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The Pathologic and Molecular Landscape of Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinogenesis

Gianluca Businello1, Paola Parente2, Luca Mastracci3,4

  • 1Surgical Pathology Unit, Department of Medicine (DIMED), University of Padua, 35121 Padua, Italy.

Cancers
|August 8, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma is a common cancer worldwide. This review details its molecular features and discusses rare variants and links to head and neck cancers, noting the lack of targeted therapies.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Gastroenterology

Background:

  • Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is the predominant epithelial neoplasm of the esophagus globally.
  • Despite extensive molecular profiling, targeted therapies for ESCC remain limited in clinical application.
  • Understanding ESCC's molecular underpinnings is crucial for developing effective treatments.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide a comprehensive overview of the molecular landscape of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.
  • To highlight recent advancements in the molecular characterization of ESCC.
  • To explore rare variants of ESCC and their relationship with head and neck squamous cell carcinomas.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent studies on esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.
  • Analysis of molecular data and targeted therapy research.
  • Comparative analysis with head and neck squamous cell carcinomas.

Main Results:

  • The molecular profile of ESCC is complex, with several key pathways identified.
  • No significant targeted therapies have yet translated into widespread clinical practice for ESCC.
  • Connections between ESCC and head and neck squamous cell carcinomas are being elucidated.

Conclusions:

  • Further research into the molecular drivers of ESCC is necessary.
  • Development of targeted therapies remains a critical unmet need for ESCC patients.
  • Understanding the shared and distinct molecular features with head and neck cancers may offer therapeutic insights.
Keywords:
biomarkerscarcinogenesisesophageal cancermolecular landscapesquamous cell carcinoma

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