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Esophageal Tumor Microenvironment.
Henrik Nienhüser1, Naita Wirsik1, Thomas Schmidt2
1Department of General, Viceral, Cancer and Transplantation Surgery, University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.
Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology
|June 29, 2021
Summary
The tumor microenvironment, including inflammatory cytokines and stem cells, offers new therapeutic targets for esophageal cancer. Research explores these elements and anti-angiogenic therapies to improve patient survival beyond surgery.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Cancer Biology
- Immunology
Background:
- Esophageal cancer treatment options are limited, with disappointing survival rates.
- Surgical resection is the only curative approach, necessitating novel medical therapies.
- The tumor microenvironment presents a promising target for innovative esophageal cancer treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review in vitro, preclinical, and translational research on the tumor microenvironment in esophageal cancer.
- To discuss the role of inflammatory cytokines, stem cells, and angiogenesis in esophageal cancer development and treatment.
- To summarize current clinical trials targeting the tumor microenvironment.
Main Methods:
- Review of in vitro data and preclinical animal studies.
- Analysis of translational research findings.
- Overview of current clinical trials.
Main Results:
- Interleukin overexpression is linked to Barrett lesions and reduced survival in esophageal cancer.
- Stem cells play a significant role in esophageal carcinoma development.
- Angiogenesis and anti-angiogenic therapies are critical factors in esophageal cancer.
Conclusions:
- The tumor microenvironment offers multiple targets for esophageal cancer therapy.
- Further research into inflammatory cytokines, stem cells, and angiogenesis is crucial.
- Clinical trials investigating tumor microenvironment-targeted therapies are ongoing.
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