Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 24, 2026

Development of Compendium for Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
03:36

Development of Compendium for Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Published on: April 12, 2024

NY-ESO-1 expression and its serum immunoreactivity in esophageal cancer

Argun Akcakanat1, Tatsuo Kanda, Yu Koyama

  • 1Division of Digestive and General Surgery, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, 951-8510 Niigata, Japan.

Cancer Chemotherapy and Pharmacology
|May 1, 2004
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Advanced esophageal cancer patients show an immune response to NY-ESO-1 antigen. This cancer/testis antigen (CTA) is a promising target for developing new immunotherapies against esophageal carcinoma.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Immunology
  • Cancer Research

Background:

  • Esophageal carcinoma presents a significant survival challenge, especially in advanced stages.
  • Current multimodality treatments offer limited survival benefits for unresectable or metastatic esophageal carcinoma.
  • Cancer/testis antigens (CTAs) like NY-ESO-1 are known to induce immune responses in cancer patients.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the antibody response against NY-ESO-1 in esophageal cancer patients.
  • To assess NY-ESO-1 protein expression in esophageal tumors.
  • To evaluate NY-ESO-1's potential as a target for tumor-specific immunotherapy.

Main Methods:

  • Western blot analysis of serum from 69 esophageal cancer patients for anti-NY-ESO-1 antibodies.
  • Immunohistochemistry on 56 esophageal tumor tissue samples to detect NY-ESO-1 protein expression.
  • Correlation analysis between immune response, protein expression, and clinicopathologic features.

Main Results:

  • NY-ESO-1 protein was expressed in 32% of esophageal carcinomas.
  • Antibodies specific to NY-ESO-1 were detected in 13% of patients, predominantly in advanced stages (III/IV).
  • No significant correlation was found between clinicopathologic features and NY-ESO-1 immunoreactivity or survival outcomes.

Conclusions:

  • A humoral immune response to NY-ESO-1 is present in patients with advanced esophageal cancer.
  • NY-ESO-1 demonstrates potential as a target antigen for vaccine-based immunotherapy in esophageal carcinoma.
  • Further research into NY-ESO-1 targeted therapies may improve outcomes for advanced esophageal cancer.

More Related Videos

An Immunofluorescent Method for Characterization of Barrett’s Esophagus Cells08:54

An Immunofluorescent Method for Characterization of Barrett’s Esophagus Cells

Published on: July 20, 2014

Related Concept Videos

Barrett Esophagus-II: Clinical Manifestations and Management01:21

Barrett Esophagus-II: Clinical Manifestations and Management

Individuals with Barrett's esophagus are often asymptomatic, but they may experience symptoms commonly associated with GERD, such as heartburn and acid regurgitation. Additional symptoms can include difficulty swallowing, chest pain, unintentional weight loss, blood in the stool (which may appear black, tarry, or bloody), and episodes of vomiting.
To diagnose Barrett's esophagus, healthcare providers often recommend an endoscopy for those showing symptoms of acid reflux. The procedure entails...
Barrett Esophagus-I: Introduction01:21

Barrett Esophagus-I: Introduction

Barrett's esophagus is a medical condition where the esophageal mucosa is significantly damaged by stomach acid or other digestive fluids, often due to long-term exposure associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). In GERD, a weakened or abnormally relaxed lower esophageal sphincter allows stomach acid to flow persistently into the esophagus.
This constant acid exposure transforms the esophagus's pink mucosal lining (stratified squamous epithelium) into a type of lining more similar...
Esophageal Achalasia01:27

Esophageal Achalasia

Esophageal achalasia is a chronic neurogenic disorder characterized by impaired relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and absent or ineffective peristalsis in the distal esophagus. This leads to a functional obstruction without a physical blockage, despite significant disruption of esophageal motility.EtiologyAchalasia is caused by degeneration of the myenteric (Auerbach's) plexus, specifically the loss of inhibitory ganglion cells that produce vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP)...
Esophageal Strictures-I: Introduction01:30

Esophageal Strictures-I: Introduction

Esophageal strictures involve abnormal narrowing or tightening of the esophagus. They vary in length and severity, ranging from mild constriction to complete obstruction, and are classified as benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous).
Etiology
The primary cause of esophageal strictures is long-standing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), accounting for about 70 to 80% of adult cases. Chronic acid reflux can lead to injury and scarring of the esophageal lining, culminating in...