Endoscopic resection for early esophageal carcinoma

Effectiveness and safety of newly introduced endoscopic submucosal dissection in a Western center: a real-life study

OBJECTIVES

Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is a minimally invasive technique for the resection of superficial gastrointestinal lesions, providing high rates of 'en bloc' and R0 resection. East-West differences in ESD quality indicators have been reported. This study aims to assess feasibility, effectiveness, and safety of ESD for the treatment of superficial gastrointestinal (GI) lesions in a Western cohort.

METHODS

Consecutive patients undergoing ESD at one Italian endoscopic referral center from September 2018 to March 2020 were included in this prospective study. Primary outcomes were technical success, R0 resection rate, curative resection rate, and adverse events (AEs).

RESULTS

In total 111 patients (111 lesions) undergoing ESD were included. Anatomic site of the lesions was rectum in 56.8%, colon in 13.5%, stomach in 24.3%, and esophagus in 5.4% of cases, respectively. For upper GI procedures, technical success was 100%, and R0 and curative resection rates were 84.8% and 78.8%, respectively. For colorectal procedures, technical success was 98.7%, R0 and curative resection rates were 88.5% and 84.6%, respectively. Major AEs were reported in 12 cases (10.8%).

CONCLUSION

The introduction of ESD in a Tertiary Center is feasible, effective, and safe, and should be taken into consideration for the treatment of superficial GI lesions requiring 'en bloc' resection.

An updated review of immunotherapy in esophageal cancer: PD-L1 footprint

Esophageal cancer is considered one of the most significant challenges to public health worldwide. While various therapeutic options exist for esophageal cancer, including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery, several adverse effects of these medications have been reported. Therefore, a new generation of therapeutic lines should be applied to minimize complications. In this regard, immunotherapy is a novel approach that aims to kill tumor cells directly by targeting them. Specifically, monoclonal antibodies can target specific markers of esophageal cancer tumor cells, keeping other normal cells safe. Multiple monoclonal antibodies optimized for esophageal cancer, such as pembrolizumab, ramucirumab, trastuzumab, nivolumab, and ipilimumab, are available. On the other hand, esophageal cancer tumor cells express a specific inhibitory ligand and its receptor called programmed cell death, which can suppress T cell immune responses. This receptor provides an inhibitory signal, causing the highest expression of the PD-L1 ligand on tumor cells. The outcomes of this interaction lead to the suppression of the activation and function of T lymphocytes. Therefore, immunotherapy for esophageal cancer targeting the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway has shown a remarkable correlation with cancer care. This study presents a comprehensive review of the latest findings related to immunotherapy in esophageal cancer.

Current evidence of PD-1 and PD-L1 immune checkpoint inhibitors for esophageal cancer: an updated meta-analysis and synthesis of ongoing clinical trials

Background

Esophageal cancer (EC) is the sixth leading cause of cancer mortality worldwide, with a poor prognosis and a 5-year survival rate of 5% in advanced cases.

Objectives

To evaluate the efficacy of programmed death-1 (PD-1) and programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) inhibitors in EC patients by analyzing phase III clinical trials.

Design

A meta-analysis following the PRISMA Statement 2020 guidelines.

Methods

PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, and Embase were searched through 6 December 2022, and the analysis was conducted using Review Manager 5.4.3 (Cochrane).

Results

Out of 387 studies, 13 phase III clinical trials with 6519 participants were pooled. Overall survival (OS) favored PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors with a Cohen's d of 0.28 (95% CI: 0.12-0.43; p = 0.0006), and the likelihood of achieving objective response also favored these inhibitors (OR: 2.04, 95% CI: 1.68-2.48; p < 0.0001).

Conclusion

This meta-analysis provides strong evidence that PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors combined with chemotherapy improve OS and objective response rate among patients with advanced EC but do not affect progression-free survival.

Trial registration

Open Science Framework: osf.io/y27rx.

Esophageal cancer - French intergroup clinical practice guidelines for diagnosis, treatments and follow-up (TNCD, SNFGE, FFCD, GERCOR, UNICANCER, SFCD, SFED, SFRO, ACHBT, SFP, RENAPE, SNFCP, AFEF, SFR)

INTRODUCTION

This document is a summary of the French intergroup guidelines regarding the management of esophageal cancer (EC) published in July 2022, available on the website of the French Society of Gastroenterology (SNFGE) (www.tncd.org).

METHODS

This collaborative work was conducted under the auspices of several French medical and surgical societies involved in the management of EC. Recommendations were graded in three categories (A, B and C), according to the level of evidence found in the literature until April 2022.

RESULTS

EC diagnosis and staging evaluation are mainly based on patient's general condition assessment, endoscopy plus biopsies, TAP CT-scan and 18F FDG-PET. Surgery alone is recommended for early-stage EC, while locally advanced disease (N+ and/or T3-4) is treated with perioperative chemotherapy (FLOT) or preoperative chemoradiation (CROSS regimen) followed by immunotherapy for adenocarcinoma. Preoperative chemoradiation (CROSS regimen) followed by immunotherapy or definitive chemoradiation with the possibility of organ preservation are the two options for squamous cell carcinoma. Salvage surgery is recommended for incomplete response or recurrence after definitive chemoradiation and should be performed in an expert center. Treatment for metastatic disease is based on systemic therapy including chemotherapy, immunotherapy or combined targeted therapy according to biomarkers testing such as HER2 status, MMR status and PD-L1 expression.

CONCLUSION

These guidelines are intended to provide a personalised therapeutic strategy for daily clinical practice and are subject to ongoing optimization. Each individual case should be discussed by a multidisciplinary team.

Current Status and Future Prospects for Esophageal Cancer

Esophageal cancer (EC) is the ninth most common cancer and the sixth leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide. Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) are the two main histological subtypes with distinct epidemiological and clinical features. While the global incidence of ESCC is declining, the incidence of EAC is increasing in many countries. Decades of epidemiologic research have identified distinct environmental exposures for ESCC and EAC subtypes. Recent advances in understanding the genomic aspects of EC have advanced our understanding of EC causes and led to using specific genomic alterations in EC tumors as biomarkers for early diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of this cancer. Nevertheless, the prognosis of EC is still poor, with a five-year survival rate of less than 20%. Currently, there are significant challenges for early detection and secondary prevention for both ESCC and EAC subtypes, but Cytosponge™ is shifting this position for EAC. Primary prevention remains the preferred strategy for reducing the global burden of EC. In this review, we will summarize recent advances, current status, and future prospects of the studies related to epidemiology, time trends, environmental risk factors, prevention, early diagnosis, and treatment for both EC subtypes.

Role of Endoscopy in Management of Upper Gastrointestinal Cancers

Upper gastrointestinal (GI) malignancy is a leading cause of cancer-related morbidity and mortality. Upper endoscopy has an established role in diagnosing and staging upper GI cancers, screening for pre-malignant lesions, and providing palliation in cases of advanced malignancy. New advances in endoscopic techniques and technology have improved diagnostic accuracy and increased the therapeutic potential of upper endoscopy. We aim to describe the different types of endoscopic technology used in cancer diagnosis, summarize the current guidelines for endoscopic diagnosis and treatment of malignant and pre-malignant lesions, and explore new potential roles for endoscopy in cancer therapy.

Thoracolaparoscopic esophagectomy for esophageal cancer with a cervical or abdominal incision to extract specimen

Surgery is the only curative approach for resectable esophageal cancer. This retrospective study was to investigate the immediate effect and operative complications of conventional and modified thoracolaparoscopic esophagectomy with a cervical or abdominal incision to extract specimen for the treatment of patients with esophageal cancer. Eighty-one patients were enrolled, among which 55 patients underwent conventional McKeown thoracolaparoscopic esophagectomy (conventional MTE) and 26 patients underwent modified MTE with a cerivical incision (modified MTE). The clinical, surgical, and postoperative data were analyzed. No significant (P > .05) difference was detected in the clinical data between two groups. The surgical procedure was successful in all patients (100%). The surgical time was significantly (P = .018) shorter in the conventional MTE group than in the modified MTE group (280 min vs 317 min). However, no significant (P > .05) difference was found in blood loss (200 mL vs 180 mL), intensive care unit (ICU) stay (31.3 ± 11.3 vs 25.2 ± 6.4 hours), first flatus after surgery (2.9 ± 1.9 vs 3.3 ± 1.6 days), postoperative hospital stay (12.9 ± 5.6 vs 12.6 ± 3.3 days), total number of lymph nodes dissected (27.9 ± 4.1 vs 26.7 ± 5.7), types of carcinoma, and pathological classification. No significant (P > .05) differences were detected in postoperative complications between the two groups. Assessment of postoperative pain using the visual analogue scale (VAS) score showed a significant (P < .05) difference in the VAS score at day 2 (4.81 ± 1.70 vs 3.87 ± 1.14) and day 3 (5.10 ± 0.83 vs 4.61 ± 1.12) between the conventional and modified MTE groups. The modified McKeown thoracolaparoscopic esophagectomy with only one cervical incision is more minimally invasive, more cosmetic, and less painful than the conventional approach.

Isothiocyanates (ITCs) 1-(Isothiocyanatomethyl)-4-phenylbenzene and 1-Isothiocyanato-3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)benzene—Aldehyde Dehydrogenase (ALDH) Inhibitors, Decreases Cisplatin Tolerance and Migratory Ability of NSCLC

One of the main treatment modalities for non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is cisplatin-based chemotherapy. However, the acquisition of cisplatin resistance remains a major problem. Existing chemotherapy regimens are often ineffective against cancer cells expressing aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH). As such, there is an urgent need for therapies targeting ALDH-positive cancer cells. The present study compares the anticancer properties of 36 structurally diverse isothiocyanates (ITCs) against NSCLC cells with the ALDH inhibitor disulfiram (DSF). Their potential affinity to ALDH isoforms and ABC proteins was assessed using AutoDockTools, allowing for selection of three compounds presenting the strongest affinity to all tested proteins. The selected ITCs had no impact on NSCLC cell viability (at tested concentrations), but significantly decreased the cisplatin tolerance of cisplatin-resistant variant of A549 (A549CisR) and advanced (stage 4) NSCLC cell line H1581. Furthermore, long-term supplementation with ITC 1-(isothiocyanatomethyl)-4-phenylbenzene reverses the EMT phenotype and migratory potential of A549CisR to the level presented by parental A549 cells, increasing E-Cadherin expression, followed by decreased expression of ABCC1 and ALDH3A1. Our data indicates that the ALDH inhibitors DSF and ITCs are potential adjuvants of cisplatin chemotherapy.

Endoscopic Management of Esophageal Cancer

Advances in technology and improved understanding of the pathobiology of esophageal cancer have allowed endoscopy to serve a growing role in the management of this disease. Precursor lesions can be detected using enhanced diagnostic modalities and eradicated with ablation therapy. Furthermore, evolution in endoscopic resection has provided larger specimens for improved diagnostic accuracy and offer potential for cure of early esophageal cancer. In patients with advanced esophageal cancer, endoluminal therapy can improve symptom burden and provide therapeutic options for complications such as leaks, perforations, and fistulas. The purpose of this review article is to highlight the role of endoscopy in the diagnosis, treatment, and palliation of esophageal cancer.

Possible tumour cell reimplantation during curative endoscopic therapy of superficial Barrett's carcinoma

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Endoscopic resection has been established as curative therapy for superficial cancer arising from Barrett's oesophagus (BE); recurrences are very rare. Based on a case series with unusual and massive early recurrences, we analyse the issue of tumour cell reimplantation.

METHODS

This hypothesis was developed on the basis of two out of seven patients treated by circumferential (n=6) or nearly circumferential (n=1) en bloc and R0 endoscopic resection of T1 neoplastic BE. Subsequently, a prospective histocytological analysis of endoscope channels and accessories was performed in 2 phases (cytohistological analysis; test for cell viability) in 22 different oesophageal carcinoma patients undergoing endoscopy. Finally, cultures from two oesophageal adenocarcinoma cell lines were incubated with different triamcinolone concentrations (0.625-10 mg/mL); cell growth was determined on a Multiwell plate reader.

RESULTS

Cancer regrowth in the two suspicious cases (male, 78/71 years) occurred 7 and 1 months, respectively, after curative tumour resection. Subsequent surgery showed advanced tumours (T2) with lymph node metastases; one patient died. On cytohistological examinations of channels and accessories, suspicious/neoplastic cells were found in 4/10 superficial and in all 5 advanced cancers. Further analyses in seven further advanced adenocarcinoma cases showed viable cells in two channel washing specimens. Finally, cell culture experiments demonstrated enhanced tumour cell growth by triamcinolone after 24 hours compared with controls.

CONCLUSIONS

Tumour cell reimplanation from contaminated endoscopes and accessories is a possible cause of local recurrence after curative endoscopic therapy for superficial Barrett carcinoma; also, corticosteroid injection could have promoted tumour regrowth in these cases.

Long-Term Outcomes and Prognostic Factors of Superficial Esophageal Cancer in Patients Aged ≥ 65 Years

Background

The number of elderly patients with superficial esophageal cancer (SEC) is increasing. We aimed to evaluate the clinical outcomes and prognostic factors of overall survival (OS) in elderly patients undergoing endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) or surgical resection for SEC.

Methods

Between January 2001 and May 2020, 290 patients aged ≥65 years who underwent ESD or surgical resection for SEC were evaluated. Their clinical outcomes and prognosis were assessed, and independent risk factors for OS were identified.

Results

The mean patient age (269 men and 21 women) was 70.9 years (range 65–90 years). En bloc, R0, and curative resections were achieved in 94.5%, 90.0%, and 73.4% of the patients, respectively. During the follow-up [mean: 54.6 months (range: 1–210 months)], 79 patients died. The 3-, 5-, and 10-year OS rates were 82.5, 73.1, and 59.7%, respectively. In multivariate analysis, cancer history of the other organs, American Society of Anesthesiologists performance status, and presence of lymphovascular involvement (hazard ratio = 1.852, 1.656, and 1.943, respectively; all P &lt; 0.05) were independent risk factors for poor OS. The high-risk group (≥2 risk factors) showed a significantly lower OS than the low-risk group (≤ 1 risk factor) (P &lt; 0.001).

Conclusions

The three risk factors could be useful in predicting the long-term prognosis of elderly patients with SEC.

Lymph node metastasis pattern and significance of left gastric artery lymph node dissection in esophagectomy for esophageal cancers

Purpose

To investigate the lymph node metastasis pattern and significance of dissection of the left gastric artery lymph nodes in radical en bloc esophagectomy for esophageal squamous carcinomas based on the lymphatic drainage pathway revealed by carbon nanoparticle labeling.

Materials and methods

Patients who underwent en bloc esophagectomy endoscopically were retrospectively enrolled. Carbon nanoparticles were injected in the submucosa of upper thoracic esophagus to label the relevant draining lymph nodes. The clinical data, lymph nodes dissected, surgical technique, and complications were analyzed.

Results

En bloc esophagectomy was successful in all 179 patients. Metastases to the left gastric artery lymph nodes were positive in 42 patients (23.5%) but negative in 137 (76.5%). The left gastric lymph nodes were labeled, whereas no celiac lymph nodes were labeled by carbon nanoparticles. A total of 4652 lymph nodes were resected, with 26 lymph nodes per patient. Seventy-three patients had lymph node metastasis (73/179). Seventeen patients had metastasis to the recurrent laryngeal nerve lymph nodes (9.5%). The metastasis rate of the lower thoracic esophageal cancer to the left gastric artery lymph nodes was 37.0%, significantly greater than that at the middle (15.4%) or upper (6.7%) thoracic segment. The lymph node metastasis rate was significantly (P < 0.05) increased with the length of the cancerous lesion, infiltration depth, and poor differentiation. Univariate analysis revealed that the metastasis rate to the left gastric artery lymph nodes was significantly (P < 0.05) associated with paraesophageal lymph node metastasis, para-cardial lymph metastasis, and TNM classification. Multivariate analysis indicated that cancer location (odds ratio 8.32, 95% confidence interval 2.12–32.24) was significantly (P < 0.05) associated with metastasis to the left gastric artery lymph nodes, with the cancer at the middle and lower thoracic segments significantly more than in the upper thoracic segment.

Conclusion

Certain patterns exist in lymph node metastasis of esophageal cancer, and in radical esophagectomy of esophageal cancers, dissection of the left gastric artery lymph nodes is necessary to prevent possible residual or metastasis of esophageal squamous carcinomas based on the lymphatic drainage pathway of esophageal carcinomas demonstrated by carbon nanoparticle labeling.

Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection Versus Surgery for Superficial Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Propensity Score-Matched Survival Analysis

INTRODUCTION:

Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is a preferred treatment option for superficial esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (SESCC). However, only few studies compared long-term survival outcomes of ESD with surgery. This study compared the overall survival (OS), recurrence-free survival, and complication rates of ESD with those of surgery.

METHODS:

We reviewed patients who underwent ESD (n = 70) or surgery (n = 114) for SESCC at Seoul National University Hospital from 2011 to 2017. A propensity score-matched analysis was used to reduce selection bias. To increase the precision of our results interpretation, subgroups were analyzed according to the depth of tumor invasion.

RESULTS:

In the matching study, the ESD group (n = 34) showed comparable survival outcomes with the surgery group (n = 34). The 5-year OS rates were 89.4% vs 87.8% for the ESD and the surgery groups, respectively; similarly, the 5-year recurrence-free survival rates were 90.9% and 91.6%, respectively. The ESD group showed a lower early major complication rate (2.9% [1 of 34] vs 23.5% [8 of 34], P < 0.001) and shorter hospital stay (median, 3.0 days vs 16.5 days, P < 0.001) than the surgery group. In the tumor in situ (Tis)-subgroup, ESD showed better OS than esophagectomy (P = 0.030). Between-group comparisons of survival outcomes in the T1a and T1b subgroups revealed no significant differences.

DISCUSSION:

Long-term outcomes of ESD are comparable with surgery for patients with SESCC. For early major complications and duration of hospital stay, ESD was associated with better outcomes than radical surgery. These results support ESD as the preferred treatment option for SESCC.

Implementation of a regional video multidisciplinary team meeting is associated with an improved prognosis for patients with oesophageal cancer A mixed methods approach

BACKGROUND

Studies have shown that multidisciplinary team meetings (MDTM) improve diagnostic work-up and treatment-decisions. This study aims to evaluate the influence of implementing a regional-video-Upper-GI-MDTM (uMDTM) for oesophageal cancer (OC) on the number of patients discussed, treatment-decisions, perspectives of involved clinicians and overall survival (OS) in the Eindhoven Upper-GI Network consisting of 1 resection hospital and 5 referring hospitals.

METHODS

Between 2012 and 2018, patients diagnosed with OC within this region, were selected from the Netherlands Cancer Registry(n = 1119). From 2014, an uMDTM was gradually implemented and a mixed-method quantitative and qualitative design was used to analyse changes. Quantitative outcomes were described before and after implementation of the uMDTM. Clinicians were interviewed to assess their perspectives regarding the uMDTM.

RESULTS

After participation in the uMDTM more patients were discussed in an MDTM (80%-89%,p < 0.0001) and involvement of a resection centre during the uMDTM increased (43%-82%,p < 0.0001). The proportion of patients diagnosed with potentially curable OC (cT1-4a-x, any cN, cM0) remained stable (59%-61%, p = 0.452). Endoscopic or surgical resections were performed more often (28%-34%,p = 0.034) and the use of best supportive care decreased (21%-15%,p = 0.018). In the qualitative part an improved knowledge, collaboration and discussion was perceived due to implementation of the uMDTM. Three-year OS for all OC patients increased after the implementation of the uMDTM (24%-30%,p = 0.025).

CONCLUSIONS

Implementation of a regional Upper-GI MDTM was associated with an increase in patients discussed with a resection centre, more curative resections and a better OS. It remains to be elucidated which factors in the clinical pathway explain this observed improved survival.

Current Trends in Endoscopic Diagnosis and Treatment of Early Esophageal Cancer

Simple Summary

Early esophageal cancer is diagnosed in the context of reflux disease, surveillance of Barrett’s metaplasia, or during upper gastrointestinal endoscopy for other indications. High definition and virtual or dye chromoendoscopy are mandatory for the screening and evaluation of neoplasia. Endoscopic treatment options include endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) or endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD). Resection is considered curative if histopathology confirms low or absent risk of lymph node metastasis. Barrett’s high-grade dysplasia or early adenocarcinoma is treated by EMR or ESD, followed by ablation of Barrett’s epithelium to avoid metachronous cancer. ESD is the treatment of choice for squamous cell neoplasia. Excellent outcomes have been reported if the ESD of squamous cell cancer with slight submucosal infiltration and thus substantial risk for lymph node metastasis was combined with adjuvant chemo-radiotherapy. In contrast, infiltration of squamous cell cancer exceeding the lamina propria mucosae is not curative. However, despite a substantial risk of lymph node metastasis, excellent outcomes have recently been reported if endoscopic resection of tumors with up to 200 µm submucosal infiltration was combined with adjuvant chemo-radiotherapy.

Abstract

Diagnosis of esophageal adenocarcinoma mostly occurs in the context of reflux disease or surveillance of Barrett’s metaplasia. Optimal detection rates are obtained with high definition and virtual or dye chromoendoscopy. Smaller lesions can be treated with endoscopic mucosal resection. Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is an option for larger lesions. Endoscopic resection is considered curative (i.e., without significant risk of lymph node metastasis) if histopathology confirms en bloc and R0 resection of a well-differentiated (G1/2) tumor without infiltration of lymphatic or blood vessels and the maximal submucosal infiltration depth is 500µm. Ablation of remaining Barrett’s metaplasia is important, to reduce the risk of metachronous cancer. Esophageal squamous cell cancer is associated with different risk factors, and most of the detected lesions are diagnosed during upper gastrointestinal endoscopy for other indications. Virtual high definition and dye chromoendoscopy with Lugol’s solution are used for screening and evaluation. ESD is the preferred resection technique. The criteria for curative resection are similar to Barrett’s cancer, but the maximum infiltration depth must not exceed lamina propria mucosae. Although a submucosal infiltration depth of up to 200 µm carries a substantial risk of lymph node metastasis, ESD combined with adjuvant chemo-radiotherapy gives excellent results. The complication rates of endoscopic resection are low, and the functional outcomes are favorable compared to surgery.

Subtotal stomach in esophageal reconstruction surgery achieves an anastomotic leakage rate of less than 1%

Aim

The objective of this retrospective, single‐institution study was to assess the safety and feasibility of reconstruction using subtotal stomach (SS) with esophagectomy for patients with esophageal cancer (EC). Although several different gastric‐tube‐making and anastomotic methods have been reported, the incidence rate of anastomotic leakage with EC surgery is generally reported over 10%. Complications should be avoided, and patient quality of life (QOL) should be maintained postoperatively. We have used SS reconstruction and hand‐sutured cervical esophagus‐subtotal gastric anastomosis at the neck wound in EC surgery. Short‐ and long‐term outcomes in cases using SS are not well known.

Methods

Between January 2008 and September 2019, 300 patients underwent esophagectomy for EC and reconstruction using SS. The primary endpoint was the rate of anastomotic leakage. Secondary endpoints were postoperative morbidities, QOL, and changes in patients’ body weight and skeletal muscle weight.

Results

Anastomotic leakage was observed in two patients (0.67%), and pneumonia was observed in nine patients (3.0%). Fifteen patients (5.0%) had an anastomotic stenosis requiring a bougie. Nausea occurred in 11 patients (3.7%), and dumping syndrome occurred in seven patients (2.3%). Dysphagia and early feeling of abdominal fullness scores tended to be high after surgery but gradually decreased after 6 months. Good results were obtained for reflux feeling scores. Body weight changed with an average decrease of −2 ± 3.71 kg (P = .071) over 5 years.

Conclusion

Reconstruction using SS resulted in an extremely low rate of anastomotic leakage and good QOL postoperatively in patients with EC.

The treatments and postoperative complications of esophageal cancer: a review

Abstract

Esophageal cancer is still one of the most common cancers in the world. We review the appropriate treatments at different stages of esophageal cancer and also analyze the advantages and disadvantages of these treatments. The prognosis and recovery of different treatment regimens are further discussed. In particular, post-operative complications are the major causes of high mortality derived from the esophageal cancer. Therefore, we particularly discuss the main complications resulting in high mortality after surgery of esophageal cancer, and summarize their risk factors and treatment options.

Background

As the common cancer, the complications of esophageal cancer after surgery have been not obtained systematic treatment strategy, focusing on treatment regimens based on the different stages of esophageal cancers.

Methods and overview

This paper systematically summarizes the appropriate treatment strategies for different stages of esophageal cancers, and their advantages and disadvantages. We particularly focus on the postoperative survival rate of patients and postoperative complications, and discuss the causes of high mortality risk factors after surgery. The risk factors of death and corresponding treatment methods are further summarized in this study.

Conclusion

Postoperative complications is the main cause responsible for the hard cure of esophageal cancers. The existing literatures indicate that postoperative anastomotic fistula is one of the most important complications leading to death, while it has not received much attention yet. We suggest that anastomotic fistula should be detected and dealt with early by summarizing these literatures. It is, therefore, necessary to develop a set of methods to predict or check anastomotic fistula in advance.

Pathologic Evaluation of Large Colorectal Endoscopic Submucosal Dissections: An Analysis of 279 Cases With Emphasis on the Importance of Multidisciplinary Work and Establishing Examination Protocols

Background. Endoscopic submucosal dissections (ESDs) allow removal of large gastrointestinal tumors and help patients avoid major oncologic surgery. In this study, the challenges and development of approaches toward successfully handling ESDs were analyzed in 279 colorectal specimens (114 rectal, 47 left, 118 right colonic; 90% adenoma with/without carcinoma). Methods. Each specimen was processed according to an established protocol including gross photography, mapping, and total submission for histopathologic examination. Results. Mean lesion size was 4.2 cm (range: 0.5-22 cm; 28% ≥5 cm; 6% ≥10 cm). Invasive carcinoma was present in 38 cases (14%), which had a mean overall tumor size of 3.8 cm (range: 1.1-17.5 cm), and mean largest size of the invasive component was 0.93 cm (range: 0.04-3 cm). Fifteen cases were staged as pT1a (submucosal invasion of <1000 µm) and 13 cases as pT1b (submucosal invasion of ≥1000 µm). En-bloc and R0 resection rates were 99.3% and 90.6%, respectively. Conclusion. Various histopathologic challenges were encountered, which were carefully evaluated by dedicated pathologists with familiarity to the subtleties in handling and reporting these specimens. We recommend these specimens to be prepared in the endoscopy suite, submitted to the Pathology Department oriented, pinned, and placed into copious amount of fixative. Total sampling, gross photography, mapping, and proper fixation are crucial components in the histopathologic evaluation. Micromeasurement of invasion depth and substaging per European/Japanese guidelines as well as accurate measurement of the distance from the resection margins are highly recommended. In conclusion, ESD is an adequate method that can be successfully implemented in a tertiary care center to perform en-bloc and margin-free resections of clinically selected large colorectal superficial lesions.

Pathologic Evaluation of Endoscopically Resected Non-Ampullary Duodenal Lesions: A Single Center Experience

OBJECTIVE

Endoscopic resections are increasingly being used for superficial gastrointestinal lesions. However, application of these techniques in the duodenum remains challenging, due to the technical difficulties and high complication rates. This study projects a western tertiary center's experience in the endoscopic treatment and diagnostic workup of 19 cases of non-ampullary duodenal lesions.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

Specimens (12 endoscopic mucosal resections, 6 endoscopic submucosal dissections, and one endoscopic full-thickness resection) were processed following a strict protocol (photographed, mapped digitally and submitted totally) for histopathologic examination. Clinicopathologic characteristics, margin status and follow-up information were analyzed.

RESULTS

The mean age of the 16 patients was 52 years (range: 22-81). Mean lesion size was 1.4 cm (range: 0.3-3.6 cm) for all cases, 2 cm for endoscopic submucosal dissections and 1.1 cm for endoscopic mucosal resections. Mean number of blocks submitted was 4/case. Seven neuroendocrine tumors, 3 tubulovillous adenomas were diagnosed along with nine benign lesions. For endoscopic submucosal dissections, en-bloc and R0 resection rates were 100% (n=6/6) and 83% (n=5/6); for endoscopic mucosal resections, they were 92% (n=11/12) and 83% (n=10/12), respectively. Only one patient had procedure-related late perforation that was managed endoscopically. No mortality was encountered.

CONCLUSION

Duodenal endoscopic resections proved successful, safe and feasible methods in a tertiary center. The pathologist's role is to designate the accurate diagnosis, related histopathologic parameters and margin status. The gross protocol was found to be essential in evaluating specimen margins and orientation, as well as in size measurement. We recommend following a standardized approach including gross photography and digital mapping when handling these specimens, for both diagnostic and data collection purposes.

Gastrointestinal Motility Issues in Cancer Patients

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This paper seeks to highlight GI motility disorders that are frequently present in patients with a malignancy. GI dysmotility can occur due to the cancer itself or as a consequence of medical and surgical treatments. Often, symptoms are nonspecific and the diagnosis requires a high index of suspicion. The goal of the paper is to review the common motility problems seen in patients with cancer, their clinical manifestations, and options for management.

RECENT FINDINGS

Studies show that newer endoscopy techniques such as endoscopic mucosal dissection can cause esophageal dysmotility. Opioid-induced constipation is frequently encountered in patients with cancer. Motility disorders in cancer patient can lead to clinical morbidity, poor quality of life, and malnutrition. Newer diagnostic tests and medical and surgical treatments may be helpful in improving the diagnosis and management of these disorders.

Autophagy modulators for the treatment of oral and esophageal squamous cell carcinomas

Oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCC) and esophageal squamous cell carcinomas (ESCC) exhibit a survival rate of less than 60% and 40%, respectively. Late-stage diagnosis and lack of effective treatment strategies make both OSCC and ESCC a significant health burden. Autophagy, a lysosome-dependent catabolic process, involves the degradation of intracellular components to maintain cell homeostasis. Targeting autophagy has been highlighted as a feasible therapeutic strategy with clinical utility in cancer treatment, although its associated regulatory mechanisms remain elusive. The detection of relevant biomarkers in biological fluids has been anticipated to facilitate early diagnosis and/or prognosis for these tumors. In this context, recent studies have indicated the presence of specific proteins and small RNAs, detectable in circulating plasma and serum, as biomarkers. Interestingly, the interplay between biomarkers (eg, exosomal microRNAs) and autophagic processes could be exploited in the quest for targeted and more effective therapies for OSCC and ESCC. In this review, we give an overview of the available biomarkers and innovative targeted therapeutic strategies, including the application of autophagy modulators in OSCC and ESCC. Additionally, we provide a viewpoint on the state of the art and on future therapeutic perspectives combining the early detection of relevant biomarkers with drug discovery for the treatment of OSCC and ESCC.