Endoscopic screening for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Gastroenterology
• Public Health

Background:

• Esophageal cancer (EC) is a leading cause of cancer death globally.
• Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is prevalent in developing nations, often diagnosed late.
• Effective prevention strategies, including screening, are vital for managing ESCC.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of different screening methods for ESCC.
• To identify suitable screening approaches for high-risk populations.
• To explore alternatives to traditional endoscopic screening for ESCC.

Main Methods:

• Review of current ESCC screening strategies, including endoscopy with iodine staining.
• Analysis of the limitations and costs associated with endoscopic imaging modalities like NBI.
• Consideration of non-endoscopic methods for population-based screening.

Main Results:

• Endoscopy with iodine staining is used in some high-risk areas but can be costly and invasive.
• Newer endoscopic imaging, such as NBI, has limitations in validity and cost for population-level screening.
• Non-endoscopic methods may offer a more applicable solution for widespread ESCC screening.

Conclusions:

• Population-based ESCC screening programs must be cost-effective.
• Low-cost, less-invasive endoscopic imaging with good diagnostic performance could enable cost-effective ESCC screening.
• Further research into accessible screening modalities is warranted for high-risk populations.