageal epithelium tissue, accumulating with age. By middle age, over half of the tissue contained mutant clones, suggesting a potential origin for esophageal cancers.
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.
A new trial presented at ASCO18 shows that PET scans can improve treatment outcomes for esophageal cancer patients. Patients who responded to induction chemotherapy had a median overall survival of 46 months, while those who did not respond had a 27-month median survival, significantly better than previous studies.
A breath analysis test showed good diagnostic accuracy for esophagogastric cancer in a study of 335 patients, including those already diagnosed with the disease. The test identified abnormally regulated volatile organic compounds in the breath associated with esophagogastric cancer.
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.
Researchers have found associations between esophageal cancer and lead-rich soils, lung cancer and copper-rich terrains, brain tumors and arsenic-rich areas. The study's findings suggest that the geochemical composition of soil could influence cancer distribution patterns in Spain.
Dechen Lin receives grant funding to research esophageal adenocarcinoma, the most common type of esophageal cancer in the US. He aims to understand its evolution from Barrett's esophagus and develop prevention strategies.
A new study examines the evolutionary dynamics of cancer development in Barrett's Esophagus patients, revealing influences that lead some cells to remain stable while others become cancerous. The research provides insights into the genetic and chromosomal variations that predict progression to esophageal adenocarcinoma.
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...
A University of Houston researcher is developing a new approach to prevent esophageal cancer by targeting precursor lesions like Barrett's esophagus. By cloning stem cells from these lesions, the researcher hopes to identify drugs that can selectively kill them before they progress to cancer.
A recent study published in Cancer Research found that certain oral microbiota are associated with an increased risk of esophageal cancer. Bacteria such as Tannerella forsythia and Porphyromonas gingivalis were linked to higher risks of esophageal adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, respectively.
A study of over 120,000 patients found that certain bacteria in the mouth are associated with an increased or decreased risk of developing esophageal cancer. The presence of Tannerella forsythia was linked to a 21% increased cancer risk, while Streptococcus and Neisseria were associated with a 24% decrease in risk.
Basal progenitor cells have been identified as the 'cell of origin' for Barrett's esophagus, a condition that can lead to esophageal adenocarcinoma. The discovery promises to accelerate the development of precise screening tools and therapies.
A new study by a University of Texas at Arlington researcher found that zinc supplements can significantly inhibit esophageal cancer cell growth without affecting normal cells. This discovery provides a potential pathway for better esophageal cancer prevention and treatment.
The MIRO trial found that hybrid minimally invasive esophagectomy (HMIO) significantly reduces postoperative morbidity compared to open oesophagectomy. Long-term results show improved three-year overall survival in the HMIO group, indicating an oncologically sound procedure.
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.
A large cohort study found that women with periodontal disease were at increased risk of developing any type of cancer, with the strongest association seen for esophageal cancer. Certain cancers were associated with higher risks in smokers or nonsmokers with periodontal disease.
A study led by the University at Buffalo found a significant association between periodontal disease and increased cancer risk in postmenopausal women. The study revealed that women with a history of gum disease had a 14% higher risk of overall cancer, as well as higher risks for gallbladder and esophageal cancers.
The NRG-RTOG 0436 trial found that adding an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitor to a chemo-radiation regimen does not improve overall survival for patients with locally advanced esophageal cancer. The trial showed no significant benefit from the addition of EGFR inhibitor cetuximab to standard treatment.
The Penn researchers will study the role of microbiota and microenvironment in developing Barrett's esophagus and esophageal adenocarcinoma. Their goal is to advance knowledge of the disease and identify novel biomarkers and therapies.
The university will investigate genetic determinants of Barrett's Esophagus and esophageal adenocarcinoma, developing a new molecular marker for detection. The research aims to improve non-invasive diagnostic approaches and treatment of 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.
The ESOTRAC device combines multi-spectral optoacoustic tomography and optical coherence tomography to visualize sub-surface tissue features, enabling early-stage detection of esophageal cancer. This technology aims to reduce unnecessary biopsies and improve treatment efficacy.
Maunil Bhatt, a Boston University School of Medicine resident, received a Global Surgery Research Fellowship Award for his project on screening esophageal squamous cell cancers in rural India using the EsophaCap device. He plans to train and teach in low-income countries to address disparities in access to surgical care.
Researchers analyzed 559 esophageal and gastric cancer samples to discover two main types of esophageal cancer differ markedly in molecular characteristics. The study suggests grouping patients according to molecular subtype for more effective clinical trials and new treatment approaches.
Researchers from Kumamoto University found a significant association between the presence of Fusobacterium nucleatum in esophageal cancer tissue and poor survival outcomes. The study suggests that this oral bacterium may contribute to esophageal cancer development via chemokines.
A study found that Japanese patients with esophageal cancer who tested positive for DNA from Fusobacterium nucleatum had shorter cancer-specific survival compared to those without the bacterium. The presence of F. nucleatum was associated with poorer outcomes and may serve as a biomarker for prognosis.
Researchers at Arizona State University developed a new method to predict which BE patients are at risk of developing cancer. The study highlights the power of studying genetic diversity as a reliable predictor of cancer development and spread.
Researchers at University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center have identified a rare gene variant associated with familial Barrett esophagus (FBE) and esophageal cancer. The study found that this mutation disrupts normal esophageal lining maturation, increasing disease risk.
Researchers at Eindhoven University of Technology have developed a new computer analysis method to detect early stages of esophageal cancer in people with Barrett's esophagus, which can be as accurate as top specialists. The method aims to improve the detection and treatment of esophageal cancer, reducing the need for invasive surgery.
A new study aims to identify individuals at highest risk of esophageal adenocarcinoma by analyzing DNA methylation patterns. The research team will use a two-year project to develop a screening test that can detect Barrett's esophagus patients who should start getting frequent endoscopies.
A Swedish cohort study found that surgeons need to perform at least 15 operations to obtain stable survival results during the first months after oesophagectomy. The learning curve for achieving optimal long-term survival takes 60 operations, highlighting the importance of proper mentorship and training programs.
Researchers found that Porphyromonas gingivalis is present in 61% of patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), a type of esophageal cancer. The bacteria was only detected in 12% of tissues adjacent to the cancerous cells, suggesting it may be a risk factor for ESCC.
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.
A FAU bioengineer has received an NIH grant to develop a novel biodegradable polymer stent for treating inoperable esophageal cancer. The stent, designed to prevent complications while delivering anti-cancer drugs, aims to improve patient comfort and outcomes.
A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine estimates that cigarette smoking is responsible for nearly half of deaths from 12 smoking-related cancers among adults aged 35 and older. Lung cancer accounts for a significant proportion of these deaths, with approximately 80% of cases attributed to smoking.
Researchers found that genomic mutations in the TP53, APC, and CDKN2A genes were present in 75% of progressors with Barrett's esophagus. This ability to detect mutations in non-neoplastic mucosa can improve early detection and surveillance for patients at heightened risk for esophageal cancer.
Patients with locally advanced esophageal cancer who survive 5 years after surgery are at risk for recurrence, new primary cancers, and chronic pulmonary disease. Continued surveillance is necessary to mitigate these risks, particularly for patients with nodal metastases.
A new cell sampling device accurately identified patients with reflux symptoms who warrant endoscopy to diagnose Barrett's esophagus, with a sensitivity of 87.2% in high-risk cases. The minimally invasive test was well-received by participants, with no adverse effects reported.
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...
A study analyzing medical professional liability claims related to esophageal cancer screening found that the risks of claims arising from acts of commission and omission are similarly low. The authors suggest that physicians balance the risk of complications from diagnostic procedures, even if those complications are rare.
Researchers found that taller individuals are less likely to develop esophageal cancer and its precursor, Barrett's esophagus. The study, which included data from 1,000 cases of esophageal cancer and twice as many cases of Barrett's esophagus, consistently demonstrated an inverse association between height and these conditions.
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...
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.
Researchers developed a new biomarker for detecting Barrett's esophagus and esophageal adenocarcinoma through non-invasive brushing technique. The biomarker, vimentin methylation, has potential to improve screening and decrease mortality from this deadly disease.
A study found that radiofrequency ablation significantly reduced the risk of progression to high-grade dysplasia and cancer in patients with Barrett esophagus and low-grade dysplasia. Treatment resulted in a 25% lower absolute risk of progression.
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.
Researchers from Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and BGI Shenzhen identified important alterations of tumor-associated genes and tumorigenic pathways in esophageal squamous cell cancer. They found 8 significantly mutated genes related to ESCC, including a novel gene FAM135B that enhances cellular malignant phenotypes.
A new study shows that in vivo endomicroscopy improves the detection of Barrett's esophagus-related neoplasia when used with high-definition white-light endoscopy, reducing unnecessary mucosal biopsies and potentially changing patient care. The approach involves real-time endoscopic diagnosis and imaging-guided therapy.
Researchers at Boston University are developing a new approach for detecting esophageal adenocarcinoma using a sponge-containing capsule. This non-invasive method could lead to wider screening, earlier detection, and improved survival rates for patients with Barrett's Esophagus.
Researchers at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center have gained a better understanding of how to increase the window of opportunity to detect potentially dangerous cancers before they're hard to treat. By studying genetic changes in Barrett's esophagus, scientists found that cancer arises suddenly after cells undergo large, drastic mutations.
A new study found that esophageal cancer patients who experience certain symptom clusters after surgery have a higher risk of dying from their disease. The research identified three distinct symptom clusters, including fatigue and pain, reflux and cough, and eating difficulties, which are associated with increased mortality risk.
A minimally invasive endoscopic procedure to remove superficial, early stage esophageal cancer is as effective as surgery that takes out and rebuilds the esophagus, according to a Mayo Clinic study. The research found that patients treated by endoscopy had similar overall survival times compared to surgery.
Research from Israel found that overweight adolescents twice as likely develop esophageal cancer and those with lower socioeconomic status experience higher gastric cancer risk. Weight and education level also impact gastric cancer development.
A large-scale genome-wide association study identified four genetic variants associated with an increased risk of esophageal cancer and its precursor, Barrett's esophagus. The study pooled data from over 8,000 participants and found that the genetic variants were more strongly linked to early stages of disease development.
A study by Rhode Island Hospital researchers found a pathway connecting acid reflux and esophageal cancer, suggesting that blocking this pathway with proton pump inhibitors could prevent esophageal cancer. Patients with persistent acid reflux complicated by Barrett's esophagus may be at higher risk of developing esophageal cancer.
The American Gastroenterological Association has partnered with the Gastric Cancer Foundation to create a new grant supporting research in gastric and esophageal cancer. The AGA Institute will match the GCF's $1.125M commitment, resulting in a $2.25M endowment for young investigators.
A new study by researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that minimally invasive therapies can effectively remove damaged cells from patients with Barrett's esophagus, reducing cancer progression. In over two-thirds of cases, patients had no signs of disease return for years.
Researchers evaluated CT scans of patients with localized esophageal cancer before and after chemotherapy to identify changes in tumor texture. Smaller change in skewness following chemotherapy was a significant prognostic factor, with median overall survival increasing from 11.1 months to 36.1 months.