Hiatal Hernia With Ulcer at the Gastroesophageal Junction Presenting With Progressive Dysphagia and Epigastric Pain: A Case Report.

A hiatal hernia occurs when the contents of the abdominal cavity, most often the stomach, protrude into the chest cavity through the esophageal hiatus. The hiatus is an elliptical-shaped outlet, typically formed by parts of the right diaphragmatic crus surrounding the distal esophagus. This ailment can transpire due to either the broadening of the specific diaphragmatic opening or a shortening in the overall length of the esophagus, leading to herniation of the stomach into the thoracic region. Raised pressure in the abdominal region may also be one of the culprits. Patients with a hiatal hernia usually remain asymptomatic, but patients might have difficulty swallowing both liquids and solids in the advanced stages of the disease. The disease is rarely accompanied by reflux of gastric acid into the esophagus due to decreased activity of the lower esophageal sphincter, leading to increased complaints of epigastric pain and ulceration near the gastroesophageal junction. Long-standing cases can increase the risk of developing Barrett's esophagus with dysplasia, which may advance to esophageal carcinoma in later stages. Advanced age and obesity are significant risk factors for hiatal hernia. Obese individuals, in particular, experience higher intra-abdominal pressure, which significantly raises the likelihood of developing a hiatal hernia. The hernia may be diagnosed through an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy or radiologically through a chest X-ray in the posterior-anterior view, defining the border of the esophagus. Hence, this facilitates a more seamless and precise diagnosis. Surgical fundoplication treatment improves the patient's condition better than solitary medical management. Overall, addressing the condition surgically often yields more favorable outcomes and enhances the patient's quality of life. Hiatal hernia usually presents with no or minimal clinical manifestations. Thus, this case report highlights the importance of comprehensive clinical management of such cases.

Phase III randomized trial comparing palliative systemic therapy to best supportive care in advanced esophageal/GEJ cancer.

No study has unequivocally proven that chemotherapy prolongs overall survival (OS) in advanced esophageal cancer. We conducted a Phase III randomized study in first-line advanced unresectable/metastatic esophageal/GEJ cancer. Patients aged 18-70 years, with performance status 0-2, were randomized to best supportive care (BSC) alone, or BSC with weekly paclitaxel 80 mg/m2. BSC comprised, as indicated, education, counselling, radiation, stenting, feeding tube placement, nutritional supplementation, medications like analgesics, and referral to a support group and palliative care. The primary endpoint was OS; secondary endpoints included progression free survival (PFS), response, toxicity, and QoL. Between May 2016-December 2020, we recruited 281 patients: 143 to chemotherapy and 138 to BSC. Histopathology was squamous in 269 (95.7%) patients. Median number of paclitaxel doses was 12 (IQR, 7-23). Median OS was 4.2 months (95% CI, 3.42-5.32) in BSC, and 9.2 months (95% CI, 8.02-10.48) in chemotherapy; HR, 0.49 (95% CI, 0.39-0.64); p < .001. As compared to BSC, chemotherapy increased response (2.9% to 39%), median PFS (2.1 to 4.2 months), 1-year OS (11% to 32%), 2-year OS (0 to 9%), median dysphagia-free survival (2.9 to 14.8 months), and global and esophagus-specific QoL, without significantly increasing all-grade or grade ≥3 toxicities. Using ESMO clinical benefit scale and ASCO Value Framework, palliative chemotherapy scored as having "substantial value." Our study provides the first level 1 evidence that chemotherapy prolongs survival in advanced esophageal/GEJ carcinoma. BSC alone is no longer appropriate. Weekly paclitaxel is an attractive option, especially in LMICs with limited access to immunotherapy.

Botulinum Toxin Enhanced Foker Process for Long Gap Esophageal Atresia.

BACKGROUND: The traction-induced esophageal growth (Foker) process for the treatment of long gap esophageal atresia (LGEA) relies on applying progressive tension to the esophagus to induce growth. Due to its anti-fibrotic and muscle-relaxing properties, we hypothesize that Botulinum Toxin A (BTX) can enhance traction-induced esophageal growth. METHODS: A retrospective two-center cohort study was conducted on children who underwent a BTX-enhanced Foker process for LGEA repair from 2021 to 2023. BTX (10 units/ml, 2 units/kg, per esophageal pouch) was applied at the time of traction initiation. Time on traction, complications, and anastomotic outcomes were compared against historical controls (Foker process without BTX) from 2014 to 2021. RESULTS: Twenty infants (LGEA type A:12, B:4, C:4; 35% reoperative; median [IQR] age 3 [2-5] months), underwent BTX-enhanced Foker process (thoracotomy with external traction: 9; minimally invasive [MIS] multi-staged internal traction: 11). Mean gap lengths were similar between BTX-enhanced external and external traction control patients (mean [SD], 50.6 mm [12.6] vs. 44.5 mm [11.9], p = 0.21). When compared to controls, the BTX-enhanced external traction process was significantly faster (mean [SD], 12.1 [1.6] days vs. 16.6 [13.2] without BTX, p = 0.04) despite similar preoperative gap lengths. There was no difference in time on traction for those undergoing a minimally invasive process. There were no significant differences in complications or anastomotic outcomes in either cohort. CONCLUSION: Botulinum toxin may play a role in accelerating the traction-induced esophageal growth process for LGEA repair. Minimizing time on traction can decrease sedation and paralysis burden while on external traction. Further studies are needed to elucidate the effects of BTX on the esophagus. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III. TYPE OF STUDY: Retrospective, Two-center, Cohort study.

Efficacy and Safety of "Vacuum Swallowing" Based on a Strong Negative Esophageal Pressure in Healthy Individuals.

Vacuum swallowing is a unique method for improving the pharyngeal passage of a bolus by creating subatmospheric negative pressure in the esophagus. However, whether healthy individuals and other patients with dysphagia can reproduce vacuum swallowing remains unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to assess whether healthy individuals verified using high-resolution manometry (HRM) could reproduce vacuum swallowing and evaluate its safety using a swallowing and breathing monitoring system (SBMS). Two healthy individuals who mastered vacuum swallowing taught this method to 12 healthy individuals, who performed normal and vacuum swallowing with 5 mL of water five times each. The minimum esophageal pressure and the maximum pressure of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) were evaluated during each swallow using the HRM. Additionally, respiratory-swallowing coordination was evaluated using the SBMS. Ten individuals reproduced vacuum swallowing, and a total of 50 vacuum swallows were analyzed. The minimum esophageal pressure (-15.0 ± 4.9 vs. -46.6 ± 16.7 mmHg; P < 0.001) was significantly lower, and the maximum pressure of the LES (25.4 ± 37.7 vs. 159.5 ± 83.6 mmHg; P < 0.001) was significantly higher during vacuum swallowing. The frequencies of the I-SW and SW-I patterns in vacuum swallowing were 38.9% and 0%, respectively, using the SBMS. Vacuum swallowing could be reproduced safely in healthy participants with instruction. Therefore, instructing exhalation before and after vacuum swallowing is recommended to prevent aspiration.

Development of a prediction score for Barrett's esophagus in Japanese health checkup settings.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of esophageal adenocarcinoma has recently increased in Asia, including Japan. A system to identify individuals at high risk for Barrett's esophagus (BE), a pre-cancerous condition of esophageal adenocarcinoma, among the general population is needed to perform endoscopic surveillance appropriately. We therefore developed risk prediction scores for BE at health checkups in Japan. METHODS: 4128 consecutive health checkup examinees were retrospectively enrolled from October 2021 to March 2022. A prediction score for BE was developed based on the linear transformation of ß-regression coefficients in a multivariable regression model incorporating BE predictors. Internal validation was performed by evaluating discrimination and calibration of the prediction model. RESULTS: Three prediction scores corresponding to BE based on its length were developed: all lengths, ≥ 1 cm, ≥ 2 cm. All scores were internally validated, and the model calibration was excellent. The performance of the prediction models was better for longer BE, with a c-statistic of 0.70 for BE ≥ 2 cm, than for shorter values. The prediction score for BE ≥ 2 cm yielded sensitivity and specificity of 52.9% and 78.6% in high-risk subjects and 91.2% and 29.3% in intermediate- or high-risk subjects, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This prediction score can potentially increase the endoscopic detection of BE by identifying potentially high-risk individuals from the general population. This is the first report on developing a prediction score for BE that may suit the Japanese population.

[Gender medicine in diseases of the upper gastrointestinal tract]. / Gendermedizin bei Erkrankungen des oberen Gastrointestinaltrakts.

Benign and malignant diseases of the upper gastrointestinal tract show gender-specific differences. The frequent gastroesophageal reflux disease is a prime example: men have an erosive reflux disease more often than women and are also younger at the time of onset. The rate of progression to a metaplastic Barrett's esophagus is also higher in men. In the case of achalasia, there are indications that surgical treatment by laparoscopic Heller's myotomy and semifundoplication 180° according to Dor leads to a markedly better improvement in the symptoms in women compared to men, although they showed a more pronounced dilation of the tubular esophagus. The female hormone status influences the localization and histopathology of adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction and gastric carcinoma. Premenopausal and postmenopausal carcinomas differ significantly in women. In addition, high microsatellite instability (MSI high) is more frequent in women and is associated with a generally significantly better prognosis. The MSI high gastric carcinomas of women show better survival than MSI high carcinomas of men. The future inclusion of gender-specific aspects in studies of the upper gastrointestinal tract is desirable in order to generate adequate data and to enable differentiated treatment stratification in the future.

A View in the Dark: Two Cases of Acute Esophageal Necrosis in the Setting of Diabetic Ketoacidosis.

Acute esophageal necrosis (AEN), also known as Gurvits syndrome, is a rare and potentially life-threatening condition characterized by necrosis of the esophageal mucosa. Acute esophageal necrosis is often associated with critical conditions, such as myocardial infarction, diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection, or post-surgical complications. Patients typically present with nausea, hematemesis, acute dysphagia, and melena. Given its high mortality rate, prompt detection with upper endoscopy and early initiation of treatment are crucial. Most cases of Gurvits syndrome are managed conservatively using intravenous fluids, proton pump inhibitors, and antibiotics. Herein, we present a case series of AEN in the setting of DKA. Both patients received supportive care and were discharged in a stable condition.

Cholelithiasis and cholecystectomy increase the risk of gastroesophageal reflux disease and Barrett's esophagus.

Background: Cholelithiasis or cholecystectomy may contribute to the development of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), Barrett's esophagus (BE), and esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) through bile reflux; however, current observational studies yield inconsistent findings. We utilized a novel approach combining meta-analysis and Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis, to assess the association between them. Methods: The literature search was done using PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase databases, up to 3 November 2023. A meta-analysis of observational studies assessing the correlations between cholelithiasis or cholecystectomy, and the risk factors for GERD, BE, and EACwas conducted. In addition, the MR analysis was employed to assess the causative impact of genetic pre-disposition for cholelithiasis or cholecystectomy on these esophageal diseases. Results: The results of the meta-analysis indicated that cholelithiasis was significantly linked to an elevated risk in the incidence of BE (RR, 1.77; 95% CI, 1.37-2.29; p < 0.001) and cholecystectomy was a risk factor for GERD (RR, 1.37; 95%CI, 1.09-1.72; p = 0.008). We observed significant genetic associations between cholelithiasis and both GERD (OR, 1.06; 95% CI, 1.02-1.10; p < 0.001) and BE (OR, 1.21; 95% CI, 1.11-1.32; p < 0.001), and a correlation between cholecystectomy and both GERD (OR, 1.04; 95% CI, 1.02-1.06; p < 0.001) and BE (OR, 1.13; 95% CI, 1.06-1.19; p < 0.001). After adjusting for common risk factors, such as smoking, alcohol consumption, and BMI in multivariate analysis, the risk of GERD and BE still persisted. Conclusion: Our study revealed that both cholelithiasis and cholecystectomy elevate the risk of GERD and BE. However, there is no observed increase in the risk of EAC, despite GERD and BE being the primary pathophysiological pathways leading to EAC. Therefore, patients with cholelithiasis and cholecystectomy should be vigilant regarding esophageal symptoms; however, invasive EAC cytology may not be necessary.

Biomarkers of Airway Disease, Barrett's and Underdiagnosed Reflux Noninvasively (BAD-BURN) in World Trade Center exposed firefighters: a case-control observational study protocol.

BACKGROUND: Particulate matter exposure (PM) is a cause of aerodigestive disease globally. The destruction of the World Trade Center (WTC) exposed first responders and inhabitants of New York City to WTC-PM and caused obstructive airways disease (OAD), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and Barrett's Esophagus (BE). GERD not only diminishes health-related quality of life but also gives rise to complications that extend beyond the scope of BE. GERD can incite or exacerbate allergies, sinusitis, bronchitis, and asthma. Disease features of the aerodigestive axis can overlap, often necessitating more invasive diagnostic testing and treatment modalities. This presents a need to develop novel non-invasive biomarkers of GERD, BE, airway hyperreactivity (AHR), treatment efficacy, and severity of symptoms. METHODS: Our observational case-cohort study will leverage the longitudinally phenotyped Fire Department of New York (FDNY)-WTC exposed cohort to identify Biomarkers of Airway Disease, Barrett's and Underdiagnosed Reflux Noninvasively (BAD-BURN). Our study population consists of n = 4,192 individuals from which we have randomly selected a sub-cohort control group (n = 837). We will then recruit subgroups of i. AHR only ii. GERD only iii. BE iv. GERD/BE and AHR overlap or v. No GERD or AHR, from the sub-cohort control group. We will then phenotype and examine non-invasive biomarkers of these subgroups to identify under-diagnosis and/or treatment efficacy. The findings may further contribute to the development of future biologically plausible therapies, ultimately enhance patient care and quality of life. DISCUSSION: Although many studies have suggested interdependence between airway and digestive diseases, the causative factors and specific mechanisms remain unclear. The detection of the disease is further complicated by the invasiveness of conventional GERD diagnosis procedures and the limited availability of disease-specific biomarkers. The management of reflux is important, as it directly increases risk of cancer and negatively impacts quality of life. Therefore, it is vital to develop novel noninvasive disease markers that can effectively phenotype, facilitate early diagnosis of premalignant disease and identify potential therapeutic targets to improve patient care. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Name of Primary Registry: "Biomarkers of Airway Disease, Barrett's and Underdiagnosed Reflux Noninvasively (BADBURN)". Trial Identifying Number: NCT05216133 . Date of Registration: January 31, 2022.

Transcriptomic changes and gene fusions during the progression from Barrett's esophagus to esophageal adenocarcinoma.

The incidence of esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) has surged by 600% in recent decades, with a dismal 5-year survival rate of just 15%. Barrett's esophagus (BE), affecting about 2% of the population, raises the risk of EAC by 40-fold. Despite this, the transcriptomic changes during the BE to EAC progression remain unclear. Our study addresses this gap through comprehensive transcriptomic profiling to identify key mRNA signatures and genomic alterations, such as gene fusions. We performed RNA-sequencing on BE and EAC tissues from 8 individuals, followed by differential gene expression, pathway and network analysis, and gene fusion prediction. We identified mRNA changes during the BE-to-EAC transition and validated our results with single-cell RNA-seq datasets. We observed upregulation of keratin family members in EAC and confirmed increased levels of keratin 14 (KRT14) using immunofluorescence. More differentiated BE marker genes are downregulated during progression to EAC, suggesting undifferentiated BE subpopulations contribute to EAC. We also identified several gene fusions absent in paired BE and normal esophagus but present in EAC. Our findings are critical for the BE-to-EAC transition and have the potential to promote early diagnosis, prevention, and improved treatment strategies for EAC.

Post-reflux swallow-induced peristaltic wave index and mean nocturnal baseline impedance predict proton pump inhibitor response in patients with reflux hypersensitivity.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Post-reflux swallow-induced peristaltic wave (PSPW) index and mean nocturnal baseline impedance (MNBI) have been shown to influence proton pump inhibitor (PPI) response in GERD patients. However, currently, little data concerning these variables in patients with reflux hypersensitivity (RH) are available. In this study, we aimed to evaluate, in RH patients, the prevalence of PPI responders and nonresponders and investigate the predictive value of impedance-pH variables, including PSPW and MNBI, on responses to PPI. METHODS: A total of 108 RH patients who met ROME IV criteria were prospectively recruited from June 2018 to December 2022. The prevalence of PPI responders/nonresponders was calculated, and impedance-pH variables were compared between the response and nonresponse groups. Multiple logistic regression was used to investigate predictors for PPI response. RESULTS: Among 108 patients with RH, 60 patients (55.56%) were the PPI responders, and 48 (44.44%) were the nonresponders. Compared with the nonresponders, the PPI responders had a lower PSPW index (47.05 ± 4.43 vs 51.33 ± 3.50, P = 0.004) and a decreased value of MNBI (1866.68 ± 390.62 vs 2181.14 ± 338.42, P = 0.017). Multivariate logistic regression revealed that only the pathologic PSPW index (OR: 2.064) and MNBI (OR: 1.800) significantly influenced PPI response. CONCLUSIONS: Nearly half of RH patients were PPI nonresponders. Impedance-pH monitoring was more valuable than pH-only monitoring in associating PPI response to reflux in RH patients owing to the appraisal of the PSPW index and MNBI.

Use of a transcervical approach to retrieve a foreign body from the upper esophagus.

Foreign bodies such as bone with a sharp end can penetrate the esophageal wall and lie extramurally. When a foreign body is not found on rigid oesophagoscopy, reassessing with imaging is important. The transcervical approach is a better alternative for such patients to remove the foreign bodies.

Circumflex left aortic arch: a new vascular ring anomaly in dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the circumflex left aortic arch as a new form of canine congenital vascular ring anomaly leading to esophageal constriction. ANIMALS: 3 large-breed dogs of variable age: a 9-month-old entire male German Shepherd Dog-Rottweiler cross, a 17-week-old entire male German Shepherd Dog, and a 9-year-old neutered female Labrador Retriever, seen between April 2022 and May 2023. CLINICAL PRESENTATION: Dogs presented for chronic postprandial regurgitation and poor growth. One dog presented for a hard mass on the caudal mandibular region. RESULTS: Computed tomography revealed a normal leftward-oriented cranial half and an abnormal caudal half of the aortic arch crossing toward the right dorsal hemithorax leading to esophageal constriction in all dogs. In addition, 1 dog presented with a right patent ductus arteriosus and 1 with an aberrant right subclavian artery. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Circumflex left aortic arch is a newly discovered rare type of congenital vascular ring anomaly in dogs, which presents a similar anatomical derangement to the human form. Clinical signs include postprandial regurgitation and poor growth. Circumflex left aortic arch vascular anomaly cannot be surgically corrected via the left thoracotomy that is commonly used for the more common vascular ring anomalies in dogs. Computed tomography is a useful diagnostic modality for the diagnosis of this condition, detection of concomitant congenital vascular malformations, evaluation of associated pathologies, and surgical planning.

Gastroesophageal Junction Adenocarcinoma With Skeletal Muscle Metastases: A Case Report and Literature Review.

Esophageal and gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) malignancies are aggressive, and survival is poor once metastasis occurs. The most common sites of metastatic involvement include the liver, lymph nodes, lung, peritoneum, adrenal glands, bone, and brain, while skeletal muscle (SM) involvement is rare. We report a case of a 68-year-old female who presented with intractable emesis for one month and was found to have a primary GEJ adenocarcinoma measuring up to 6.7 cm. Endoscopic biopsy revealed poorly differentiated GEJ adenocarcinoma with positive AE1/AE3 immunostains. Positron emission tomography/computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging revealed metastases to the omentum and left lower extremity SMs, including the proximal adductor longus, adductor magnus, and gluteus minimus. This study reviews the literature on SM metastasis in esophageal and GEJ cancer, GEJ cancer classification, incidence, treatment, and prognosis.

Performing Esophageal Biopsies Is Safe During Upper Endoscopy for Food Impaction but Are Underperformed in Certain Populations.

BACKGROUND: Despite recommendations to perform esophageal biopsies during esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) for esophageal food impaction to evaluate for eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), endoscopists often forgo biopsies. There are minimal data on the risks of biopsies in this setting. AIMS: To determine the safety of performing biopsies during EGD for food impaction. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients who presented to University of North Carolina Hospitals from 2014 to 2021 with endoscopically confirmed food impaction. Data were abstracted from the medical records. Baseline clinical characteristics, procedural details, and adverse events were compared between patients who did and did not undergo biopsy. Adverse events were classified as esophageal (mucosal tear, bleeding, perforation) or extra-esophageal (aspiration, respiratory compromise, hypotension, arrhythmia). RESULTS: Of 188 patients who underwent EGD for food impaction, 73 (39%) had biopsies taken. Older and non-White patients were less likely to be biopsied. None of the Black patients had biopsies taken. Only 2 (2.7%) of the 73 biopsied patients had an adverse event, and neither was related to the biopsies. Patients who were biopsied were less likely to experience adverse events. There were no differences in re-admission, ICU admission, or 30-day mortality between patients who were and were not biopsied. CONCLUSIONS: Esophageal biopsies remain underperformed during EGD for food impaction, especially in certain patient populations. Esophageal biopsies at the time of food impaction are unlikely to cause adverse events. Safety concerns should not preclude biopsies, and biopsies should be performed in the absence of extenuating circumstances.

Efficacy and safety of per-oral endoscopic myotomy in non-achalasia esophageal motility disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Per­oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is the preferred endoscopic modality for managing achalasia cardia. However, there are no recommendations on the role of POEM in non­achalasia esophageal dysmotility disorders (NAEMD), including esophagogastric junction outflow obstruction (EGJOO), distal esophageal spasm (DES), and hypercontractile esophagus (HE). The present systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of POEM in the treatment of NAEMD. MEDLINE, Embase, and Scopus were searched from inception to August 2023 for studies analyzing the outcome of POEM in NAEMD. Clinical success and adverse events were the main outcomes assessed. The event rates and their 95% confidence interval were calculated using a random effects model. A total of 11 studies with 271 patients were included in the final analysis. The pooled clinical success rate with POEM in NAEMD was 86.9% (82.9-90.9). On subgroup analysis, the pooled clinical success rates of POEM in DES and EGJOO were 97.8% (90.9-100.0) and 92.7% (86.3-95.1), which were significantly higher than in HE 81.2% (73.5-88.8). Data from limited studies showed that the pooled rate of improvement in dysphagia and chest pain was 88.5% (83.0-93.9) and 87.4% (80.5-94.4). The pooled incidence of overall AEs and serious AEs was 12.6% (5.7-19.5) and 0.3% (0.0-1.9), respectively. On follow-up, the pooled incidence of new-onset heartburn was 18.7% (11.1-26.2). POEM is a safe and efficacious treatment modality for the management of NAEMD with a lower clinical success in patients with HE. Further large-scale studies are required to validate the findings of the present analysis.

Comparison of three Radiotherapy Techniques Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy with Variable and Constant Dose Rate and Intensity-Modulated Radiotherapy for the Irradiation of Five Cancer Sites.

Background: Volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) is mostly considered due to its superior tumor coverage and sparing of organs at risk (OAR) with shorter treatment delivery time. Objective: This study aimed to explore the feasibility and potential benefits of VMAT with a constant dose rate (CDR). Material and Methods: In this analytical study, 75 cancer patients (15 from each cancer) were selected. Step and shoot intensity-modulated radiation therapy (S&S IMRT), CDR, and VDR VMAT (variable dose rate VMAT) plans were generated for each patient using the Monte Carlo algorithm on the Monaco treatment planning system for 6 MV photon energy. For dosimetric comparison, some variables were compared, including doses to the planning target volume (PTV), OAR, homogeneity index, conformity index (CI), treatment delivery time, and monitor units. Results: CI was higher in CDR and VDR VMAT plans compared to IMRT without any significant variation for PTV coverage V95 and PTV mean dose. In the sparing of OAR, no significant variation was found between CDR, VDR, and IMRT for the brain, head-neck, oesophagus, lung, and prostate. The treatment delivery time was reduced more, i.e., by up to 72-80% in the CDR VMAT technique compared to IMRT. Conclusion: CDR VMAT technique generates a clinically acceptable plan in terms of PTV coverage, dose conformity, and OAR sparing as IMRT and VDR VMAT in all five cancer sites.

Investigating the impact of the inflammatory immune microenvironment and steroids or COX-2 inhibitors usage on immunotherapy in advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC): a propensity score matched analysis.

PURPOSE: The research aimed to evaluate the connection between pre-treatment inflammatory biomarkers and clinical results in advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) receiving immune checkpoint inhibitors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 2019 and 2022, we analyzed 354 individuals diagnosed with metastatic ESCC who underwent immunotherapy. The study sought to evaluate the impact of specific inflammatory biomarkers (Neutrophil/Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR), C-reactive protein to albumin ratio (CRP/ALB) and Glasgow Prognostic Score (GPS), Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors or steroids usage on the effectiveness and survival outcomes of immunotherapy in advanced ESCC. The research utilized Kaplan‒Meier and Cox regression models alongside propensity score matching for analysis. RESULTS: The findings revealed that elevated pre-treatment NLR (11.0 vs. 14.6 months, p = 0.021) and CRP/ALB (11.4 vs. 14.6 months, p = 0.022) levels were significantly associated with poorer overall survival (OS) outcomes, while the use of steroids did not show a significant difference in OS (15.5 vs. 15.4 months, p = 0.685) between groups. Similarly, no notable disparity in OS was observed between patients treated withCOX-2 inhibitors and those who were not (13.8 vs. 11.0 months, p = 0.054). CONCLUSION: Lower levels of NLR and CRP/ALB prior to treatment were linked to better effectiveness and OS in immunotherapy for advanced ESCC. The study did not identify a significant relationship between OS in patients with esophageal cancer and the use of either steroids or COX-2 inhibitors.

Irregular Z-Line: To Biopsy or Not to Biopsy?

The z-line refers to the squamocolumnar junction which marks the transition between the normal stratified squamous epithelium of the distal esophagus and the columnar epithelium of the gastric cardia. An "irregular" z-line refers to an irregular appearing squamocolumnar junction characterized by the presence of columnar mucosa less than 1 cm in length that extends above the gastroesophageal junction. In contrast, Barrett's esophagus is diagnosed when columnar mucosa of at least 1 cm is seen in the distal esophagus extending above the gastroesophageal junction with biopsies demonstrating specialized intestinal metaplasia. Current guidelines recommend against taking routine biopsies from a normal or irregular z-line in the absence of visible abnormalities and advise against endoscopic surveillance in this patient population, in large part due to multiple studies demonstrating lack of progression to advanced neoplasia such as high-grade dysplasia or esophageal adenocarcinoma in patients with an irregular z-line. Despite these recommendations, a sizable number of patients without Barrett's esophagus undergo biopsies from the z-line and are subsequently recommended to have surveillance endoscopies. Furthermore, patients with an irregular z-line are often mislabelled as Barrett's esophagus resulting in significant downstream consequences including higher healthcare costs and reduced health-related quality of life. In this review, we highlight the importance of landmark identification of the distal esophagus and gastroesophageal junction at the time of endoscopy, share recommendations from current guidelines related to the z-line, examine rates of neoplastic progression in those with an irregular z-line, discuss consequences of routinely biopsying an irregular z-line, and highlight strategies on how to approach an irregular z-line if seen on endoscopy. A careful, high-quality endoscopic examination can help to identify visible abnormalities at the z-line, which, if present, should be targeted for biopsies to rule out dysplasia and neoplasia.