Therapeutic options for esophageal cancer

Expression of MMP9, SERPINE1 and miR-134 as prognostic factors in esophageal cancer

Esophageal cancer (EC) is a malignant tumor with a typically poor prognosis for patients. It is well known that certain microRNA (miRNA/miR) genes can regulate other genes responsible for carcinogenesis. In the present study, a group of these genes (miR-21, miR-134, miR-205 and miR-495) and genes connected with cancer-related pathways (MET, MMP9, PDGFA and SERPINE1) were chosen for analysis in order to find a potential correlation between their expression and the clinicopathological factors of EC. Esophageal tumors and adjacent non-cancerous tissue specimens were collected from a total of 63 patients and embedded in paraffin. Commercial arrays were used on KYSE-30, KYSE-150 and KYSE-270 EC cell lines in order to find genes of different expression profiles compared with those acquired from the control Het-1A cell line. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used on formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded samples in order to analyze the expression of the genes chosen in the earlier step. The results were analyzed by the Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests, Spearman's rank correlation coefficient, Kaplan-Meier methods and the long-rank test. Only miR-495 was not expressed in the analyzed samples. The expression of MMP9 and SERPINE1 was significantly coefficient with age range (P=0.011 and P=0.044, respectively) according to the Kruskal-Wallis test. The Spearman's rank-order correlation measurement showed that there was a coefficient correlation between age and miR-134 expression. The same measurement demonstrated a correlation between age range and MMP9 expression. The expression of miR-134 and MMP9 were also found to be correlated. In all cases, a value of P<0.049 was recorded. Overall, the present study demonstrated that MMP9, SERPINE1 and miR-134 were the most prognostic genes in Caucasian patients with EC.

[Lymph node involvement in œsophageal cancer: surgical approach]

Lymph node invasion is an early event in the oesophageal carcinogenesis and represents the main prognostic factor in the curative setting. Even though the primacy of surgical resection has been challenged by the definitive radiochemotherapy for locally advanced squamous cell carcinomas of the oesophagus, surgery is now again a gold standard, in combination with (radio)chemotherapy, to improve locoregional disease control and long term survival. Surgery, especially lymphadenectomy, has consequently to be standardized through quality criteria. Lymph node stations invaded in œsophageal and junctional cancers, lymphadenectomy, and its impact on outcomes are discussed in this review based on the highest level of evidence published data.

Minimally invasive surgery for esophageal cancer - benefits and controversies

Open esophagectomy (OE) requires extensive surgery and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Furthermore, the long-term results of esophageal cancer surgery are not satisfactory; hence, the best surgical approach is constantly under debate. During the last twenty years, minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) employing laparoscopy and/or thoracoscopy has been introduced in a growing number of centers worldwide. To date, several studies have demonstrated that MIE has better outcomes than OE, as it results in shorter hospital stay and decreased overall morbidity. However, the length of operating time in MIE is increased in comparison to OE. The survival benefit has been demonstrated to be similar in OE and MIE. Highly advanced laparo-thoracoscopic skills are required to perform MIE; along with the relatively long learning curve, this makes MIE feasible only in high-volume, experienced university surgical centers. There is a need for further large-scale comparative studies to prove the superiority of MIE over open surgery.

The use of self-expanding stents in esophageal and gastroesophageal junction cancer palliation: a meta-analysis and meta-regression analysis of outcomes

BACKGROUND

The objective of this study was to examine the impact of self-expanding stents versus locoregional treatment modalities in the setting of esophageal cancer palliation.

METHODS

The present meta-analysis pooled the effects of outcomes of 1,027 patients enrolled in 16 randomized controlled trials.

RESULTS

The meta-analysis revealed an advantage to the use of stents compared to locoregional modality treatments with respect to the number of patients requiring reinterventions, although the latter treatment arm had a higher 1-year survival. No difference was observed between the use of the antireflux stents and conventional stents in relieving reflux. Previous chemoradiotherapy had no impact on complications, procedural deaths, and overall patient survival. Differences in outcomes among stents were minimal.

CONCLUSIONS

Conventional self-expanding stents and anti-reflux stents are equally effective. Although the risk difference for 1-year survival favoured locoregional palliative treatment modalities, the latter were associated with a higher number of patients requiring reintervention.

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C. Mariette, G. Piessen, C. Vons Lymph node invasion is the principal prognostic factor in cancers of the stomach and esophagus which have a tendency to early lymphatic spread.The anatomy of regional lymph node groupings is described and standard and extended types of lymphadenectomy are defined. We discuss he role of lymph node dissection - particularly extended lymphadenectomy - and assess whether there is demonstrable benefit in terms of morbidity and mortality, loco-regional recurrence, and survival. Articles from the surgical literature with the highest levels of evidence are analyzed. Practical guidelines for treatment choice are proposed.

[Not Available]

C. Mariette, G. Piessen, C. Vons Lymph node invasion is the principal prognostic factor in cancers of the stomach and esophagus which have a tendency to early lymphatic spread.The anatomy of regional lymph node groupings is described and standard and extended types of lymphadenectomy are defined. We discuss he role of lymph node dissection - particularly extended lymphadenectomy - and assess whether there is demonstrable benefit in terms of morbidity and mortality, loco-regional recurrence, and survival. Articles from the surgical literature with the highest levels of evidence are analyzed. Practical guidelines for treatment choice are proposed.

Cervical nodal metastasis from intrathoracic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma is not necessarily an incurable disease

BACKGROUND

It remains controversial if metastatic cervical lymph nodes in patients with intrathoracic esophageal cancer signify distant metastases and are therefore incurable or if they should be regarded as regional spread with a potential for cure.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Patients with intrathoracic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma managed from 1995 to 2007, in whom metastatic cervical lymph node spread was confirmed by fine needle aspiration cytology, were studied. Treatment strategies and outcome were reviewed.

RESULTS

There were 109 patients, of whom 98 were men. Median age was 62 years (range, 34-88). Excluding those who underwent primarily palliative treatments, there were two main groups: 22 who had upfront chemoradiation therapy and subsequent esophagectomy +/- cervical lymphadenectomy and 46 who had chemoradiation only. Significant downstaging occurred in 29 of the 68 patients (42.6%), of whom eight (11.8%) had complete pathological/clinical response. There was no mortality after esophagectomy. Median survival of patients with chemoradiation plus esophagectomy was 34.8 months compared to those with no surgery at 9.9 months, (p < 0.001). Patients with stage IV disease at presentation by virtue of nodal disease survived longer than those with the same stage because of systemic organ metastases: 9.3 vs. 3 months, (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Prognosis of patients with metastatic cervical nodes was not uniformly dismal. Up to 20% had reasonable survival after chemoradiation and surgical resection. Stage IV disease should be revised to segregate those with nodal and systemic metastases.

[The effect of preoperative chemo-radiotherapy in the treatment of locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma in the upper- and middle-thirds of the esophagus]

AIM

The aim of this study was to compare the efficiency of the preoperative combined chemo-radiotherapy in the treatment of locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma in different locations of the oesophagus.

METHODS

Between 1997 and 2005, 102 patients with locally advanced (T3-4) squamous cell oesophageal cancer received preoperative chemo-radiotherapy. In 40 cases, the tumour was localised in the upper-third (Group I), while in 62 cases, in the middle-third of the oesophagus (Group II). Survival rates of patients receiving neoadjuvant therapy were compared with a historical control group. In addition, Group I and Group II were compared to each other, as well.

RESULTS

survival rate was significantly better after neoadjuvant therapy (p:0.0042) Resection was performed in 70% of the patients from Group I, and in 50% of those complete pathological remission (pCR) was observed. The perioperative morbidity and mortality rates were 43% and 14%, respectively. As far as Group II, 69% of the patients underwent oesophageal resection, with a perioperative mortality of 18% and morbidity rate of 62%. pCR was observed only in 7% of the cases. The median survivals (21 and 22 months) and the R0 resection rates (82 and 84%) were similar in the two groups. The pCR subgroup showed a significantly better survival rate.

CONCLUSION

In this study, we demonstrated that preoperative chemo-radiotherapy increases survival in locally advanced oesophageal cancer. A significantly higher rate of complete response was observed in patients with upper-third oesophageal cancer. It seems that this group has superior sensitivity to multimodal treatment; therefore, our results support a new prognostic factor in oesophageal cancer treatment.

Esophageal adenocarcinoma arising from Barrett's dysplasia: a case report of double occurrence and prolonged survival after chemotherapy

A relatively young patient with chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), obesity, smoking, and alcohol intake presented with widespread metastatic disease in lymph nodes, liver and lungs from a lower esophageal adenocarcinoma extending into the gastroesophageal junction associated with Barrett's mucosa and dysplasia.A complete response was achieved with six cycles of chemotherapy that sustained for more than 4 years without further recurrence. Unfortunately, there was presence of esophageal metaplasia after complete response which eventually converted to low to high grade dysplasia and ultimately to a second primary localized lower esophageal adenocarcinoma that was treated with thoracoabdominal esophagectomy and lymphadenectomy. No evidence of disease recurrence was seen 2 years later. The pathogenesis of a recent increase in the incidence of GERD, Barrett's esophagus and lower esophageal adenocarcinoma are discussed. Surgery, radiotherapy and combination chemotherapy are effective in the early stages leading to tumor shrinkage and prolongation of life and even cure in some cases. Lower esophageal adenocarcinoma is frequently associated with Barrett's high-grade dysplasia. Since there has been a dramatic increase in the incidence of Barrett's dysplasia, appropriate surveillance with upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and preventive strategies, such as the use of aspirin, cyclo-oxygenase II inhibitors and other nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs known to be chemopreventive agents against colon, esophagus, gastric and bladder cancers, need to be studied.

Risk factors for complications after esophageal cancer resection: a prospective population-based study in Sweden

OBJECTIVE

To identify risk factors for complications after resection for esophageal or cardia cancer.

SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA

Knowledge of risk factors for complications after esophageal resection for cancer is sparse, and prospective population-based studies are lacking.

METHODS

A prospective, nationwide, population-based study was conducted in Sweden in April 2, 2001 through December 31, 2003. Details about tumor characteristics and stage, surgical procedures, and complications were collected prospectively from the Swedish Esophageal and Cardia Cancer register. Medical records and specific charts from surgical procedures, histopathology reports, and intensive care units were continuously scrutinized. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to estimate relative risks and their 95% confidence intervals.

RESULTS

Among 275 patients undergoing surgical resection for esophageal or cardia cancer, 122 (44%) had at least one predefined complication. Operation by low-volume surgeons (<5 operations annually) were followed by more anastomotic leakages than those by surgeons with higher volume (odds ratio, 7.86; 95% confidence interval, 2.13-29.00). Hand-sewn and stapled anastomoses did not differ regarding risk of anastomotic leakage. Among cardia cancer patients, transthoracic approach resulted in more respiratory complications compared with transhiatal (abdominal only) approach (odds ratio, 4.78; 95% confidence interval, 1.66-13.76). Older age, adjuvant oncologic therapy, and higher preoperative bleeding volume nonsignificantly increased the risks of complications, while no influence of sex or tumor stage was found.

CONCLUSIONS

High-volume esophageal surgeons seem to lower the risk of anastomotic leakage. More large-scale studies are warranted to establish the roles of the other potentially important risk factors suggested in our study.

Biodegradable membrane-covered stent from chitosan-based polymers

Membrane-covered devices could help treat disease of the vasculature such as aneurysm, rupture, and fistulas. They are also investigated to reduce embolic complication associated with revascularization of saphenous vein graft. The aim of this study is to design a clinically applicable biodegradable membrane-covered stent based on the natural polysaccharide chitosan, which has been developed. The mechanical properties of the membrane is optimized through blending with polyethylene oxide (70:30% Wt CH:PEO). The membrane was able to sustain the mechanical deformation of the supporting self-expandable metallic stents during its deployment. The membrane was demonstrated to resist physiological transmural pressure (burst pressure resistance >500 mm Hg) and presented a high-water permeation resistance (1 mL/cm(2) min(-1) at 120 mmHg). The CH-PEO membrane showed a good hemocompatibility in an ex vivo assay. Heparin and hyaluronan surface complexation with the membrane further reduced platelet adhesion by 50.1 and 63% (p = 0.05). The ability of the membrane-covered devices to be used as a drug reservoir was investigated using the nitric oxide donor sodium nitroprusside (SNP). SNP-loaded membranes displayed significantly reduced platelet adhesion.

Thoracoscopic and laparoscopic esophagectomy: initial experience and outcomes

BACKGROUND

Although surgical resection currently is the preferred treatment for fit patients with resectable esophageal cancers, it is associated with a relatively high risk of morbidity and significant perioperative mortality. Currently, a range of open surgical approaches are used. More recently, minimally invasive approaches have become feasible, with the potential to reduce perioperative morbidity. This study investigated the outcomes from one such approach.

METHODS

Outcome data were collected prospectively for 36 consecutive patients who underwent a minimally invasive esophagectomy for esophageal cancer. A three-stage approach was used, with all the patients undergoing a thoracoscopic esophageal mobilization, combined with either open or hand-assisted laparoscopic abdominal gastric mobilization, and open cervical anastomosis. An open abdominal approach was used for 15 of the patients and a hand-assisted laparoscopic approach for 21. A total of 34 patients had invasive malignancy, whereas 2 had preinvasive disease. A group of 23 patients (68%) who had invasive malignancies also received neoadjuvant chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

RESULTS

The mean operating time ranged from 190 to 360 min (mean, 263 min). The median postoperative hospital stay was 16 days. In-hospital mortality was 5.5% (2/36), and perioperative morbidity was 41%. The perioperative outcomes for patients undergoing an open abdominal approach and those who had hand-assisted laparoscopic surgery were similar. For the patients who underwent a hand-assisted laparoscopic abdominal procedure, the total operating time was shorter (248 vs 281 min), and the blood loss was less (223 vs 440 ml). The median follow-up period was 30 months. The 4-year survival predicted by Kaplan-Meir for the 34 patients with invasive malignancy was 44%.

CONCLUSION

The outcome for esophagectomy using thoracoscopic esophageal mobilization, with or without hand-assisted laparoscopic abdominal surgery, was comparable with data from conventional open surgical approaches. These approaches can be performed with an acceptable level of perioperative morbidity. Further application of these techniques, with close scrutiny of outcome data, is appropriate.