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Current Status and Future Prospects for Esophageal Cancer
Mahdi Sheikh1, Gholamreza Roshandel2, Valerie McCormack3
1Genomic Epidemiology Branch, International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC/WHO), 69007 Lyon, France.
Cancers
|February 11, 2023
Summary
Esophageal cancer (EC) remains a significant global health challenge. This review explores recent advances in understanding EC epidemiology, risk factors, and treatment, highlighting new diagnostic tools like Cytosponge™ for esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC).
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Gastroenterology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Esophageal cancer (EC) is a leading cause of cancer death globally, with distinct subtypes: esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC).
- While ESCC incidence declines, EAC is rising, driven by different environmental exposures.
- Poor prognosis persists, with a five-year survival rate under 20%.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advances in EC epidemiology, risk factors, and treatment.
- To discuss challenges and progress in early diagnosis and prevention strategies for ESCC and EAC.
- To highlight the potential of novel diagnostic tools for specific EC subtypes.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature review of epidemiological studies.
- Analysis of time trends in EC incidence and mortality.
- Evaluation of genomic research and biomarker development.
- Assessment of current and emerging prevention and treatment strategies.
Main Results:
- Distinct environmental risk factors identified for ESCC and EAC.
- Genomic alterations show promise as biomarkers for diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis.
- Cytosponge™ technology is improving early detection for EAC.
- Primary prevention remains crucial for reducing the global EC burden.
Conclusions:
- Despite advances, EC prognosis remains poor, necessitating improved early detection and prevention.
- Understanding subtype-specific epidemiology and genomics is key to targeted interventions.
- Continued research into environmental factors, biomarkers, and novel diagnostic tools is essential for combating EC.
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