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Landmark UNC-led study finds radiofrequency ablation is effective treatment for Barrett's esophagus

A landmark UNC-led study finds radiofrequency ablation significantly effective in treating dysplasia in people with Barrett's esophagus, eradicating abnormal cells and reducing cancer risk. The procedure showed high rates of complete eradication of intestinal metaplasia and progression to disease.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMay 27, 2009

A safe, well-tolerated, and effective treatment for metastatic esophageal cancer

Researchers found that oxaliplatin combined with capecitabine provided a safe, well-tolerated, and effective treatment for patients with metastatic esophageal squamous cell cancer. The combination showed significant clinical benefits, including partial responses in 43.8% of patients and a median overall survival of 10.0 months.

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateFeb 21, 2009

A promising possibility for the treatment of the esophageal carcinoma

A recent study published in World Journal of Gastroenterology demonstrates that lithium inhibits the proliferation of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma cells by targeting GSK-3beta. This finding suggests a novel possibility for the treatment of esophageal cancer with lithium chloride, providing new hope for patients with this disease.

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateSep 23, 2008

3-D model of esophageal cancer

A team of scientists has developed a tissue-engineered, organotypic 3D culture system of esophageal squamous cell cancer, revealing the genetic mutations and tumor microenvironment driving the disease. The model also highlights the critical role of stromal fibroblasts in cancer progression.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenes & Development·DateOct 31, 2007

Obesity boosts gullet cancer risk 6-fold

Research found that obese individuals are six times more likely to develop esophageal cancer compared to those of healthy weight. A combination of obesity, acid reflux, and smoking significantly increased the risk of adenocarcinomas of the esophagus.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalGut·DateOct 10, 2007

Other highlights in the April 4 JNCI

Testicular cancer survivors have a higher risk of dying from noncancer causes, including infections and circulatory diseases. Chemotherapy treatment in the 1970s also increases this risk. Researchers highlight the need for additional long-term follow-up studies to better understand secondary complications.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateApr 3, 2007

Light-based device probes for early cancer signs

A light-based device probe has been developed to detect early cancer signs in the esophagus, emitting light that scatters when it hits the cell nucleus. The technology could be adapted to detect pre-cancerous cells on any organ's surface, potentially increasing the likelihood of cancer detection.

SourceDuke University·JournalOptics Letters·DateMar 9, 2006

Study investigates value of 'center of excellence' designation

A recent study investigated whether NCI cancer centers have better outcomes due to their designation. The research found that perioperative mortality was lower at these centers for four out of six procedures, but five-year survival rates did not differ significantly between the two types of institutions.

SourceWiley·JournalCancer·DateDec 27, 2004