Disease Burden of Esophageal Cancer Attributable to High BMI and Death Prediction in China and the United States, 1990-2019 / 肿瘤防治研究

Objective To analyze trends in the disease burden of esophageal cancer attributable to high body mass index (BMI) in the Chinese and United States populations from 1990 to 2019 and predict deaths over the next 10 years. Methods This study used Global Burden of Disease 2019 data to obtain mortality and disability-adjusted life-year (DALY) data by year, gender, and age for the disease burden of esophageal cancer attributable to high BMI in China and the United States from 1990 to 2019. Joinpoint regression analysis was conducted to analyze long-term trends. Bayesian age–period–cohort analysis was used to predict age-standardized mortality attributable to esophageal cancer in 2020–2030. Results From 1990 to 2019, the age-standardized mortality rate for esophageal cancer attributable to high BMI in China increased from 1.44/105 to 1.80/105 and the age-standardized DALY rate increased from 34.17/105 to 40.79/105. From the perspective of gender, the number of deaths, DALYs, and the corresponding age-standardized rate of males in China and the United States increased from 1990 to 2019. The age-standardized mortality and DALY rates of Chinese women showed a downward trend, decreasing by 21.36/105 and 29.71/105, respectively. Joinpoint analysis results revealed that the average annual percentage changes (AAPCs) in mortality attributable to esophageal cancer in the total population and men in China from 1990 to 2019 increased by 0.78% (95%CI: 0.71-0.84) and 1.52% (95%CI: 1.44-1.60), respectively, and that in females decreased by 0.88% (95%CI: −0.96-−0.80). AAPC in women in the United States rose at a slow rate of 0.07% (95%CI: 0.02-0.09). The burden of esophageal cancer deaths attributable to high BMI is predicted to continue to rise in China and the United States in 2020–2030. Conclusion The disease burden of esophageal cancer attributable to high BMI significantly increased in China from 1990 to 2019. The disease burden of esophageal cancer caused by high BMI in China is expected to increase from 2020 to 2030.

Progression of the methods and skills of anastomosis techniques in minimally invasive esophagectomy / 国际外科学杂志

Minimally invasive esophagectomy is the preferred treatment for esophageal cancer, which has been widely popularized and developed in clinical practice. However, anastomotic complications are still common, such as anastomotic leakage, anastomotic stenosis, and gastroesophageal reflux, which seriously affect the rapid recovery and quality of life of patients after surgery. Esophagogastrostomy is the core and difficulty of the operation. In recent years, different esophagogastric anastomosis methods and techniques have been found to reduce the incidence of anastomotic complications and improve clinical outcomes. This article will summarize the development and progress of esophagogastric anastomosis techniques at home and abroad in recent years in order to provide reference for the majority of thoracic surgeons and to promote the progress of esophagogastric anastomosis techniques.

Clinical application of MR-guided radiotherapy based on MR-linac in esophageal cancer patients / 国际肿瘤学杂志

Objective:To explore the application process, efficacy and safety of MR-guided radiotherapy based on MR-linac in esophageal cancer.Methods:The clinical data of patients with esophageal cancer treated with MR-linac at Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute from September 2021 to July 2022 were retrospectively analyzed, to investigate the treatment process of esophageal cancer with MR-linac, and to analyze the efficacy and safety of patients. All patients received MR-guided radiotherapy, underwent CT and MR localization, target area delineation, and design of the Monaco treatment planning system plan. Adaptation-to-position adjustment was conducted during the pre-treatment evaluation. The median number of fractions was 25, the median single dose of planning target volume was 1.8 Gy, and the median total dose was 50.2 Gy. Median follow-up was 16 months.Results:Among the 12 patients in the whole group, there were 1 case of cervical esophageal cancer, 3 cases of upper thoracic esophageal cancer, 4 cases of middle thoracic esophageal cancer and 4 cases of lower thoracic esophageal cancer, including 3 cases of neoadjuvant radiotherapy and 9 cases of radical radiotherapy. All patients had a smooth treatment process. The median treatment time was 33 min, and the patients had good compliance. For patients with radical radiotherapy, one month after radiotherapy, the number of objective remission cases was 3, and the number of disease-control cases was 9; six months after radiotherapy, the number of objective remission cases was 3, and the number of disease-control cases was 6. All patients treated with neoadjuvant radiotherapy underwent surgery within 2 months, and one patient achieved pathological complete remission. The most common acute adverse reactions were radiation esophagitis (7 cases) and leukopenia in bone marrow suppression (8 cases), with late-stage adverse reactions being radiation pneumonia (1 case). The adverse reactions to radiotherapy were slight, and no grade 4 or above adverse reactions were observed.Conclusion:The clinical treatment process for esophageal cancer under MR-guided radiotherapy based on MR-linac is feasible, with good curative effects and mild adverse reactions.

Effects of SOX9-activated Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway on cellular proliferation of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma / 临床与实验病理学杂志

Purpose To investigate the effect and molecu-lar mechanism underlying SOX9 during esophageal squamous cell carcinoma(ESCC)cells.Methods Immunohistochemistry(IHC)was used to detect the expression of SOX9 in ESCC tis-sues and adjacent normal tissues.The correlation of SOX9 ex-pression with clinicopathological features and prognosis of ESCC was analyzed.The differentially expressed genes in Eca109-Vec-tor and Eca109-SOX9 cells were detected by Affymetrix miRNA array.qRT-PCR was used to determine the differential gene in TE-1 and TE-1-siSOX9 cells.The relationship between SOX9 and active/unphosphorylated β-catenin levels was detected by Western blot.The effects of Wnt inhibitor LGK974 on the prolif-eration of ESCC cells were detected by CCK-8.Results SOX9 was highly expressed in ESCC(4.58±3.04)as compared with that in adjacent normal tissues(1.56±2.08,P＜0.001).SOX9 was related to histopathological grade and invasion depth(P＜0.05).Kaplan-Meier analysis indicated high SOX9 expres-sion in ESCC was significantly correlated with shorter overall sur-vival(P＜0.05).Transcriptome profiling and qRT-PCR analysis suggested that SOX9 contributed to the regulation of AXIN2,FZD7 and WNT5A.Overexpression of SOX9 in Eca109 cells in-creased active/unphosphorylated β-catenin levels,whereas silen-cing SOX9 caused a decrease.Significant attenuation of cell pro-liferation was observed at various concentrations of LGK974 with-out affecting SOX9 expression on SOX9-expressing cell lines.As expected,this inhibitory effect was not obvious in Eca109-Vector cells when compared with Eca109-SOX9 cells treated with the same concentration of LGK974.Conclusion SOX9 is highly ex-pressed in ESCC and SOX9-mediated Wnt/β-catenin signal path-way activation at least partially contributes to the SOX9-induced ESCC growth.These findings suggest that SOX9 is a promising prognostic marker and therapeutic target for ESCC.

Incidence of venous thromboembolism in esophageal cancer: a real-world study of 8 458 cases / 中华消化外科杂志

Objective:To investigate the incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in patients with esophageal cancer (EC).Methods:The retrospective cohort study was conducted. The clinicopathological data of 8 458 EC patients who were admitted to Sichuan Cancer Hospital from January 2017 to December 2021 were collected. There were 6 923 males and 1 535 females, aged (64±9)years. There were 3 187 patients undergoing surgical treatment, and 5 271 cases undergoing non-surgical treatment. Observation indicators: (1) incidence of VTE in EC patients; (2) treatment and outcomes of patients with VTE. Measurement data with normal distribution were represented as Mean± SD, and comparison between groups was analyzed using the t test. Measurement data with skewed distribution were represented as M(range), and comparison between groups was analyzed using the nonparameter rank sum test. Count data were expressed as absolute numbers or percentages, and comparison between groups was analyzed using the chi-square test or Fisher exact probability. Comparison of ordinal data was analyzed using the nonparameter rank sum test. Results:(1) Incidence of VTE in EC patients. Of 8 458 EC patients, 175 cases developed VTE, with an incidence rate of 2.069%(175/8 458). Among 175 VTE patients, there were 164 cases of deep venous thrombosis (DVT), 4 cases of pulmonary embolism (PE), 7 cases of DVT and PE. There were 59 surgical patients and 116 non-surgical patients. There was no significant difference in thrombus type between surgical and non-surgical EC patients with VTE ( χ2=1.95, P>0.05). Of 3 187 surgical patients, the incidence of VTE was 1.851%(59/3 187), including an incidence of 0.157%(5/3 187) of PE. PE accounted for 8.475%(5/59) of surgical patients with VTE. Of 5 271 non-surgical patients, the incidence of VTE was 2.201%(116/5 271), including an incidence of 0.114%(6/5 271) of PE. PE accounted for 5.172%(6/116) of non-surgical patients with VTE. There was no significant difference in the incidence of VTE or PE between surgical patients and non-surgical patients ( χ2=1.20, 0.05, P>0.05). (2) Treatment and outcomes of patients with VTE. Among 175 EC patients with VTE, 163 cases underwent drug treatment, and 12 cases did not receive treatment. Among 163 cases with drug therapy, 158 cases underwent anticoagulant therapy, 5 cases were treated with thrombolysis. All the 163 patients were improved and discharged from hospital. Conclusions:The incidence of VTE in patients with EC is relatively low, as 2.069%. There is no significant difference in the incidence of VTE or thrombus type between surgical EC patients and non-surgical EC patients.

Clinical-CT model for evaluating lymphovascular and/or perineural invasion of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma / 中国医学影像技术

Objective To establish a clinical-CT model,and to observe its value for evaluating lymphovascular invasion(LVI)and/or perineural invasion(PNI)in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma(ESCC).Methods Data of 156 ESCC patients were retrospectively analyzed.The patients were divided into positive group(n=58,LVI[+]and/or PNI[+])and negative group(n=98,LVI[-]and PNI[-])according to postoperative pathological results.Clinical and CT data were compared between groups.Logistic regression analysis was performed to establish a model,and its efficacy of evaluating ESCC LVI and/or PNI was analyzed.Results Significant differences of carcinoembryonic antigen(CEA),carbohydrate antigen 199(CA199),tumor thickness,tumor volume and CT venous phase value(CTV),the difference between CTV and CT plain phase value(CTP)(△CTV-P)and venous phase enhancement rate(V％)were found between groups(all P＜0.05),and the area under the curve(AUC)of the above parameters for evaluating ESCC LVI and/or PNI was 0.702,0.690,0.731,0.744,0.621,0.631 and 0.599,respectively.CEA,CA199,tumor thickness,tumor volume and CTV were all independent predictive factors for ESCC LVI and/or PNI.A combined model was established based on the above features,and its accuracy,sensitivity and specificity for evaluating ESCC LVI and/or PNI was 82.05％,65.52％and 91.84％,respectively,with AUC of 0.838,higher than that of each single parameter(all P＜0.05).Conclusion The established clinical-CT model could effectively evaluate ESCC LVI and/or PNI.

Patterns of treatment failure after minimally invasive esophagectomy among patients with thoracic esophageal carcinoma: implications for value of adjuvant therapy / 中华放射肿瘤学杂志

Objective:To investigate the overall recurrence rate and the pattern of treatment failure in thoracic esophageal cancer (TEC) patients after minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE), and to evaluate the significance of adjuvant therapy after MIE.Methods:Clinical data of TEC patients who underwent MIE with or without neoadjuvant chemotherapy in the Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University between 2016 and 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. The pathology-based lymph node metastasis (LNM) rate, overall recurrence rate, and pattern of treatment failure following MIE were analyzed by SPSS 26.0 statistical software. Cox regression model was used to identify the high-risk factors for recurrent disease. Propensity score matching was performed to compare the survival of patients between the postoperative radiotherapy group and non-radiotherapy group.Results:A total of 443 eligible patients were enrolled in this study, and the pathology-based LNM rate in all groups was 42.0%. The overall recurrence rate was 34.8%. Regional lymphatic metastasis was the most frequent pattern of recurrence (24.2%), followed by distant metastasis (19.4%). Multivariate Cox regression analysis identified pT 3-4 stage and pN + stage as the independent risk factors for recurrence. At the same time, the total number of lymph nodes dissected ≥12 and the number of lymph nodes dissected ≥7 in the neck clavicle and upper mediastinum could reduce the risk of tumor recurrence. The 1-, 3-, and 5-year disease-free survival (DFS) rates in the postoperative radiotherapy group and non-radiotherapy group were 83.5%, 66.8%, 60.7%, and 79.2%, 61.6%, 57.2%, respectively ( χ2=0.13, P=0.715). The 1-, 3-, and 5-year overall survival (OS) rates in two groups were 92.0%, 72.0%, 67.5% and 84.0%, 68.0%, 55.4% , respectively ( χ2=0.43, P=0.513). Conclusions:Regional lymphatic and distant metastases are the main patterns of recurrence for TEC patients after MIE with or without neoadjuvant chemotherapy. pT 3-4 stage, pN + stage, insufficient total number of lymph node dissection and insufficient number of lymph nodes in neck supraclavicular and upper mediastinal dissection are high-risk factors for postoperative recurrence. The survival rate in the postoperative radiotherapy group tends to be higher than that in the non-radiotherapy group. Adjuvant therapy, including postoperative radiotherapy, may remain necessary.

Progress in the treatment of malignant stenosis of advanced esophageal cancer with 125I radioactive stents / 中华放射肿瘤学杂志

Esophageal cancer is one of the most common malignant tumors in China and dysphagia caused by malignant stenosis is the most common symptom of advanced esophageal cancer. The inability to eat orally seriously affects the quality of life of patients with advanced esophageal cancer, and poor nutritional status caused by dysphagia limits the implementation of standard treatment programs such as radiotherapy and chemotherapy, resulting in a decline in survival. The 125I radioactive stent is a novel treatment for malignant stenosis. Studies have shown that it can relieve dysphagia and prolong patients' survival compared to traditional esophageal stents. In this article, the treatment of malignant stenosis in advanced esophageal cancer and the clinical application progress of 125I radioactive stents were reviewed.

Effect of hyperthermia on radiation pneumonitis in elderly patients with esophageal cancer receiving intensity-modulated radiation therapy / 中华放射肿瘤学杂志

Objective:To evaluate the effect of hyperthermia on radiation pneumonitis (RP) in elderly patients with esophageal cancer undergoing intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT).Methods:Clinical data of 177 elderly esophageal cancer patients (aged ≥60 years) receiving IMRT in the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University and Yixing Cancer Hospital from August 1, 2017 to February 6, 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into the hyperthermia and non-hyperthermia groups based on whether they received hyperthermia treatment. Patients in two groups received IMRT with 6 MV X-rays. Patients in the hyperthermia group underwent high-frequency hyperthermia within 1 h before radiation using the external thermotherapy device HG-2000Ⅲ (heating temperature: 41-43 ℃ for 40 min, twice a week). After adjusting for confounding factors between two groups using propensity score matching (PSM), the short-term effective rates between two groups were compared using Chi-square test. Univariate analysis and logistic multivariate analysis were employed to compare the incidence of RP between two groups. Results:After applying PSM, 42 pairs were successfully matched, and the baseline data and radiotherapy parameters showed no statistically significant differences between two groups (all P>0.05). The objective response rate (ORR) in the hyperthermia group was significantly higher than that in the non-hyperthermia group (83.3% vs. 64.3%, P=0.047). Univariate analysis revealed that the incidence of RP and symptomatic RP (≥ grade 2) in the hyperthermia group was significantly lower than that in the non-hyperthermia group (61.9% vs. 85.7%, P=0.013; 21.4% vs. 47.6%, P=0.012). Logistic multivariate analysis indicated that hyperthermia was an independent protective factor for symptomatic RP ( P=0.011). Conclusions:The incidence and severity of RP in elderly esophageal cancer patients receiving IMRT can be reduced by hyperthermia. Hyperthermia, as a clinically beneficial green treatment, improves efficacy and reduces toxicity for patients with esophageal cancer.

Application of double mediastinal drainage tubes in elderly patients with intrathoracic anastomotic leak after thoracoscopic Ivor-Lewis surgery / 中华老年医学杂志

Objective:To investigate the clinical significance of intraoperative prepositioning of dual mediastinal drains in elderly patients developing anastomotic leakage(AL)after a total endoscopic Ivor-Lewis procedure.Methods:This retrospective case-control study analyzed the clinical data of 500 elderly patients who underwent total endoscopic Ivor-Lewis surgery for esophageal or cardia cancer from January 2020 to December 2022.In the control group, one mediastinal drainage tube was placed intraoperatively, while in the study group, two mediastinal drainage tubes were placed.Both groups had a chest tube placed conventionally.The study compared the incidence of anastomotic leak(AL)at 1 month postoperatively, inflammatory indexes in patients with AL, grading of AL, rate of nasal fistula placement, incision infection, anastomotic stenosis, and incidence of hoarseness.Additionally, it compared ICU occupancy, ventilator use, and ICU length of stay between the two groups.Results:The analysis included clinical data from 455 elderly patients.Among the patients who developed AL, the study group had significantly lower peak body temperature[(39.58±1.03)℃ vs.(38.05±0.56)℃, t=4.298, P<0.05], white blood cell count[(18.63±3.35)×10 9/L vs.(14.28±2.78)×10 9/L, t=3.450, P<0.05], and C-reactive protein(CRP)levels[(154.66±41.64)mg/L vs.(122.19±31.29)mg/L, t=2.131, P<0.05]. The study group also had a significantly lower grading of AL and rate of nasal fistula placement(82.4% vs.30.0%, P<0.05). In terms of ICU indicators, the study group had a significantly lower ICU admission rate(64.7% vs.10.0%, P<0.05), shorter period of ventilator use[(6.47±8.15)days vs.(0.90±2.23)days, t=2.62, P<0.05], and shorter ICU stay[(11.70±8.89)days vs.(4.70±6.27)days, t=2.184, P<0.05]. Conclusions:Double mediastinal drainage tubes, have been found to significantly alleviate inflammation, decrease the rate of nasal fistula placement and ICU admission, and shorten the length of ICU stay in elderly patients.Therefore, they are considered safe and deserving of clinical promotion.

Efficacy and safety of endoscopic submucosal dissection for circular superficial esophageal cancer / 中华消化内镜杂志

Objective:To evaluate the efficacy and safety of endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for circular superficial esophageal cancer.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on 74 consecutive cases of circular superficial esophageal squamous cell carcinoma treated with ESD at Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital from January 2015 to December 2019. The success rate of ESD, curative resection rate, incidence of complications, and additional treatment were mainly observed.Results:One case was transferred to surgery, and the remaining 73 cases successfully completed ESD treatment. The success rate of ESD was 98.6%. Postoperative pathology of ESD revealed that 39 cases achieved curative resection, with a curative resection rate of 53.4% (39/73). Intraoperative muscle layer injury occurred in 15 cases (20.5%), and intraoperative perforation occurred in 1 case (1.4%). Two cases (2.7%) experienced delayed bleeding, and one case (1.4%) experienced delayed perforation. Eleven cases were lost to follow-up, and the remaining 62 cases received follow-up for 36.4±19.0 months. Among the follow-up cases, 12 underwent additional surgery and 5 cases additional chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Among the 57 patients with follow-up data who did not underwent surgery, 49 developed esophageal stenosis after ESD, with an incidence rate of 86.0%.Conclusion:ESD for circular superficial esophageal cancer is generally safe, but it is prone to muscle layer injury during the operation, with a low curative resection rate, a high incidence of postoperative esophageal stenosis, and a high proportion of additional surgical procedures.

A case-control study on the incidence factors of esophageal cancer / 中国医师进修杂志

Objective:To explore the risk factors and protective factors for esophageal cancer, and provide strategies for prevention, clinical treatment and later-stage intervention.Methods:A total of 150 patients with pathologically confirmed esophageal cancer admitted to Nanjing Liuhe District People′s Hospital from July 2020 to February 2023 were selected as the observation group, and 150 non-tumor patients hospitalized in the department of orthopedics during the same period were selected as the control group. A questionnaire survey was conducted to analyze the independent risk factors and independent protective factors for esophageal cancer.Results:Univariate Logistic regression analysis showed that smoking, alcohol consumption, drinking hot tea (hot drinking >65 ℃), eating hard food, frequency of consuming pickled food, frequency of consuming fruits, frequency of consuming vegetables, frequency of getting angry, economic income and frequency of consuming bread were factors affecting the incidence of esophageal cancer ( P<0.05). Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that smoking, consuming fruits ≤3 times per week, previously drinking alcohol but currently not drinking, and not eating hard food were factors affecting the incidence of esophageal cancer ( P<0.05). Conclusions:Smoking and consuming fruits ≤3 times per week are independent risk factors for esophageal cancer, while previously drinking alcohol but currently not drinking and not eating hard food are independent protective factors for esophageal cancer.

Esófago de Barrett: Actualización en el diagnóstico y tratamiento / Barrett's Esophagus: Update on the Diagnosis and Treatment. Review

El esófago de Barrett (EB) se define como la condición en la cual una mucosa columnar metaplásica predispuesta a neoplasia reemplaza la mucosa escamosa del esófago distal. La guías actuales recomiendan que el diagnóstico requiere el hallazgo de metaplasia intestinal (MI) con células caliciformes de al menos 1 cm de longitud. El EB afecta aproximadamente al 1% de la población general y hasta en 14% de los pacientes con enfermedad por reflujo gastroesofágico (ERGE). El EB es precursor del adenocarcinoma esofágico (ACE), neoplasia en aumento en países occidentales. Los principales factores de riesgo descritos para ACE asociado a EB son: sexo masculino, edad > 50 años, obesidad central y tabaquismo. El riesgo anual de ACE en EB sin displasia, displasia de bajo (DBG) y alto grado es 0,1-0,3%, 0,5% y 5-8%, respectivamente. El tratamiento del EB no displásico consiste en un cambio de estilo de vida saludable, quimioprevención mediante inhibidores de la bomba de protones y vigilancia endoscópica cada 3 a 5 años. Se recomienda que a partir de la presencia de DBG los pacientes sean referidos a un centro experto para la confirmación del diagnóstico, estadio y así definir su manejo. En pacientes con EB y displasia o cáncer incipiente, el tratamiento endoscópico consiste en la resección y ablación, con un éxito cercano al 90%. El principal evento adverso es la estenosis esofágica que es manejada endoscópicamente.

Barrett's esophagus (BE) is the condition in which a metaplastic columnar mucosa predisposed to neoplasia replaces the squamous mucosa of the distal esophagus. The current guidelines recommends that diagnosis requires the finding of intestinal metaplasia (IM) with goblet cells of at least 1 cm in length. BE affects approximately 1% of the general population and up to 14% of patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). BE is a precursor of esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC), which has increased in western countries. The main risk factors described for EAC associated with BE are male sex, age > 50 years, central obesity and tobacco use. Annual risk of EAC in patients with BE without dysplasia, low grade (LGD) and high-grade dysplasia is 0,1-0,3%, 0,5% y 5-8%, respectively. Treatment of non-dysplastic BE consists mainly of a healthy lifestyle change, chemoprevention with proton pump inhibitors and surveillance endoscopy every 3 to 5 years. It is recommended that from the presence of LGD patients are referred to an expert center for confirmation of the diagnosis, stage and thus define their management. In patients with BE and dysplasia or early-stage cancer, endoscopic therapy with resection and ablation is successful in about 90% of the patients. The main adverse event is esophageal stricture, which is managed endoscopically.

Curva de aprendizagem de dissecção endoscópica de submucosa por endoscopistas ocidentais treinados no Japão: Experiência na América Latina / Learning curve in esophageal endoscopic submucosal dissection by western endoscospists trained in japan: experience in latin america

ABSTRACT Background: Esophageal endoscopic submucosal dissection (EESD) is a complex and time-consuming procedure at which training are mainly available in Japan. There is a paucity of data concerning the learning curve to master EESD by Western endoscopists. Objective: This study aimed to assess the learning curve effect on patient's clinical outcome for EESD. Methods: This is a retrospective observational study. Enrolling patients that underwent EESD from 2009 to 2021. The analysis was divided into two periods; T1: case 1 to 49 and T2: case 50 to 98. The following features were analyzed for each group: patients and tumors characteristics, en-bloc, complete and curative resection rates, procedure duration and adverse events rate. Results: Ninety-eight EESD procedures were performed. Mean procedure time was 111.8 min and 103.6 min for T1 and T2, respectively (P=0.004). En bloc resection rate was 93.8% and 97.9% for T1 and T2, respectively (P=0.307). Complete resection rate was 79.5% and 85.7% for T1 and T2, respectively (P=0.424). Curative resection rate was 65.3% and 71.4% for T1 and T2, respectively (P=0.258). Four patients had complications; three during T1 period and one during T2 period. Overall mortality rate: 0%. Conclusion: The esophageal endoscopic submucosal dissection could be performed effectively and safely by an adequately trained Western endoscopist.

RESUMO Contexto: A dissecção endoscópica da submucosa do esôfago (DSEE) é um procedimento complexo, cujo treinamento está disponível principalmente no Japão. Há uma escassez de dados sobre a curva de aprendizado para se capacitar na realização da DSEE por endoscopistas ocidentais. Objetivo: Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar o efeito da curva de aprendizado no resultado clínico dos pacientes submetidos a DSEE. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo observacional retrospectivo. Foram incluídos pacientes submetidos a DSEE no período de 2009 a 2021. A análise foi dividida em dois períodos; T1: caso 1 a 49 e T2: caso 50 a 98. Os seguintes parâmetros foram analisados para cada grupo: características clínicas dos pacientes e dos tumores de esôfago, taxas de ressecção em bloco, completa e curativa, duração do procedimento e taxa de eventos adversos. Resultados: Noventa e oito procedimentos de DSEE foram realizados. O tempo médio do procedimento foi de 111,8 min e 103,6 min nos períodos T1 e T2, respectivamente (P=0,004). A taxa de ressecção em bloco foi de 93,8% e 97,9% nos períodos T1 e T2, respectivamente (P=0,307). A taxa de ressecção completa foi de 79,5% e 85,7% nos períodos T1 e T2, respectivamente (P=0,424). A taxa de ressecção curativa foi de 65,3% e 71,4% para T1 e T2, respectivamente (P=0,258). Quatro pacientes tiveram complicações; três durante o período T1 e um durante o período T2. Taxa de mortalidade geral: 0%. Conclusão: A DSEE pode ser realizada de forma eficaz e segura por um endoscopista ocidental adequadamente treinado.

Diagnóstico y tratamiento de los tumores de la unión esofagogástrica. Experiencia en el Instituto Nacional de Cancerología / Diagnosis and treatment of esophagogastric junction tumors. Experience at the National Cancer Institute

Introducción. El diagnóstico adecuado de los tumores de la unión esofagogástrica es esencial para el tratamiento de estos pacientes. La clasificación propuesta por Siewert-Stein define las características propias, factores de riesgo y estrategias quirúrgicas según la localización. El objetivo de este estudio fue describir las características de los pacientes con adenocarcinoma de la unión esofagogástrica tratados en nuestra institución. Métodos. Estudio retrospectivo, descriptivo, de corte longitudinal, que incluyó los pacientes con diagnóstico de adenocarcinoma de la unión esofagogástrica intervenidos quirúrgicamente en el Instituto Nacional de Cancerología, Bogotá, D.C., Colombia, entre enero de 2012 y mayo de 2017. Resultados. Se operaron 59 pacientes (84,7 % hombres), con una edad media de 62,5 años. En su orden de frecuencia los tumores fueron tipo II (57,6 %), tipo III (30,7 %) y tipo I (11,9 %). El 74,6 % recibieron neoadyuvancia y se realizó gastrectomía total en el 73 % de los pacientes. La concordancia diagnóstica moderada con índice Kappa fue de 0,56, difiriendo con la endoscópica en 33,9 %. El 10,2 % de los pacientes presentó algún tipo de complicación intraoperatoria. La supervivencia a tres años en los tumores tipo II fue del 89,6 % y del 100 % en aquellos con respuesta patológica completa. Conclusión. Es necesario el uso de diferentes estrategias para un proceso diagnóstico adecuado en los tumores de la unión esofagogástrica. En esta serie, los pacientes Siewert II, aquellos que recibieron neoadyuvancia y los que obtuvieron una respuesta patológica completa, tuvieron una mejor supervivencia a tres años

Introduction: Proper diagnosis of gastroesophageal junction tumors is essential for the treatment of these patients. The classification proposed by Siewert-Stein defines its own characteristics, risk factors and surgical strategies according to the location. This study describes the characteristics of patients with adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction treated at our institution. Methods. Retrospective, descriptive, longitudinal study, which includes patients diagnosed with adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction who underwent surgery at the National Cancer Institute in Bogotá, Colombia, between January 2012 and May 2017. Results. Fifty-nine patients (84.7% men) were operated on, with a mean age of 62.5 years. In their order of frequency, the tumors were type II (57.6%), type III (30.7%) and type I (11.9%). 74.6% received neoadjuvant therapy and total gastrectomy was performed in 73% of the cases. The moderate diagnostic concordance with the Kappa index was 0.56, differing from the endoscopic one in 33.9%. 10.2% of the patients presented some type of intraoperative complication. Three-year survival in type II tumors was 89.6% and 100% in those with complete pathologic response. Conclusion. The use of different strategies is necessary for an adequate diagnostic process in tumors of the esophagogastric junction. In this series, Siewert II patients, those who received neoadjuvant therapy, and those who obtained a complete pathological response had a better three-year survival

Expert consensus on PD-L1 expression testing in esophageal carcinoma in China / 中华肿瘤杂志

In recent years, immunotherapy represented by immune checkpoint inhibitors programmed death 1 (PD-1) has made great progress in the treatment of esophageal cancer and is rewriting the global paradigm for the treatment of esophageal cancer. According to current data, only a small number of patients with esophageal cancer could benefit from immunotherapy. Therefore, it is a challenge to screen the potential beneficiaries of PD-1 inhibitors. Studies have shown that the expression level of programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) in esophageal cancer is closely associated with the efficacy of PD-1 inhibitors, and PD-L1 is the most important predictive biomarker of the efficacy of PD-1 inhibitors. With the clinical application of different PD-1 inhibitors and PD-L1 protein expression detection platforms, clarifying the clinical significance and timing of detection of PD-L1 protein expression in esophageal cancer, and establishing a standardized PD-L1 testing procedure, are of great significance to improve the accuracy of detection and reduce the difference between laboratories, so as to maximize the therapeutic benefits for patients. This consensus was finally reached, based on the combination of literature, expert experience, and internal discussion and voting of committee members, to provide an accurate and reliable evidence for clinicians to make decisions.

Knockdown of ACC1 promotes migration of esophageal cancer cell / 中华肿瘤杂志

Objective: To investigate the effect of acetyl-CoA carboxylase 1 (ACC1) knockdown on the migration of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) KYSE-450 cell and underlying mechanism. Methods: Lentiviral transfection was conducted to establish sh-NC control cell and ACC1 knocking down cell (sh-ACC1). Human siRNA HSP27 and control were transfected by Lipo2000 to get si-HSP27 and si-NC. The selective acetyltransferase P300/CBP inhibitor C646 was used to inhibit histone acetylation and DMSO was used as vehicle control. Transwell assay was performed to detect cell migration. The expression of HSP27 mRNA was examined by reverse transcription-quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and the expressions of ACC1, H3K9ac, HSP27 and epithelial-mesenchymal transition-related proteins E-cadherin and Vimentin were detected by western blot. Results: The expression level of ACC1 in sh-NC group was higher than that in sh-ACC1 group (P<0.01). The number of cell migration in sh-NC group was (159.00±24.38), lower than (361.80±26.81) in sh-ACC1 group (P<0.01). The protein expression levels of E-cadherin and Vimentin in sh-NC group were statistically significant compared with sh-AAC1 group (P<0.05). The migrated cell number in sh-NC+ si-NC group was (189.20±16.02), lower than (371.60±38.40) in sh-ACC1+ si-NC group (P<0.01). The migrated cell number in sh-NC+ si-NC group was higher than that in sh-NC+ si-HSP27 group (152.40±24.30, P<0.01), and the migrated cell number in sh-ACC1+ si-NC group was higher than that in sh-ACC1+ si-HSP27 group (P<0.01). The protein expression levels of E-cadherin and Vimentin in sh-NC+ si-NC group were significantly different from those in sh-ACC1+ si-NC and sh-NC+ si-HSP27 groups (P<0.01). The protein expression levels of E-cadherin and Vimentin in sh-ACC1+ si-NC group were significantly different from those in sh-ACC1+ si-HSP27 group (P<0.01). After 24 h treatment with C646 at 20 μmmo/L, the migrated cell number in sh-NC+ DMSO group was (190.80±11.95), lower than (395.80±17.10) in sh-ACC1+ DMSO group (P<0.01). The migrated cell number in sh-NC+ DMSO group was lower than that in sh-NC+ C646 group (256.20±23.32, P<0.01). The migrated cell number in sh-ACC1+ DMSO group was higher than that in sh-ACC1+ C646 group (87.80±11.23, P<0.01). The protein expressions of H3K9ac, HSP27, E-cadherin and Vimentin in sh-NC+ DMSO group were significantly different from those in sh-ACC1+ DMSO group and sh-NC+ C646 group (P<0.01). The protein expression levels of H3K9ac, HSP27, E-cadherin and Vimentin in sh-ACC1+ DMSO group were significantly different from those in sh-ACC1+ C646 group (P<0.01). Conclusion: Knockdown of ACC1 promotes the migration of KYSE-450 cell by up-regulating HSP27 and increasing histone acetylation.

Characteristics of lymph node metastasis of right recurrent laryngeal nerve in thoracic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma / 中华肿瘤杂志

Objective: To understand the characteristics and influencing factors of lymph node metastasis of the right recurrent laryngeal nerve in thoracic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), and to explore the reasonable range of lymph node dissection and the value of right recurrent laryngeal nerve lymph node dissection. Methods: The clinicopathological data with thoracic ESCC were retrospectively analyzed, and the characteristics of lymph node metastasis along the right recurrent laryngeal nerve and its influencing factors were explored. Results: Eighty out of 516 patients had lymph node metastasis along the right recurrent laryngeal nerve, the metastasis rate was 15.5%. Among 80 patients with lymph node metastasis along the right recurrent laryngeal nerve, 25 cases had isolated metastasis to the right recurrent laryngeal nerve lymph node but no other lymph nodes. The incidence of isolated metastasis to the recurrent laryngeal nerve lymph node was 4.8% (25/516). A total of 1 127 lymph nodes along the right recurrent laryngeal nerve were dissected, 115 lymph nodes had metastasis, and the degree of lymph node metastasis was 10.2%. T stage, degree of tumor differentiation and tumor location were associated with right paraglottic nerve lymph node metastasis (all P<0.05). The lymph node metastasis rate along the right recurrent laryngeal in patients with upper thoracic squamous cell carcinoma (23.4%, 26/111) was higher than that of patients with middle (13.5%, 40/296) and lower (12.8%, 14/109) thoracic squamous cell carcinoma (P=0.033). In patients with poorly differentiated ESCC (20.6%, 37/180) the metastasis rate was higher than that of patients with moderately (14.6%, 39/267) and well-differentiated (5.8%, 4/69; P<0.05). The lymph node metastasis rate of patients with stage T4 (27.3%, 3/11) was higher than that of patients with stage T1 (9.6%, 19/198), T2 (19.0%, 16/84) and T3 (18.8%, 42/1 223; P<0.05). Multivariate regression analysis showed that tumor location (OR=0.61, 95% CI: 0.41-0.90, P=0.013), invasion depth (OR=1.46, 95% CI: 1.11-1.92, P=0.007), and differentiation degree (OR=1.67, 95% CI: 1.13-2.49, P=0.011) were independent risk factors for lymph node metastasis along right recurrent laryngeal nerve of ESCC. Conclusions: The lymph node along the right recurrent laryngeal nerve has a higher rate of metastasis and should be routinely dissected in patients with ESCC. Tumor location, tumor invasion depth, and differentiation degree are risk factors for lymph node metastasis along right recurrent laryngeal nerve in patients with ESCC.

Clinical analysis of liver dysfunction induced by SHR-1210 alone or combined with apatinib and chemotherapy in patients with advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma / 中华肿瘤杂志

Objective: To investigate the clinical characteristics of abnormal liver function in patients with advanced esophageal squamous carcinoma treated with programmed death-1 (PD-1) antibody SHR-1210 alone or in combination with apatinib and chemotherapy. Methods: Clinical data of 73 patients with esophageal squamous carcinoma from 2 prospective clinical studies conducted at the Cancer Hospital Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences from May 11, 2016, to November 19, 2019, were analyzed, and logistic regression analysis was used for the analysis of influencing factors. Results: Of the 73 patients, 35 had abnormal liver function. 13 of the 43 patients treated with PD-1 antibody monotherapy (PD-1 monotherapy group) had abnormal liver function, and the median time to first abnormal liver function was 55 days. Of the 30 patients treated with PD-1 antibody in combination with apatinib and chemotherapy (PD-1 combination group), 22 had abnormal liver function, and the median time to first abnormal liver function was 41 days. Of the 35 patients with abnormal liver function, 2 had clinical symptoms, including malaise and loss of appetite, and 1 had jaundice. 28 of the 35 patients with abnormal liver function returned to normal and 7 improved to grade 1, and none of the patients had serious life-threatening or fatal liver function abnormalities. Combination therapy was a risk factor for patients to develop abnormal liver function (P=0.007). Conclusions: Most of the liver function abnormalities that occur during treatment with PD-1 antibody SHR-1210 alone or in combination with apatinib and chemotherapy are mild, and liver function can return to normal or improve with symptomatic treatment. For patients who receive PD-1 antibody in combination with targeted therapy and chemotherapy and have a history of long-term previous smoking, alcohol consumption and hepatitis B virus infection, liver function should be monitored and actively managed in a timely manner.

Predictive value of prognostic nutritional index in complications after thoracoscopy-assisted esophagectomy / 中国胸心血管外科临床杂志

@#Objective    To investigate the predictive value of prognostic nutritional index (PNI) in complications after thoracoscopy-assisted radical resection of esophageal cancer. Methods    We collected the clinical data of patients who underwent thoracoscopy-assisted esophagectomy in the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University from January 2015 to June 2020. The predictive value of PNI for postoperative complications was evaluated by establishing receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and the optimal cut-off point was determined. The patients were divided into a high PNI group and a low PNI group according to the cut-off point. The differences of baseline data and perioperative complications-related indicators between the two groups were compared and analyzed. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to investigate the influence of PNI and other related indexes on postoperative complications. Results    A total of 116 patients were enrolled in this study, including 75 males and 41 females, aged 65 (58-69) years. The area under ROC curve was 0.647, and the optimal cut-off point was 51.9. According to the cut-off point, there were 45 patients in the high PNI group and 71 patients in the low PNI group. The overall complication rate (χ2=10.437, P=0.001) and the incidence of postoperative pulmonary infection (χ2=10.811, P=0.001) were statistically different between the two groups. The results of univariate analysis showed that the duration of ventilator use (Z=–3.136, P=0.002), serum albumin value (t=2.961, P=0.004), and PNI value (χ2=10.437, P=0.001) were the possible risk factors for postoperative complications after thoracoscopy-assisted esophagectomy. The results of multivariate analysis suggested that the duration of ventilator use (OR=1.015, P=0.002) and the history of drinking (OR=5.231, P=0.013) were independent risk factors for postoperative complications, and high PNI was the protective factor for postoperative complications (OR=0.243, P=0.047). Conclusion    PNI index has a certain value in predicting postoperative complications, which can quantify the preoperative nutritional and immune status of patients. Drinking history and duration of ventilator use are independent risk factors for postoperative complications of thoracoscopy-assisted esophagectomy, and high PNI is a protective factor for postoperative complications.