Early detection of superficial squamous cell carcinoma in the head and neck region and esophagus by narrow band imaging: a multicenter randomized controlled trial

Current Practices in the Management of Antithrombotic Therapy During the Periendoscopic Period for Patients With Cardiovascular Disease

The management of antithrombotics during the periendoscopic period is traditionally represented as a doubleedged sword for cardiologists and endoscopists. Appropriate administration prevents thromboembolic events, whereas excessive administration provokes bleeding events. Therefore, cardiologists and endoscopists must consider the risks of bleeding and thromboembolism in individual cases, before deciding whether to continue antithrombotic use. Several guidelines exist concerning antithrombotic management in Asian and Western countries. These guidelines generally classify procedural bleeding risk and thromboembolic risk into high risk and low risk groups and recommend that the two risks be weighed when managing a given patient. Moreover, they generally do not recommend interrupting antithrombotics during the periendoscopic period unless absolutely necessary; however, the details surrounding this point differ among the guidelines after several revisions. In this review, we describe the present state, problems, and future perspectives concerning the management of antithrombotics in patients with cardiovascular disease undergoing gastrointestinal endoscopy.

Blue Laser Imaging-Bright Improves Endoscopic Recognition of Superficial Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Background/Aims. The aim of this study was to evaluate the endoscopic recognition of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) using four different methods (Olympus white light imaging (O-WLI), Fujifilm white light imaging (F-WLI), narrow band imaging (NBI), and blue laser imaging- (BLI-) bright). Methods. We retrospectively analyzed 25 superficial ESCCs that had been examined using the four different methods. Subjective evaluation was provided by three endoscopists as a ranking score (RS) of each image based on the ease of detection of the cancerous area. For the objective evaluation we calculated the color difference scores (CDS) between the cancerous and noncancerous areas with each of the four methods. Results. There was no difference between the mean RS of O-WLI and F-WLI. The mean RS of NBI was significantly higher than that of O-WLI and that of BLI-bright was significantly higher than that of F-WLI. Moreover, the mean RS of BLI-bright was significantly higher than that of NBI. Furthermore, in the objective evaluation, the mean CDS of BLI-bright was significantly higher than that of O-WLI, F-WLI, and NBI. Conclusion. The recognition of superficial ESCC using BLI-bright was more efficacious than the other methods tested both subjectively and objectively.

Natural history of superficial head and neck squamous cell carcinoma under scheduled follow-up endoscopic observation with narrow band imaging: retrospective cohort study

Background

The incidence rate has been increasing for superficial head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) discovered through surveillance endoscopic study using narrow band imaging (NBI), a procedure mainly used for high-risk patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). However, there are few reports on the natural history of superficial HNSCC. The aim of this retrospective study was to investigate the natural history of superficial HNSCC.

Methods

From January 2007 to December 2012, 535 consecutive histologically confirmed superficial HNSCCs at the oropharynx, hypopharynx, or larynx in 319 patients were detected by endoscopic surveillance examination by using NBI. Of those, 20 untreated and observed lesions fulfilled the eligibility criteria and were analyzed in this study.

Results

Twenty lesions from 17 patients were analyzed. All patients were men ranging from 52 to 86 years of age, with a median age of 69 years. The median endoscopic follow-up period was 20 months (range, 6–71); 17 lesions progressed in size. In this study, four patients died; the causes of death were synchronous ESCC, synchronous HNSCC, acute myocardial infarction, and unknown causes. No patient died from progression of superficial HNSCC.

Conclusions

Most superficial HNSCC has the potential to change progressively. Therefore, superficial HNSCC should be detected at an early stage and be treated less invasively, such as with endoscopic resection or partial resection.

Esophageal Cancer

Esophageal cancer carries a poor prognosis among gastrointestinal malignancies. Although esophageal squamous cell carcinoma predominates worldwide, Western nations have seen a marked rise in the incidence of esophageal adenocarcinoma that parallels the obesity epidemic. Efforts directed toward early detection have been difficult, given that dysplasia and early cancer are generally asymptomatic. However, significant advances have been made in the past 10 to 15 years that allow for endoscopic management and often cure in early stage esophageal malignancy. New diagnostic imaging technologies may provide a means by which cost-effective, early diagnosis of dysplasia allows for definitive therapy and ultimately improves the overall survival among patients.

Clinicopathologic characteristics and management of minute esophageal lesions diagnosed by narrow-band imaging endoscopy

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS

Magnifying narrow-band imaging (NBI) endoscopy enables the diagnosis of minute esophageal neoplasia. We aimed to evaluate clinicopathological diagnosis of minute esophageal neoplasia by using magnifying NBI endoscopy and biopsy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In total, 309 patients (127 men and 182 women) with minute esophageal lesions of intrapapillary capillary loop (IPCL) type IV were enrolled. Of these patients, 249 underwent biopsy for histologic diagnosis and also for treatment. Of the 249 patients, 123 underwent follow-up with endoscopy. We analyzed the clinicopathologic characteristics and prognosis of these lesions after biopsy.

RESULTS

Of the 249 biopsied lesions, we histologically diagnosed 11 as high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia (HGIN), 41 as low-grade intraepithelial neoplasia (LGIN), and 197 as non-neoplasia (Non-N) including inflammation. Six of the 11 HGINs and 11 of the 41 LGINs showed slight elevation. Background coloration was observed in 9 of 11 HGINs, 34 of 41 LGINs, and 33 of 197 Non-Ns. Of the 249 biopsied lesions, 147 were microscopically measurable. The average diameter was 1.4 mm for HGINs and 0.8 mm for LGINs. Of the 123 patients who underwent post-biopsy follow-up, 93 (76 %) showed no lesions at the biopsied sites during the NBI examinations and were suspected to have undergone complete resection by biopsy.

CONCLUSIONS

Biopsy was useful for diagnosis and treatment of minute esophageal lesions, diagnosed as IPCL type IV by magnifying NBI endoscopy.

Clinical Outcomes of Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection for Early Esophageal Squamous Cell Neoplasms: A Retrospective Single-Center Study in China

Aims. To retrospectively analyze the clinical outcomes for a large number of endoscopic submucosal dissections (ESDs) in early esophageal squamous cell neoplasms (ESCNs) at the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University. Patients and Methods. From January 2010 to February 2014, 296 patients (mean age 61.4 years, range 31-85 years; 202 men) with 307 early ESCNs (79 intramucosal invasive esophageal squamous cell carcinomas (ESCCs) and 228 high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia (HGIN) cases) were included from a total of 519 consecutive patients who were treated by esophageal ESD at our hospital. The primary end points of the study were rates of en bloc resection and complete resection. Secondary end points were complications, residual and recurrence rates, and mortality during follow-up. Results. The en bloc resection rate and complete resection rate were 93.5% and 78.2%, respectively. Complications included strictures (8.4%), perforations (1.0%), and bleedings (0.7%). Twenty-seven (9.1%) patients experienced residual and 18 (6.1%) patients experienced recurrence during a mean follow-up period of 30 months. Thirteen patients died from causes unrelated to ESCC, and no cancer-related death was observed. Conclusions. Our study showed that ESD is a successful and relatively safe treatment for intramucosal invasive ESCC and HGIN, fulfilling the criteria of lymph node negative tumors. This should encourage clinicians to select ESD performed by experienced operators as a potential or even preferred treatment option for lesions amenable to endoscopic treatment.

Evaluation of preoperative staging for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is known for its rapid progression and poor outcomes. China has the highest incidence and mortality in the world. Diagnoses made at early stages and accurate staging are associated with better outcomes, all of which can play a significant role in the selection of treatment protocols. ESCC is staged according to the widely accepted TNM system. Common imaging modalities used in staging ESCC before treatment include endoscopy, computed tomography (CT), positron emission tomography (PET) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Endoscopic ultrasound is useful for staging tumor depth and nodal status. Narrow band imaging is valuable for early stage disease assessment. CT and PET provide additional valuable information regarding node and metastasis staging. The ability of MRI to delineate ESCC is continuously being improved and adds information regarding locoregional status to routine examinations.

Endoscopic submucosal dissection of the pharyngeal region using anchored hemoclip with surgical thread: A novel method

Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) of the pharyngeal region has not been well accepted, although ESD of the gastrointestinal tract is a standard procedure for treating early cancers. However, early detection and treatment of pharyngeal cancers is highly beneficial because surgical resection can be highly invasive and cause serious cosmetic deformities, swallowing disorders, dysgeusia, and speech defects. On the other hand, application of an anchored clip with surgical thread during ESD of the gastrointestinal tract has been reported to be beneficial. This pilot case series reveals the usefulness and clinical feasibility of applying a clip with thread in ESD of the pharyngeal region.

Esophageal Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection Assisted by an Overtube with a Traction Forceps: An Animal Study

Esophageal endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is technically difficult. To make it safer, we developed a novel method using overtube with a traction forceps (OTF) for countertraction during submucosal dissection. We conducted an ex vivo animal study and compared the clinical outcomes between OTF-ESD and conventional method (C-ESD). A total of 32 esophageal ESD procedures were performed by four beginner and expert endoscopists. After circumferential mucosal incision for the target lesion, structured as the isolated pig esophagus 3 cm long, either C-ESD or OTF-ESD was randomly selected for submucosal dissection. All the ESD procedures were completed as en bloc resections, while perforation only occurred in a beginner's C-ESD procedure. The dissection time for OTF-ESD was significantly shorter than that for C-ESD for both the beginner and expert endoscopists (22.8 ± 8.3 min versus 7.8 ± 4.5 min, P < 0.001, and 11.3 ± 4.4 min versus 5.9 ± 2.5 min, P = 0.01, resp.). The frequency and volume of the submucosal injections were significantly smaller for OTF-ESD than for C-ESD (1.3 ± 0.6 times versus 2.9 ± 1.5 times, P < 0.001, and 5.3 ± 2.8 mL versus 15.6 ± 7.3 mL, P < 0.001, resp.). Histologically, muscular injury was more common among the C-ESD procedures (80% versus 13%, P = 0.009). Our results indicated that the OTF-ESD technique is useful for the safe and easy completion of esophageal ESD.

Recent traction methods for endoscopic submucosal dissection

Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) is problematic with regard to en bloc and curable resection rates. Advancements in endoscopic techniques have enabled novel endoscopic approaches such as endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD), which has overcome some EMR problems, and has become the standard treatment for gastrointestinal tumors. However, ESD is technically difficult. Procedure time is longer and complications such as intraoperative perforation and bleeding occur more frequently than in EMR. Recently various traction methods have been introduced to facilitate ESD procedures, such as clip with line, external forceps, clip and snare, internal traction, double scope, and magnetic anchor. Each method must be used appropriately according to the anatomical characteristics. In this review we discuss recently proposed traction methods for ESD based on the characteristics of various anatomical sites.

Long Term Outcome of Routine Image-enhanced Endoscopy in Newly Diagnosed Head and Neck Cancer: a Prospective Study of 145 Patients

Synchronous second primary tumors (SPTs), especially esophageal squamous cell neoplasia (ESCN), in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) are not uncommon. Image-enhanced endoscopy (IEE) screening may identify SPTs while there is no evidence to support its benefit. We prospectively recruited an adult cohort with newly-diagnosed HNSCC for IEE screening of upper gastrointestinal (UGI) tract neoplasia. 145 HNSCC patients were recruited. 22 (15.2%) patients had synchronous UGI tract neoplasia, including 20 ESCNs and 2 gastric adenocarcinoma. At a median follow-up of 2.72 (±1.73) years, the 3-year overall survival (OS) rate was 0.71. HNSCC patients with synchronous ESCN/UGI tract neoplasia had poorer prognosis than those without (multivariate analysis, hazard ratio [HR] 2.75/2.79, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.11~6.82/1.15~6.80, p = 0.03/0.02). HNSCC patients with advanced (stage III&IV) ESCN had worst survivals (p < 0.001). Among those with synchronous ESCNs, hypopharyngeal cancers were associated with poorer prognosis when compared with oral cancers (HR 2.36, 95% CI 1.08~5.15, p = 0.03). IEE screening for UGI SPTs in HNSCC patients could be used for risk stratification and prognosis prediction. HNSCC patients with advanced ESCN had the worst prognosis. Further studies are needed to demonstrate the survival benefits from IEE screening.

Fluorescent imaging of superficial head and neck squamous cell carcinoma using a γ-glutamyltranspeptidase-activated targeting agent: a pilot study

Background

Detecting superficial head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) by endoscopy is challenging because of limited morphological hallmarks, and iodine cannot be applied to head and neck lesions due to severe mucosal irritation. γ-glutamyltranspeptidase (GGT), a cell surface enzyme, is overexpressed in several cancers, and it has been reported that γ-glutamyl hydroxymethyl rhodamine green (gGlu-HMRG), a fluorescent targeting agent which can be enzymatically activated and becomes fluorescent after cleavage of a GGT-specific sequence, can be activated within a few minutes after application to animal models. We investigated whether early HNSCC can be detected by applying gGlu-HMRG to clinical samples.

Methods

gGlu-HMRG was applied to four HNSCC cell lines, and fluorescence was observed by fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry. Immunohistological examination was performed in three recent cases of endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) to investigate GGT expression. Fluorescence imaging with gGlu-HMRG in eight clinical samples resected by ESD or surgery was performed, and fluorescence intensity of tumor and normal mucosa regions of interest (ROI) was prospectively measured.

Results

All four gGlu-HMRG-applied cell lines emitted green fluorescence. Immunohistological examination demonstrated that GGT was highly expressed in HNSCC of the recent three ESD cases but barely in the normal mucosa. Fluorescence imaging showed that iodine-voiding lesions became fluorescent within a few minutes after application of gGlu-HMRG in all eight resected tumors. Tumor ROI fluorescence intensity was significantly higher than in the normal mucosa five minutes after gGlu-HMRG application.

Conclusions

Fluorescence imaging with gGlu-HMRG would be useful for early detection of HNSCC.

Endoscopic surveillance of head and neck cancer in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS

Multiple squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) frequently arise in the upper aerodigestive tract, referred to as the field cancerization phenomenon. The aim of this study was to elucidate the detailed clinical features of second primary head and neck (H&N) SCCs arising in patients with esophageal SCC.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 818 patients underwent endoscopic resection for superficial esophageal cancer between January 2006 and December 2013. Of these, 439 patients met our inclusion criteria, and we retrospectively investigated the incidence, primary sites, and stages of second primary H&N SCCs in these patients.

RESULTS

A total of 53 metachronous H&N SCCs developed in 40 patients after a median follow-up period of 46 months (range 9 - 109). The cumulative incidence rates of metachronous H&N SCCs at 3, 5, and 7 years were 5.3 %, 9.7 %, and 17.2 %, respectively. These lesions were frequently located at pyriform sinus or in the posterior wall of the pharynx (70 %, 37/53 lesions). Most of the lesions were detected at an early stage, though 4 lesions were associated with lymph node metastasis when their primary sites were detected (1 postcricoid area, 2 posterior wall of hypopharynx, and 1 lateral wall of oropharynx).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with esophageal SCC should undergo careful inspection of the pyriform sinus and posterior wall of the pharynx for detection of H&N SCCs. Methods to open the hypopharyngeal space, such as the Valsalva maneuver, should be included in the surveillance program.

Rapid and sensitive detection of early esophageal squamous cell carcinoma with fluorescence probe targeting dipeptidylpeptidase IV

Early detection of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is an important prognosticator, but is difficult to achieve by conventional endoscopy. Conventional lugol chromoendoscopy and equipment-based image-enhanced endoscopy, such as narrow-band imaging (NBI), have various practical limitations. Since fluorescence-based visualization is considered a promising approach, we aimed to develop an activatable fluorescence probe to visualize ESCCs. First, based on the fact that various aminopeptidase activities are elevated in cancer, we screened freshly resected specimens from patients with a series of aminopeptidase-activatable fluorescence probes. The results indicated that dipeptidylpeptidase IV (DPP-IV) is specifically activated in ESCCs, and would be a suitable molecular target for detection of esophageal cancer. Therefore, we designed, synthesized and characterized a series of DPP-IV-activatable fluorescence probes. When the selected probe was topically sprayed onto endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) or surgical specimens, tumors were visualized within 5 min, and when the probe was sprayed on biopsy samples, the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy reached 96.9%, 85.7% and 90.5%. We believe that DPP-IV-targeted activatable fluorescence probes are practically translatable as convenient tools for clinical application to enable rapid and accurate diagnosis of early esophageal cancer during endoscopic or surgical procedures.

Reliability of office-based narrow-band imaging-guided flexible laryngoscopic tissue samplings

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS

Direct suspension laryngoscopic biopsy performed under general anesthesia is the conventional management for obtaining pathological diagnosis for neoplasms of the larynx, oropharynx, and hypopharynx. Since the development of distal chip laryngoscopy and digital imaging systems, transnasal flexible laryngoscopy tissue sampling has gained popularity as an office-based procedure. Additional assessment with narrow-band imaging (NBI) can help to increase the diagnostic yield. The aim of the study was to evaluate the accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of a novel diagnostic tool: office-based NBI (OB-NBI) flexible laryngoscopic tissue sampling.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective chart review performed in a tertiary referral medical center in Taiwan.

METHODS

From January 2010 to February 2013, 90 consecutive patients received OB-NBI biopsies. The accuracies of the OB-NBI biopsies were compared among locations, tumor sizes, head and neck cancer histories, and other factors.

RESULTS

All patients had completed the procedure without life-threatening complications. The overall sensitivity and specificity were 97.2% and 100%, respectively, with a diagnostic accuracy of 98.9%. Accuracy was not affected by tumor size, location, learning curves, or previous head and neck cancer history.

CONCLUSIONS

We present an integrated technique that merges the safety and versatility of flexible laryngoscopy with the diagnostic power of NBI to produce a promising method of high accuracy and minimal morbidity.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

4 Laryngoscope, 126:2764-2769, 2016.

Narrow band imaging improves observer reliability in evaluation of upper aerodigestive tract lesions

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS

Visualization by endoscopy is essential in the diagnosis of upper aerodigestive tract lesions. Recent studies showed that narrow band imaging (NBI) increases the diagnostic potential of conventional white light imaging (WLI) by highlighting the superficial vessels. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether the use of NBI would influence inter- and intraobserver agreement while making diagnostic decisions using rigid endoscopy of the upper aerodigestive tract.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective study.

METHODS

One hundred routinely collected pictures of laryngeal, hypopharyngeal, and oropharyngeal lesions were used. Rigid endoscopies and patient data collection were performed according to standard protocol. Twelve observers, grouped in different levels of experience, assessed all lesions twice with a 2 to 4 week interval. Fleiss and Cohen's kappa (κ) values were calculated to assess inter- and intraobserver agreement.

RESULTS

Overall interobserver agreement increased from κ = 0.34 to κ = 0.40 by adding NBI to WLI (WLI and WLI + NBI, respectively). In experienced observers, an improvement from κ = 0.39 to κ = 0.43 was observed; in less-experienced observers an improvement from κ = 0.30 to κ = 0.37 was observed. Overall intraobserver agreement increased from moderate (κ = 0.54) to substantial (κ = 0.63) with addition of NBI. Intraobserver agreement for less-experienced observers improved remarkably when WLI was combined with NBI (κ = 0.51 vs. κ = 0.67).

CONCLUSIONS

Addition of NBI during rigid endoscopies of the upper aerodigestive tract led to improvement of both inter- and intraobserver agreement.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

4 Laryngoscope, 126:2276-2281, 2016.

Gastrointestinal Endoscopy-Assisted Minimally Invasive Surgery for Superficial Cancer of the Uvula

Previous studies reported that endoscopic resection is effective for the treatment of superficial pharyngeal cancers, as for digestive tract cancers. However, the optimal treatment for superficial cancer of the uvula has not been established because of the rarity of this condition. We present two male patients in their 70s with superficial cancer of the uvula, detected with upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. Both patients underwent surgical resection of the uvula under general anesthesia. The extent of the lesions was determined by means of gastrointestinal endoscopy by using magnifying observation with narrow-band imaging, enabling the performance of minimally invasive surgery. Endoscopic submucosal dissection was performed to achieve en bloc resection of the intramucosal carcinoma that had infiltrated the area adjacent to the uvula. Gastrointestinal endoscopists should carefully examine the laryngopharynx to avoid missing superficial cancers. Our minimally invasive treatment for superficial cancer of the uvula had favorable postoperative outcomes, and prevented postoperative loss of breathing, swallowing, and articulation functions.

The Spatial Predilection for Early Esophageal Squamous Cell Neoplasia: A "Hot Zone" for Endoscopic Screening and Surveillance

Early esophageal squamous cell neoplasias (ESCNs) are easily missed with conventional white-light endoscopy. This study aimed to assess whether early ESCNs have a spatial predilection and the patterns of recurrence after endoscopic treatment. We analyzed the circumferential and longitudinal location of early ESCNs, as well as their correlations with exposure to carcinogens in a cohort of 162 subjects with 248 early ESCNs; 219 of which were identified by screening and 29 by surveillance endoscopy. The circumferential location was identified using a clock-face orientation, and the longitudinal location was identified according to the distance from the incisor. The most common circumferential and longitudinal distributions of the early ESCNs were found in the 6 to 9 o'clock quadrant (38.5%) and at 26 to 30 cm from the incisor (41.3%), respectively. A total of 163 lesions (75%) were located in the lower hemisphere arc, and 149 (68.4%) were located at 26 to 35 cm from the incisor. One hundred eleven (51%) early ESCNs were centered within the "hot zone" (i.e., lower hemisphere arc of the esophagus at 26 to 35 cm from the incisor), which comprised 20% of the esophageal area. Exposure to alcohol, betel nut, or cigarette was risk factors for the development of early ESCNs in the lower hemisphere. After complete endoscopic treatment, the mean annual incidence of metachronous tumors was 10%. In addition, 43% of the metachronous recurrent neoplasias developed within the "hot zone." Cox regression analysis revealed that the index tumor within the hot zone (hazard ratio [HR]: 3.19; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.17-8.68; P = 0.02) and the presence of numerous Lugol-voiding lesions in the esophageal background mucosa were independent predictors for metachronous recurrence (HR: 4.61; 95% CI: 1.36-15.56; P = 0.01). We identified a hot zone that may be used to enhance the detection of early ESCNs during endoscopic screening and surveillance, especially in areas that lack resources and have a high prevalence of ESCNs.

Voice Outcome in Patients Treated With Endoscopic Laryngopharyngeal Surgery for Superficial Hypopharyngeal Cancer

OBJECTIVES

Endoscopic laryngopharyngeal surgery (ELPS) is a minimally invasive transoral surgery that was developed to treat superficial larygo-pharyngeal cancer, in which a mucosal lesion is resected transorally while preserving deeper structures by subepithelial injection. The purpose of this retrospective study is to evaluate voice outcome in patients who underwent ELPS for superficial hypopharyngeal cancer. As important structures in producing voice, such as intrinsic laryngeal muscles, their fascia, and recurrent laryngeal nerve, are located in the medial side of the piriform sinus and the postcricoid region of the hypopharynx, we focused on patients with cancer lesions involving these regions.

METHODS

From April 2010 to March 2011, 25 consecutive patients with superficial laryngopharyngeal cancer were treated with ELPS at Kyoto University Hospital. Among the 25 patients, 11 patients with cancer lesions on the medial side of the piriform sinus or the postcricoid area were studied. Preoperative and postoperative voice functions including maximum phonation time (MPT), mean flow rate (MFR), jitter, shimmer, soft phonation index (SPI), and noise-to-harmonic ratio (NHR), were compared retrospectively.

RESULTS

Five of 11 cancer lesions had submucosal invasion and no lesion had invaded the muscular layer pathologically. T stage was classified as Tis in 5 cases, T1 in 4 cases, and T2 in 2 cases. All lesions involved the medial side of the piriform sinus and 2 also involved the postcricoid area. Vocal fold movement was normal in all cases after the surgery. Average preoperative and postoperative values for MPT, MFR, jitter, shimmer, SPI, and NHR, were 22.7 seconds and 23.4 seconds, 165 mL/sec and 150 mL/sec, 1.53% and 1.77%, 3.82% and 5.17%, 35.5 and 36.6, and 0.13% and 0.14%, respectively. There was no statistical difference between preoperative and postoperative data for all values examined.

CONCLUSION

ELPS is useful in preserving voice function in the treatment of superficial hypopharyngeal cancer. Preserving the deeper structures including intrinsic muscles and their fascia may be important for preserving voice function as long as the lesions are superficial.

Feasibility of deep sedation with a combination of propofol and dexmedetomidine hydrochloride for esophageal endoscopic submucosal dissection

BACKGROUND AND AIM

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of sedation with a combination of propofol (PF) and dexmedetomidine (DEX) compared with sedation with benzodiazepines in esophageal endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD).

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed clinical data for 40 consecutive patients who had undergone esophageal ESD at the Yokohama City University Hospital between July 2012 and August 2014. Of these patients, 20 were sedated with benzodiazepines (conventional group) and another 20 patients were sedated with a combination of PF and DEX (combination group). Parameters for efficacy and safety of sedation were evaluated by comparisons between the two groups.

RESULTS

Median procedural times in the combination group were shorter than those in the conventional group (61 min vs. 89 min, P = 0.03), and the percentage of patients who showed restlessness in the combination group was significantly lower than that in the conventional group (25% vs. 65%, P = 0.025). Incidences of hypotension and bradycardia in the combination group were higher than those in the conventional group (60% vs. 15%, P = 0.008, and 60% vs. 15%, P = 0.008, respectively).

CONCLUSION

This retrospective study suggests that a combination of PF and DEX may provide stable deep sedation with less body movement than benzodiazepines during esophageal ESD.

Multicenter, prospective trial of white-light imaging alone versus white-light imaging followed by magnifying endoscopy with narrow-band imaging for the real-time imaging and diagnosis of invasion depth in superficial esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Magnifying endoscopy with narrow-band imaging (ME-NBI) has been used to estimate the invasion depth of superficial esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (SESCC), but the real diagnostic power of ME-NBI remains unclear because of few prospective studies.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate whether ME-NBI adds additional information to white-light imaging (WLI) for the diagnosis of invasion depth of SESCC.

DESIGN

Multicenter, prospective trial using real-time imaging and diagnosis.

SETTING

Seven Japanese institutions.

PATIENTS

Fifty-five patients with SESCC were enrolled from June 2011 to October 2013, and the results for 49 lesions were analyzed.

INTERVENTIONS

Patients underwent primary WLI followed by ME-NBI, and reports of primary WLI (WLI alone) were completed before secondary ME-NBI (WLI followed by ME-NBI). To standardize diagnosis among examiners, this trial was started after achievement of a mean κ value≥.6 among 11 participating endoscopists.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS

Diagnosis of invasion depth by each tool was divided into cancer limited to the epithelium and the lamina propria mucosa and cancer invading beyond the muscularis mucosae (≥T1a-MM) and then collated with the final pathologic diagnosis by an independent pathologist blinded to the clinical data.

RESULTS

The accuracy of invasion depth in WLI alone and WLI followed by ME-NBI was 71.4% and 65.3% (P=.375), respectively. Sensitivity for ≥T1a-MM was 61.1% for both groups (P=1.000), and specificity for ≥T1a-MM was 77.4% for WLI alone and 67.7% for WLI followed by ME-NBI (P=.375).

LIMITATION

Open-label trial.

CONCLUSIONS

ME-NBI showed no additional benefit to WLI for diagnosis of invasion depth of SESCC. (University Hospital Network Clinical Trials Registry number: UMIN000005632.).

Narrow band imaging: clinical applications in oral and oropharyngeal cancer

Narrow Band Imaging (NBI) is an endoscopic optical imaging enhancement technology that improves the contrast of mucosal surface texture, and enhances visualisation of mucosal and submucosal vasculature. White light is filtered to emit two 30-nm narrow bands of blue (415 nm) and green light (540 nm) light simultaneously, the former corresponding to the main peak absorption spectrum of haemoglobin, and the latter allowing visualisation of blood vessels in the deeper mucosal and submucosal layers. NBI has been used to better assess oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMD), identify oral and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and to define surgical margins of head and neck malignancies. NBI shows great potential in improving detection rates of OPMD, facilitating better assessment of oral and oropharyngeal SCC, and reducing the risk of recurrence for oral SCC. Although further research is required to better understand and define intrapapillary capillary loop (IPCL) patterns and to relate these with clinical, histopathological and molecular parameters especially for early mucosal changes, there is building evidence to recommend its use as the new gold standard for endoscopic assessment in head and neck oncology.

Endoscopic submucosal dissection as minimally invasive treatment for superficial pharyngeal cancer: a phase II study (with video)

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Although endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) has been applied for superficial pharyngeal cancer, no prospective trials have been reported. To investigate the efficacy and safety of ESD for superficial pharyngeal cancer, we conducted a prospective phase II trial.

METHODS

Fifty-four patients with 73 lesions were enrolled from September 2010 to August 2014, and ESD was performed. The primary endpoint was the complete resection rate. Secondary endpoints were safety, recurrence-free survival, overall survival, and incidence of metachronous pharyngeal cancer.

RESULTS

Fifty-four patients had stage 0-III cancer: stage 0, n = 22; stage I, n = 14; stage II, n = 17; and stage III, n = 1. The en bloc resection rate was 100%, and the complete resection rate was 79.5% (58/73 lesions; 95% confidence interval, 68%-88%). No serious adverse events related to ESD were encountered. Four patients required nasogastric intubation and feeding. No patients required percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy and tracheotomy. Swallowing, speech, and airway functions were preserved in all patients. One of the 54 patients died of an unrelated illness. Median follow-up was 27 months (range 6-55 months). Local cervical lymph node metastasis was observed in 1 patient, and the case was salvaged successfully with lymph node dissection. The 3-year overall and recurrence-free survival rates were 97.7% and 98.1%, respectively. Cumulative development of multiple cancers of the pharynx at 3 years was 18.4%.

CONCLUSIONS

ESD appears to be a safe and effective minimally invasive treatment in patients with superficial pharyngeal cancer. (

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

UMIN000003623.).

Prevention strategies for esophageal cancer: Perspectives of the East vs. West

Esophageal cancer is the eighth most common cancer worldwide. Esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) and esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) are the two major phenotypes in Western and Eastern countries, respectively. Because of different pathways in carcinogenesis, the risk factors and effective steps for prevention of esophageal cancer are different between EAC and ESCC. The carcinogenesis of EAC is initiated by the acid exposure of the esophageal mucosa from stomach while that of the ESCC are related to the chronic irritation of carcinogens mainly by the alcohol, cigarette, betel quid, and hot beverage. To eliminate the burden of esophageal cancer on the global health, the effective strategy should be composed of the primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention. In this article, we perform a systematic review of the preventive strategies for esophageal cancer with special emphasis on the differences from the perspectives of Western and Eastern countries.

Recent Advances From Basic and Clinical Studies of Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is one of the most aggressive squamous cell carcinomas and is highly prevalent in Asia. Alcohol and its metabolite, acetaldehyde, are considered definite carcinogens for the esophagus. Polymorphisms in the aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 gene, which encodes an enzyme that eliminates acetaldehyde, have been associated with esophageal carcinogenesis. Studies of the mutagenic and carcinogenic effects of acetaldehyde support this observation. Several recent large-scale comprehensive analyses of the genomic alterations in ESCC have shown a high frequency of mutations in genes such as TP53 and others that regulate the cell cycle or cell differentiation. Moreover, whole genome and whole exome sequencing studies have frequently detected somatic mutations, such as G:C→A:T transitions or G:C→C:G transversions, in ESCC tissues. Genomic instability, caused by abnormalities in the Fanconi anemia DNA repair pathway, is also considered a pathogenic mechanism of ESCC. Advances in diagnostic techniques such as magnifying endoscopy with narrow band imaging or positron emission tomography have increased the accuracy of diagnosis of ESCC. Updated guidelines from the National Comprehensive Cancer Network standardize the practice for the diagnosis and treatment of esophageal cancer. Patients with ESCC are treated endoscopically or with surgery, chemotherapy, or radiotherapy, based on tumor stage. Minimally invasive treatments help improve the quality of life of patients who undergo such treatments. We review recent developments in the diagnosis and treatment of ESCC and advances gained from basic and clinical research.

Diagnosis and therapies for gastric non-invasive neoplasia

There has been a great discrepancy of pathological diagnosis for gastric non-invasive neoplasia/dysplasia between Japanese and western pathologists. In Japan, lesions that most western pathologists diagnose as dysplasia are often considered adenocarcinoma based on nuclear and structural atypia regardless of the presence of invasion. In the Vienna classification, gastric non-invasive intraepithelial neoplasia (NIN) were divided into low grade and high grade (including intra-mucosal cancer of Japanese criteria). The diagnosis by both endoscopy and pathology of biopsy specimen is difficult. Recent advances of diagnostic modality such as magnified endoscopy and imaged enhanced endoscopy is expected to improve the diagnostic yield for NIN. There are two treatment strategies for NIN, observation and diagnostic therapy by endoscopic resection (ER). ER is acceptable because of its less invasiveness and high local control rate, on the other hand, cancer-developing rate of low-grade NIN is reported to be low. Therefore there is controversy for the treatment of gastric NIN. Prospective study based on unified pathological definition is required in the future.

Polyp Detection, Characterization, and Management Using Narrow-Band Imaging with/without Magnification

Narrow-band imaging (NBI) is a new imaging technology that was developed in 2006 and has since spread worldwide. Because of its convenience, NBI has been replacing the role of chromoendoscopy. Here we review the efficacy of NBI with/without magnification for detection, characterization, and management of colorectal polyps, and future perspectives for the technology, including education. Recent studies have shown that the next-generation NBI system can detect significantly more colonic polyps than white light imaging, suggesting that NBI may become the modality of choice from the beginning of screening. The capillary pattern revealed by NBI, and the NBI International Colorectal Endoscopic classification are helpful for prediction of histology and for estimating the depth of invasion of colorectal cancer. However, NBI with magnifying colonoscopy is not superior to magnifying chromoendoscopy for estimation of invasion depth. Currently, therefore, chromoendoscopy should also be performed additionally if deep submucosal invasive cancer is suspected. If endoscopists become able to accurately estimate colorectal polyp pathology using NBI, this will allow adenomatous polyps to be resected and discarded; thus, reducing both the risk of polypectomy and costs. In order to achieve this goal, a suitable system for education and training in in vivo diagnostics will be necessary.

Optimizing early upper gastrointestinal cancer detection at endoscopy

Survival rates for upper gastrointestinal cancers are poor and oesophageal cancer incidence is increasing. Upper gastrointestinal cancer is also often missed during examinations; a predicament that has not yet been sufficiently addressed. Improvements in the detection of premalignant lesions, early oesophageal and gastric cancers will enable organ-preserving endoscopic therapy, potentially reducing the number of advanced upper gastrointestinal cancers and resulting in improved prognosis. Japan is a world leader in high-quality diagnostic upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and the clinical routine in this country differs substantially from Western practice. In this Perspectives article, we review lessons learnt from Japanese gastroscopy technique, training and screening for risk stratification. We suggest a key performance indicator for upper gastrointestinal endoscopy with a minimum total procedure time of 8 min, and examine how quality assurance concepts in bowel cancer screening in the UK could be applied to upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and improve clinical practice.

Propofol sedation versus no sedation in detection of pharyngeal and upper gastrointestinal superficial squamous cell carcinoma using endoscopic narrow band imaging: a multicenter prospective trial

Intravenous propofol can provide a superior quality of sedation compared to standard sedation for upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. However, the utility of propofol sedation for the endoscopic early detection of superficial pharyngeal and esophageal squamous cell carcinoma has not been investigated. In a multicenter, prospective trial, 255 patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinomas (ESCCs) were assigned to receive propofol sedation or no sedation according to their own willingness. The primary aim was to compare the detection rates of superficial cancer in the pharyngeal region and the esophagus between two groups. The secondary aim was to evaluate factors associated with technical adequacy. The detection rate was higher in the propofol sedation vs. no sedation group for H&N region (6.06% vs. 2.40%), but not significantly (P=0.22). However, the small lesion (less than 10 mm in diameter) detection rate was higher in sedation vs. no sedation group for H&N region (88.89% vs. 33.33%; P=0.048). The median time for pharyngeal observation in the sedation group was faster than in the no sedation group (20.6 s vs. 44.3 s; P<0.001). Ninety-five percent of H&N region evaluations were totally complete in sedation compared with sixty percent in the no sedation group (P<0.001). The overall p value indicated that only smoking habit was associated with incomplete pharyngeal observation (P<0.05), and it was more difficult to accomplish a complete pharyngeal observation in patients who smoked more than 10 packs per day. Intravenous propofol sedation compared to no intravenous sedation during conventional upper gastrointestinal endoscopy can facilitate a more complete pharyngeal examination and increase the detection rate of superficial H&N squamous cell carcinoma in high risk patients.

Value of screening endoscopy in evaluation of esophageal, gastric and colon cancers

Esophageal, gastric, and colorectal cancers are deadly diseases that continue to plague our world today. The value of screening endoscopy in evaluating these types of cancers is a critical area of discussion due to a potential reduction in morbidity and mortality. This article describes how to identify a good screening test and explains what are important criteria in the field of screening endoscopy. Furthermore, the current status and progress of screening endoscopy for esophageal, gastric, and colorectal cancer will be evaluated and discussed. Mass screening programs have not been implemented for esophageal and gastric carcinomas in those with average or low risk populations. However, studies of high-risk populations have found value and a cost-benefit in conducting screening endoscopy. Colorectal cancer, on the other hand, has had mass screening programs in place for many years due to the clear evidence of improved outcomes. As the role of endoscopy as a screening tool has continued to develop, newer technology and techniques have emerged to improve its utility. Many new image enhancement techniques and computer processing programs have shown promise and may have a significant role in the future of endoscopic screening. These developments are paving the way for improving the diagnostic and therapeutic capability of endoscopy in the field of gastroenterology.

Recent clinical management of antithrombotic agents for gastrointestinal endoscopy after revision of guidelines in Japan

In 2012, the Japan Gastroenterological Endoscopy Society (JGES) revised guidelines for the management of gastrointestinal endoscopy for patients using antithrombotic agents. The conventional guidelines emphasized reducing the bleeding risk that accompanies gastrointestinal endoscopy, but the present guidelines prioritize reduction of thromboembolism risk during discontinuation of antithrombotic agents, which is consistent with Western guidelines. When the advantages outweigh the disadvantages, the guidelines permit endoscopic biopsy and high-bleeding-risk procedures without discontinuation of selected antithrombotic agents. These guidelines created a paradigm shift that has slowly, but surely, changed clinical daily practice in Japan. As a result, endoscopic biopsy without discontinuation of antithrombotic agents has been widely accepted, although solid evidence for its support is still lacking. Additionally, feasibility of high-bleeding-risk procedures without discontinuation of selected antithrombotic agents is also controversial because evidence newly acquired after publication of the present guidelines is low in evidence level. Consequently, clinical studies with a high evidence level, including randomized controlled studies, are mandatory to establish reliable upcoming guidelines. At the same time, under the present guidelines, the accomplishment of such studies in Japan is expected.

Relationships between Micro-Vascular and Iodine-Staining Patterns in the Vicinity of the Tumor Front of Superficial Esophageal Squamous Carcinoma

Objective

The aim of the present study was to clarify differences between micro-vascular and iodine-staining patterns in the vicinity of the tumor fronts of superficial esophageal squamous cell carcinomas (ESCCs).

Methods

Ten consecutive patients with ESCCs who were treated by endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) were enrolled. At the edge of the iodine-unstained area, we observed 183 sites in total using image-enhanced magnifying endoscopy. We classified the micro-vascular and iodine-staining patterns into three types: Type A, in which the line of vascular change matched the border of the iodine-unstained area; Type B, in which the border of the iodine-unstained area extended beyond the line of vascular change; Type C, in which the line of vascular change extended beyond the border of the iodine-unstained area. Then, by examining histopathological sections, we compared the diameter of intra-papillary capillary loops (IPCLs) in cancerous areas and normal squamous epithelium.

Results

We investigated 160 sites that the adequate quality of pictures were obtained. There was no case in which the line of vascular change completely matched the whole circumference of the border of an iodine-unstained area. Among the 160 sites, type A was recognized at 76 sites (47.5%), type B at 79 sites (49.4%), and type C at 5 sites (3.1%). Histological examination showed that the mean diameter of the IPCLs in normal squamous epithelium was 16.2±3.7μm, whereas that of IPCLs in cancerous lesions was 21.0±4.4μm.

Conclusions

The development of iodine-unstained areas tends to precede any changes in the vascularity of the esophageal surface epithelium.

Transoral surgery for laryngo-pharyngeal cancer - The paradigm shift of the head and cancer treatment

Transoral surgery is a less invasive treatment that is becoming a major strategy in the treatment of laryngo-pharyngeal cancer. It is a minimally invasive approach that has no skin incision and limits the extent of tissue dissection, disruption of speech and swallowing muscles, blood loss, damage to major neurovascular structures, and injury to normal tissue. Transoral approaches to the laryngo-pharynx, except for early glottis cancer, had been limited traditionally to tumors that can be observed directly and manipulated with standard instrumentation and lighting. Since the 1990s, transoral laser microsurgery (TLM) has been used as an organ preservation strategy with good oncological control and good functional results, although it has not been widely used because of its technical difficulty. Recently, transoral robotic surgery (TORS) is becoming popular as a new treatment modality for laryngo-pharyngeal cancer, and surgical robots are used widely in the world since United States FDA approval in 2009. In spite of the global spread of TORS, it has not been approved by the Japan FDA, which has led to the development of other low-cost transoral surgical techniques in Japan. Transoral videolaryngoscopic surgery (TOVS) was developed as a new transoral surgery system for laryngo-pharyngeal lesions to address the problems of TLM. In TOVS, a rigid endoscope is used to visualize the surgical field instead of a microscope and the advantages of TOVS include the wide operative field and working space achieved using the distending laryngoscope and videolaryngoscope. Also, with the spread of narrow band imaging (NBI), endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) and endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD), which are widely used for superficial cancers in the gastrointestinal tract, have been applied for the superficial laryngo-pharyngeal cancer. Both EMR and ESD are performed mainly by gastroenterologists with a sharp dissector and magnifying endoscopy (ME)-NBI with minimal surgical margin. Endoscopic laryngo-pharyngeal surgery (ELPS) was developed to treat laryngo-pharyngeal superficial cancer by modifying the ESD procedure. The concept of ELPS is the same as that of ESD, however, the resection procedure is performed by a head and neck surgeon with both hands using a ME-NBI and rigid curved laryngo-pharyngoscope. These four procedures are low cost with similar oncological and functional outcomes to TORS. TORS may be less expensive than chemoradiotherapy, but the number of hospitals that can afford da Vinci surgical systems is limited. Even in the era of robotic surgery, these four procedures will be good options for laryngo-pharyngeal cancer.

Advanced endoscopic imaging for early gastric cancer

Considerable numbers of early gastric cancers can be missed or misdiagnosed with conventional white light imaging endoscopy (WLI), thus advanced endoscopic imaging modalities have been applied to overcome the issue. High definition endoscopy can improve diagnostic accuracy, but still misses 20-25% of early gastric cancer. Magnifying endoscopy combined with narrow band imaging (NBI) allows for very high accuracy, with sensitivity and specificity of over 95%. The algorithm for magnifying endoscopy diagnosis of gastric cancer is composed of 1) presence of demarcation line, and 2) presence of irregular microsurface and/or microvascular pattern. Ultra-high magnification of 400 times with endocytoscopy (ECS) can produce images reflecting structural and cellular atypia. Using high grade ECS atypia as the diagnostic criteria for gastric cancer, ECS achieves a high diagnostic accuracy (86% of sensitivity, 100% of specificity) although approximately 10% of target lesions are not assessable because of poor dye staining.

The short-term and long-term outcomes of the endoscopic resection for the superficial pharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS

Early detection of superficial pharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (SPSCC) using narrow-band imaging as well as the increasing use of ER for gastrointestinal cancers may increase the number of ER for SPSCC. The aims of this study were to clarify the feasibility of ER for SPSCC and its long-term outcomes.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In total, 84 patients with 115 lesions were treated by endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) or endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) between March 2004 and August 2012. We retrospectively assessed the en bloc and R0 resection rates, complications, lymph node metastasis (LNM), local recurrence, metachronous pharyngeal and esophageal SCC, 5-year overall and cause-specific survival rates.

RESULTS

Higher proportions of en bloc and R0 resection were achieved with ESD compared to EMR (en bloc 100 % vs. 60 %, P < 0.001; R0 59 % vs. 26 %, P < 0.005). There were no significant complications in both groups. None of the patients died from primary SPSCC during the median follow-up of 34 months (range, 3 - 115). LNM occurred in three patients and local recurrence was detected in seven patients (8.3 %) with eight lesions. Tumor thickness over 1000 μm (P < 0.005) and positive or inconclusive horizontal margins (P < 0.05) were significant risk factors for LNM and local recurrence, respectively. Twelve patients died because of co-existing clinical conditions. The 5-year overall and cause-specific survival rates were 80.7 % and 100 %, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

ER for SPSCC is a feasible treatment with promising results. Tumor thickness over 1000 μm is a significant risk factor for LNM and positive or inconclusive horizontal margin is a risk factor for local recurrence.

Low-Cost High-Resolution Microendoscopy for the Detection of Esophageal Squamous Cell Neoplasia: An International Trial

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Esophageal squamous cell neoplasia has a high mortality rate as a result of late detection. In high-risk regions such as China, screening is performed by Lugol's chromoendoscopy (LCE). LCE has low specificity, resulting in unnecessary tissue biopsy with a subsequent increase in procedure cost and risk. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of a novel, low-cost, high-resolution microendoscope (HRME) as an adjunct to LCE.

METHODS

In this prospective trial, 147 consecutive high-risk patients were enrolled from 2 US and 2 Chinese tertiary centers. Three expert and 4 novice endoscopists performed white-light endoscopy followed by LCE and HRME. All optical images were compared with the gold standard of histopathology.

RESULTS

By using a per-biopsy analysis, the sensitivity of LCE vs LCE + HRME was 96% vs 91% (P = .0832), specificity was 48% vs 88% (P < .001), positive predictive value was 22% vs 45% (P < .0001), negative predictive value was 98% vs 98% (P = .3551), and overall accuracy was 57% vs 90% (P < .001), respectively. By using a per-patient analysis, the sensitivity of LCE vs LCE + HRME was 100% vs 95% (P = .16), specificity was 29% vs 79% (P < .001), positive predictive value was 32% vs 60%, 100% vs 98%, and accuracy was 47% vs 83% (P < .001). With the use of HRME, 136 biopsies (60%; 95% confidence interval, 53%-66%) could have been spared, and 55 patients (48%; 95% confidence interval, 38%-57%) could have been spared any biopsy.

CONCLUSIONS

In this trial, HRME improved the accuracy of LCE for esophageal squamous cell neoplasia screening and surveillance. HRME may be a cost-effective optical biopsy adjunct to LCE, potentially reducing unnecessary biopsies and facilitating real-time decision making in globally underserved regions. ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT 01384708.

Enhanced contact endoscopy for the assessment of the neoangiogenetic changes in precancerous and cancerous lesions of the oral cavity and oropharynx

Dysplasia and squamous cell carcinoma of the upper aerodigestive tract show significant neoangiogenesis appearing as subepithelial and epithelial microvascular irregularities that can be detected by Image-Enhanced Endoscopy such as Narrow Band Imaging and Storz Professional Image Enhancement System. In the present study, the most advanced endoscopic enhancement systems were coupled with Contact Endoscopy (Enhanced Contact Endoscopy). This original method improved the identification and the understanding of the neoangiogenetic changes of the chorion in 42 patients with leukoplakia, erythroplakia, and leuko-erythroplakia of the oral cavity and oropharynx. The physiologic and pathologic mucosa was described in five obvious vascular patterns observed at Enhanced Contact Endoscopy ranging from normal to squamous cell carcinoma, passing through inflammation, hyperplasia, and dysplasia. Each vascular pattern was then compared to histology, showing that the microvascular architectural changes seen with Enhanced Contact Endoscopy are almost constant. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value in the differentiation between healthy mucosa and inflammation versus pathologic hyperplasia, dysplasia, and carcinoma were, respectively, 96.6, 93.3, 98.2, 87.5, and 95.9 %. Sensitivity and specificity were 100 % in differentiation between non-malignant lesions versus squamous cell carcinoma. Our preliminary experience shows that accuracy of Image-Enhanced Endoscopy in the diagnosis of precancerous lesions and squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity and oropharynx can be increased if associated to Contact Endoscopy.

Narrow-Band Imaging Magnifying Endoscopy versus Lugol Chromoendoscopy with Pink-Color Sign Assessment in the Diagnosis of Superficial Esophageal Squamous Neoplasms: A Randomised Noninferiority Trial

Previous studies have shown the high diagnostic accuracy of narrow-band imaging magnifying endoscopy (NBI-ME) and Lugol chromoendoscopy with pink-color sign assessment (LCE-PS) for superficial esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (SESCC). However, there has been no controlled trial comparing these two diagnostic techniques. We conducted a randomized noninferiority trial to compare the diagnostic accuracy of NBI-ME and LCE-PS. We recruited patients with, or with a history of, squamous cell carcinoma in the head and neck region or in the esophagus. They were randomly assigned to either NBI-ME or LCE-PS. When lesions > 5 mm in diameter were found as brownish areas on NBI or as Lugol-voiding lesions (LVL), they were evaluated to determine whether they are SESCC on the basis of the findings of NBI-ME or PS in the LVL. NBI-ME and LCE-PS were completed in 147 patients each. There was no significant difference in all diagnostic values between the two techniques. Compared with LCE-PS, NBI-ME showed a significantly shorter examination time but a larger number of misdiagnosed lesions especially in patients with many irregularly shaped multiform LVLs. Compared with LCE-PS, NBI-ME might be similarly accurate and less invasive, but less reliable in patients with many LVLs, in the diagnosis of SESCC.

Novel method for the management of stenosis after gastric endoscopic submucosal dissection: mucosal incision with steroid injection contralateral to the severely contracted scar

The aim of the present report was to investigate the efficacy of local steroid injection and oral administration contralateral to a severe contracted scar of large endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for gastric cancer. Among 254 cases that underwent gastric ESD, seven patients underwent resection of more than three-quarters of the circumference of the stomach. Two patients were excluded because they did not meet curative resection criteria of Japan Gastroenterological Endoscopy Society. Therefore, in five patients, circumferentiality, symptom appearance period, and weight loss period were examined. Effect of a contralateral normal mucosa incision for releasing the stenosis followed by local injection and oral steroids were also examined. Abdominal bloating, vomiting, and loss of appetite appeared 42 days on average after gastric ESD, whereas weight loss >5 kg was observed an average of 52.6 days after gastric ESD. Average contralateral mucosal incision length was 51 mm, whereas the average mucosal incision width was 31 mm. All patients underwent a mucosal incision and were given a local injection of 100 mg triamcinolone acetonide. Two patients received an additional 20 mg oral steroid. In cases combined with oral steroid, there was no re-stenosis after the mucosal incision, but two to three balloon dilatations were necessary in three cases in which oral steroids were not given. This method is considered useful for stenosis after large ESD for gastric cancer.

Next-generation narrow band imaging system for colonic polyp detection: a prospective multicenter randomized trial

PURPOSE

Previous studies have yielded conflicting results on the colonic polyp detection rate with narrow-band imaging (NBI) compared with white-light imaging (WLI). We compared the mean number of colonic polyps detected per patient for NBI versus WLI using a next-generation NBI system (EVIS LUCERA ELITE; Olympus Medical Systems) used with standard-definition (SD) colonoscopy and wide-angle (WA) colonoscopy.

DESIGN

this study is a 2 × 2 factorial, prospective, multicenter randomized controlled trial.

SETTING

this study was conducted at five academic centers in Japan.

INTERVENTIONS

patients were allocated to one of four groups: (1) WLI with SD colonoscopy (H260AZI), (2) NBI with SD colonoscopy (H260AZI), (3) WLI with WA colonoscopy (CF-HQ290), and (4) NBI with WA colonoscopy (CF-HQ290).

MAIN OUTCOME

the mean numbers of polyps detected per patient were compared between the four groups: WLI with/without WA colonoscopy and NBI with/without WA colonoscopy.

RESULTS

Of the 454 patients recruited, 431 patients were enrolled. The total numbers of polyps detected by WLI with SD, NBI with SD, WLI with WA, and NBI with WA were 164, 176, 188, and 241, respectively. The mean number of polyps detected per patient was significantly higher in the NBI group than in the WLI group (2.01 vs 1.56; P = 0.032). The rate was not higher in the WA group than in the SD group (1.97 vs 1.61; P = 0.089).

CONCLUSIONS

Although WA colonoscopy did not improve the polyp detection, next-generation NBI colonoscopy represents a significant improvement in the detection of colonic polyps.

The potential risk of vessel infiltration and cervical lymph node metastasis in hypopharyngeal superficial squamous cell carcinoma: a retrospective observational study

CONCLUSION

The depth of hypopharyngeal superficial cancer may predict vessel infiltration and potential risk of cervical lymph node metastasis.

OBJECTIVES

To elucidate the histopathological predictors of vessel infiltration and the risk of regional lymph node metastasis in hypopharyngeal superficial cancer.

METHODS

This study included 31 lesions from 30 patients who had undergone transoral en bloc resection in the hospital. Patients with intraepithelial neoplasia or muscular invasion were excluded. Patient characteristics, nodal status, state of vessel infiltration, state of perineural invasion, histopathological parameters, and post-operative cervical lymph node recurrence were retrospectively examined. The histopathological parameters measured were tumor diameter and the following three parameters: tumor thickness, depth from the mucosal surface, and depth from the basement membrane. Correlations between histopathological parameters and state of vessel infiltration were statistically analyzed.

RESULTS

Of the 31 lesions examined, four had vessel infiltration. Three of the four lesions with vessel infiltration had regional lymph node metastasis as well as subsequent lymph node metastasis. Lesions with vessel infiltration were significantly deeper than those without. In contrast, there was no significant difference in lesion diameters. In addition, there was no correlation between the depth and the diameter of the lesion.

Locoregional steroid injection prevents stricture formation after endoscopic submucosal dissection for esophageal cancer: a propensity score matching analysis

BACKGROUND

Although endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) has become accepted for the treatment of superficial esophageal cancer, the incidence of stricture formation caused by ESD for widespread lesions is high and leads to a low quality of life. A few studies reported that locoregional steroid injections are useful for the prevention of such stricture formation compared with historical controls. We evaluated the efficacy of prophylactic locoregional steroid injections for stricture formation caused by ESD using quasi-randomized analysis.

METHODS

This matched case-control study included 461 superficial esophageal cancers from 305 patients who underwent ESD between 2006 and 2013. We used two methods of locoregional steroid injection to prevent stricture formation after ESD. A propensity score matching analysis was performed to reduce the effects of a selection bias for steroid injections and other potential confounding factors. In addition, generalized estimating equations were used to analyze repeated measures data. We compared the incidence of stricture formation with or without steroid injections.

RESULTS

Forty-two lesions were treated with locoregional steroid injection (dexamethasone/triamcinolone, 23/19) after ESD and esophageal stricture formation occurred in 36 lesions. Fifty-six lesions treated with or without steroid injections were matched after propensity score matching. Locoregional steroid injection reduced the incidence of stricture formation to 10.7% (3/28) of patients compared with 35.7% (10/28) in the control group (odds ratio 4.63, 95% confidence interval 1.11-19.25, p = 0.035).

CONCLUSIONS

Locoregional steroid injections could be efficient for the prevention of stricture formation after ESD for superficial esophageal cancer.

A novel approach emphasising intra-operative superficial margin enhancement of head-neck tumours with narrow-band imaging in transoral robotic surgery

The primary goal of surgical oncology is to obtain a tumour resection with disease-free margins. Transoral robotic surgery (TORS) for surgical treatment of head-neck cancer is commensurate with standard treatments. However, the likelihood of positive margins after TORS is up to 20.2% in a recent US survey. The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and the feasibility of narrow-band imaging (NBI) during TORS in order to improve the ability to achieve disease-free margins during tumour excision. The present study was conducted at the ENT, Head- Neck Surgery and Oral Surgery Unit, Department of Special Surgery, Morgagni Pierantoni Hospital, Azienda USL Romagna. From March 2008 to January 2015, 333 TORS were carried out for malignant and benign diseases. For the present study, we retrospectively evaluated 58 biopsy-proven squamous cell carcinoma patients who underwent TORS procedures. Patients were divided into 2 groups: (1) 32 who underwent TORS and intra-operative NBI evaluation (NBI-TORS); (2) 21 who underwent TORS with standard intra-operative white-light imaging (WLITORS). Frozen section analysis of margins on surgical specimens showed a higher rate of negative superficial lateral margins in the NBI-TORS group compared with the WLI-TORS group (87.9% vs. 57.9%, respectively, p = 0.02). The sensitivity and specificity of intra-operative use of NBI, respectively, were 72.5% and 66.7% with a negative predictive value of 87.9%. Tumour margin enhancement provided by NBI associated with magnification and 3-dimensional view of the surgical field might increase the capability to achieve an oncologically-safe resection in challenging anatomical areas where minimal curative resection is strongly recommended for function preservation.

Long-Term Follow-Up of a Community Assignment, One-Time Endoscopic Screening Study of Esophageal Cancer in China

PURPOSE

There are no global screening recommendations for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Endoscopic screening has been investigated in areas of high incidence in China since the 1970s. This study aimed to evaluate whether an endoscopic screening and intervention program could reduce mortality caused by ESCC.

METHODS

Residents age 40 to 69 years were recruited from communities with high rates of ESCC. Fourteen villages were selected as the intervention communities. Ten villages not geographically adjacent to intervention villages were selected for comparison. Participants in the intervention group were screened once by endoscopy with Lugol's iodine staining, and those with dysplasia or occult cancer were treated. All intervention participants and a sample consisting of one tenth of the control group completed questionnaires. We compared cumulative ESCC incidence and mortality between the two groups.

RESULTS

Three thousand three hundred nineteen volunteers (48.62%) from an eligible population of 6,827 were screened in the intervention group. Seven hundred ninety-seven volunteers from an eligible population of 6,200 in the control group were interviewed. Six hundred fifty-two incident and 542 fatal ESCCs were identified during the 10-year follow-up. A reduction in cumulative mortality in the intervention group versus the control group was apparent (3.35% v 5.05%, respectively; P < .001). Furthermore, the intervention group had a significantly lower cumulative incidence of ESCC versus the control group (4.17% v 5.92%, respectively; P < .001).

CONCLUSION

We showed that endoscopic screening and intervention significantly reduced mortality caused by esophageal cancer. Detection and treatment of preneoplastic lesions also led to a reduction in the incidence of this highly fatal cancer.