Esophageal adenocarcinoma in a patient with surgically treated achalasia

Summary Although squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus occurs with increased incidence in primary achalasia, esophageal adenocarcinoma has been considered rare in this condition. We report a patient with long-standing achalasia in whom adenocarcinoma of the esophagus occurred many years after Heller esophagomyotomy, presumably related to Barrett's esophagus complicating gastroesophageal reflux disease.     

Barrett食管与贲门癌

贲门癌的发病率逐年升高.由于贲门癌与食管腺癌流行病学特征相似,且Barrett食管已证实是食管腺癌的癌前病变,所以贲门癌的发生是否与Barrett食管有关成为目前研究的热点.本文就贲门癌研究现状及其与Barrett食管的相关性作一述评.     

食管胃交界腺癌的病理特征及预后分析

目的探讨食管胃交界腺癌的病理特征及预后影响因素。方法对216例食管胃交界腺癌患者的病理资料及预后影响因素作回顾性分析。结果 216例肿瘤的大体类型为溃疡型168例、蕈伞型25例、弥漫浸润型8例、局部黏膜糜烂型15例,病理学分级Ⅰ级30例、Ⅱ级101例、Ⅲ级85例,S iewert分型Ⅰ型7例、Ⅱ型134例、Ⅲ型75例。术后5 a生存率为59.3%,Cox模型多因素分析结果显示,肿瘤临床分期、组织学分级对食管胃交界腺癌预后有显著影响（P均〈0.05）。结论食管胃交界腺癌以溃疡型、Ⅱ型常见,预后较差,肿瘤临床分期、组织学分级可以作为独立预后判断指标。     

Predictors of response and survival for neoadjuvant treated patients with esophageal adenocarcinoma

SUMMARY. Mainly patients with advanced esophageal adenocarcinoma who respond to neoadjuvant chemotherapy show a significant survival benefit after resection. Therefore, prediction of response before treatment is desirable. The aim of this study was to assess genetic predictors of response and survival for patients with esophageal adenocarcinoma prior to neoadjuvant therapy. Thirty‐two patients with advanced esophageal adenocarcinoma who underwent neoadjuvant therapy with resection of their tumor were analyzed for thymidylate synthase (TS), excision repair cross complementing (ERCC1) and Gluthatione S‐transferase (GSTP‐1) mRNA levels prior to the treatment. These results were analyzed in regards of response and survival. In total, 18 patients responded to this protocol. Seventeen of those did show a gene expression level at or below the respective median of at least one gene. This had a profound impact on survival, demonstrating an increase in survival for patients who have TS, ERCC1, or GSTP‐1 mRNA level at or below the median. These results demonstrate a potential predictive value of a gene expression profile available prior to therapy. These data have to be confirmed by a larger prospective trial.     

Barrett's esophagus: Macroscopic markers and the prediction of dysplasia and adenocarcinoma

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Surveillance endoscopy has been advocated for patients with Barrett's esophagus but the cost-effectiveness of this has been questioned. The aim of this study is to identify an optimum surveillance protocol by examining if macroscopic markers at diagnosis predict the development of dysplasia. METHODS: The sample was 353 patients with Barrett's esophagus undergoing surveillance by a community-based group of gastroenterologists between 1981 and 2001. At diagnosis the presence of macroscopic and microscopic markers was noted. The presence and pattern of dysplasia and development of adenocarcinoma was documented during subsequent surveillance. RESULTS: Three hundred and fifty-three patients (71% male) underwent regular surveillance over 19 056 patient-months (median 42 months), having a median number of three surveillance endoscopies (range 1-40). Nine patients (seven male) developed adenocarcinoma (1/176 patient years) and four male patients developed high-grade dysplasia (1/397 patient years). Twelve of these 13 patients entered with one or more macroscopic markers: severe esophagitis, nodularity, Barrett's ulcer or stricture. Dysplasia risk was associated with macroscopic markers. Patients who entered with one marker were 6.7 times more likely to develop high-grade dysplasia/adenocarcinoma (HR = 6.7, 95% CI = 1.3, 35). Patients who entered with two or more markers were 14 times more likely to develop high-grade dysplasia/adenocarcinoma (HR = 14.1, 95% CI = 2.02, 102). CONCLUSIONS: The presence of severe esophagitis, Barrett's ulcer, nodularity or stricture at entry indicates a high-risk group for Barrett's esophagus. Cost-effectiveness of surveillance for these patients and those with dysplasia at entry would thus improve.     

Gene expression in rats with Barrett＇s esophagus and esophageal adenocarcinoma induced by gastroduodenoesophageal reflux

AIM: To study the different gene expression profiles in rats with Barrett's esophagus (BE) and esophageal adenocarcinoma (EA) induced by gastro-duodeno-esophageal reflux. METHODS: Esophagoduodenostomy was performed in 8-wk old Sprague-Dawley rats to induce gastro-duodeno-esophageal reflux, and a group of rats that received sham operation served as control. Esophageal epithelial pathological tissues were dissected and frozen in liquid nitrogen immediately. The expression profiles of 4 096 genes in EA and BE tissues were compared to normal esophagus epithelium in normal control (NC) by cDNA microarray. RESULTS: Four hundred and forty-eight genes in BE were more than three times different from those in NC, including 312 upregulated and 136 downregulated genes. Three hundred and seventy-seven genes in EA were more than three times different from those in NC, including 255 upregulated and 142 downregulated genes. Compared to BE, there were 122 upregulated and 156 downregulated genes in EA. In the present study, the interested genes were those involved in carcinogenesis. Among them, the upregulated genes included cathepsin C, aminopeptidase M, arachidonic acid epoxygenase, tryptophan-2,3-dioxygenase, ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme, cyclic GMP-stimulated phosphodiesterase, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1, betaine-homocysteine methyltra nsferase, lysozyme, complement 4b binding protein, complement 9 protein, insulin-like growth factor binding protein, UDP-glucuronosyltransferase, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-3, aldolase B, retinoid X receptor gamma, carboxylesterase and testicular cell adhesion molecule 1. The downregulated genes included glutathione synthetase, lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase, p55CDC, heart fatty acid binding protein, cell adhesion regulator and endothelial cell selectin ligand. CONCLUSION: Esophageal epithelium exposed excessively to harmful ingredients of duodenal and gastric reflux may develop into BE and even EA gradually. The gene expression level is different between EA and BE, and may be related to the occurrence and progression of EA.     

Endoscopic findings of adenocarcinoma arising from short-segment Barrett's esophagus

Adenocarcinoma arising from short-segment Barrett's esophagus (SSBE) is rare in Japan, although the incidence of this condition is increasing in Western countries. Four cases of early adenocarcinoma arising from SSBE were diagnosed and treated at Niigata-prefectural Yoshida Hospital. All patients were male, variously 55, 71, 73 and 79 years of age. All four patients had long-term gastroesophageal reflux disease, although one patient had erosive esophagitis and three patients did not have erosive esophagitis. Three patients were diagnosed as having Helicobacter pylori-free stomach. All adenocarcinomas occurred close to the squamocolumnar junction. Patients with SSBE should undergo detailed endoscopic examination of the squamocolumnar junction in order to detect early adenocarcinoma arising from SSBE.     

Esophageal adenocarcinoma developing above an Angelchik prosthesis

The Angelchik device is a horseshoe-shaped prosthesis made of silicone elastomer; it was inserted by the trans-abdominal route to encircle the lower esophagus and was used in the treatment of gastro-esophageal reflux disease. Over 25 000 were inserted worldwide, with acceptable symptom control in between 54% and 95% of patients. However, they were associated with a wide variety of complications, including intractable dysphagia, prosthesis migration and erosion into the stomach, and a significant proportion had to be removed. This article details the cases of three patients in our institution who underwent the insertion of an Angelchik prosthesis and who subsequently developed adenocarcinoma of the esophagus. It is suggested that the Angelchik prosthesis does not effectively prevent acid reflux and thus has no effect in preventing the dysplasia-metaplasia-adenocarcinoma sequence in the lower esophagus.     

胆汁酸在Barrett食管和食管腺癌发病中的作用

目的探讨胆汁酸在Barrett食管(BE)及食管腺癌(EAC)发病中的作用,为预防、治疗BE、EAC的发生提供参考依据。 方法选取2017年8月10日至2020年10月30日于茌平区人民医院就诊,反流性疾病问卷评分>12分的患者,对其行无痛胃镜检查,镜下胃液留取及食管下段(胃食管结合部上1 cm处)黏膜组织活检,进行胃液、食管下段黏膜胆汁酸浓度检测。 结果所检患者胃液中均检测到不同浓度的胆汁酸,且BE、EAC患者胃液及食管下段黏膜组织总胆汁酸浓度较非糜烂性反流病(NERD)、反流性食管炎(RE)患者胃液及食管下段黏膜组织总胆汁酸浓度明显升高(P值均<0.05)。 结论胆汁酸在BE、EAC患者胃液及食管下段黏膜组织中的浓度较无Barrett食管的胃食管反流病患者的浓度明显升高,提示胆汁反流可能与胃食管结合部黏膜细胞恶性转化相关,抑制胆汁反流可能成为预防BE、EAC发生的必要干预措施。     

Primary adenocarcinoma of the cervical esophagus arising from heterotopic gastric mucosa

Received: February 18, 2000 / Accepted: November 17, 2000     

Translational research on esophageal adenocarcinoma: from cell line to clinic

Human esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) cell lines have made a substantial contribution to elucidating mechanisms of carcinogenesis and drug discovery. Model research on EAC relies almost entirely on a relatively small set of established tumor cell lines because appropriate animal models are lacking. Nowadays, more than 20% of all fundamental translational research studies regarding EAC are partially or entirely based on these cell lines. The ready availability of these cell lines to investigators worldwide have resulted in more than 250 publications, including many examples of important biomedical discoveries. The high genomic similarities (but certainly not completely identical) between the EAC cell lines and their original tumors provide rational for their use. Recently, in a collaborative effort all available EAC cell lines have been verified resulting in the establishment of a reliable panel of 10 EAC cell lines. It could be expected that the value of these cell lines increases as unlimited source of tumor material because new biomedical techniques require more tumor cells and the supply of viable tumor cells is diminishing because of neoadjuvant chemo(radio)therapy of patients with EAC. Here, we review the history of the EAC cell lines and their utility in translational research and biomedical discovery.     

Characteristics of patients with columnar-lined Barrett＇s esophagus and risk factors for progression to esophageal adenocarcinoma

AIM: To determine the risk factors for the development of esophageal adenocarcinoma in these patients with columnar-lined esophagus (CLE). METHODS: Data collected retrospectively on 597 consecutive patients diagnosed at endoscopy and histology to have CLE at Leeds General Infirmary between 1984 and 1995 were analyzed. Factors evaluated included age, sex, length of columnar segment, smoking, and drinking habits, history of non-steroidal ingestion, presence of endoscopic esophagitis, ulceration or benign strictures and presence of Helicobacter pylori in esophageal biopsies. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify risk factors for the development of adenocarcinoma. RESULTS: Forty-four patients presented or developed esophageal adenocarcinoma during follow-up. Independent risk factors for the development of adenocarcinoma in patients with CLE were males (OR 5.12, 95%CI 2.04-12.84, P = 0.0005), and benign esophageal stricture (OR 4.37, 95%CI 2.02-9.45, P = 0.0002). Male subjects and patients who developed benign esophageal stricture constituted 86% (n = 38) of all patients who presented or developed esophageal adenocarcinoma. The presence of esophagitis was associated with a significant reduction in the development of esophageal carcinoma (OR 0.28, 95%CI 0.13-0.57, P = 0.0006). No other clinical characteristics differentiate between the non-malignant and malignant group. CONCLUSION: In patients with CLE, endoscopic surveillance for the early detection of adenocarcinoma may be restricted to male subjects, as well as patients who develop benign esophageal strictures.     

Association of ablation of Barrett''s esophagus with high grade dysplasia and adenocarcinoma of the gastric cardia

There has been increasing application of endoscopic ablation therapy for patients with high-grade dysplasia (HGD) and Barrett's esophagus (BE). Three cases are reported in which the patient developed adenocarcinoma of the gastric cardia after thermal ablation of HGD. A definition of BE including endoscopic abnormality and intestinal metaplasia by biopsy was used. Strict and standardized criteria were utilized for the endoscopic landmarks. Three cases are reported with long-segment BE and a nodule or mass in the endoscopic cardia post-thermal ablation. Biopsies documented adenocarcinoma of the gastric cardia. The development of adenocarcinoma of the cardia is unexpected. Speculation is offered as to the potential of increased proliferation and mutations at the new squamocolumnar interface after endoscopic ablation therapy to explain this association.     

Obesity and lifestyle risk factors for gastroesophageal reflux disease, Barrett esophagus and esophageal adenocarcinoma

The aim of this study was to examine the association of obesity with esophageal adenocarcinoma, and with the precursor lesions Barrett esophagus and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This case-control study included cases with GERD (n = 142), Barrett esophagus (n = 130), and esophageal adenocarcinoma (n = 57). Controls comprised 102 asymptomatic individuals. Using logistic regression methods, we compared obesity rates between cases and controls adjusting for differences in age, gender, and lifestyle risk factors. Relative to normal weight, obese individuals were at increased risk for esophageal adenocarcinoma (Odds Ratio [OR] 4.67, 95% Confidence Interval [CI] 1.27-17.9). Diets high in vitamin C were associated with a lower risk for GERD (OR 0.40, 95% CI 0.19-0.87), Barrett esophagus (OR 0.44, 95% CI 0.20-0.98), and esophageal adenocarcinoma (OR 0.21, 95% CI 0.06-0.77). For the more established risk factors, we confirmed that smoking was a significant risk factor for esophageal adenocarcinoma, and that increased liquor consumption was associated with GERD and Barrett esophagus. In light of the current obesity epidemic, esophageal adenocarcinoma incidence rates are expected to continue to increase. Successful promotion of healthy body weight and diets high in vitamin C may substantially reduce the incidence of this disease.     

Cyclo-oxygenase-2 expression in esophageal adenocarcinoma as a determinant of clinical outcome following esophagectomy

The aim of this study was to determine if cyclo-oxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression in adenocarcinoma of the esophagus affects survival outcome in patients undergoing esophagectomy. Ten patients surviving more than 3 years following an esophagectomy for adenocarcinoma of the esophagus were identified from an esophagectomy database maintained by the University of Adelaide Department of Surgery. An additional group of 10 patients, who underwent esophagectomy for adenocarcinoma, but who died within 12 months of surgery due to recurrent disease, were also identified. Pieces of the original formalin fixed carcinoma tissue embedded in paraffin blocks from all of these patients were obtained, and slices of the tumor specimens underwent immunohistochemical staining with COX-2 protein. The extent of staining was then graded by a single 'blinded' pathologist: grade 0, no staining; grade 1 +, limited staining; and grade 2 +, strong staining. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were then constructed and used to determine correlations between survival and COX-2 staining, tumor T-stage, local lymph node metastases, and tumor vascular invasion. Ninety-five percent (19/20) of patients stained positively for COX-2. Patients with grade 2 + staining had a significantly poorer survival outcome compared to grade 1 + patients (P = 0.03). There were also trends towards shorter survival with worsening T-stage, lymph node metastasis and vascular invasion. COX-2 protein appears to be expressed by most esophageal adenocarcinomas. An increased level of expression of COX-2 was associated with a poorer survival outcome in this study. COX-2 protein expression association could be a better prognostic indicator for esophageal adenocarcinoma than traditional histopathological staging.     

Gastric and intestinal differentiation in Barrett''s metaplasia and associated adenocarcinoma

Intestinal metaplasia is a prerequisite criterion for the diagnosis of Barrett's metaplasia and the sole columnar esophageal lining associated with malignancy. It is recognized by the presence of goblet cells, but columnar non-goblet elements, producing gastric or intestinal proteins, are the prevalent cell population. The cellular heterogeneity of Barrett's metaplasia is well documented but the relationship between the distinct cell subtypes and neoplasia is unclear. Our aim was to clarify the relationship between the different metaplastic populations and malignancy in order to investigate putative markers for risk stratification of Barrett's patients. We studied 46 columnar-lined esophageal segments, 15 with associated adenocarcinoma. The presence of the gastric, MUC5AC and MUC6, and the intestinal, MUC2, proteins was evaluated in metaplastic (columnar and goblet) and neoplastic cells. In neoplasia MUC5AC and MUC6 were detected in 100% and 86.6% of the cases, respectively. In metaplasia there were no differences in MUC5AC and MUC6 immunoreactivity, between cases with and without associated neoplasia, except for goblet elements producing MUC6 that were exclusive of metaplasia adjacent to adenocarcinoma (P < 0.05). MUC2 was present in 86.6% of the neoplasia. In metaplasia it was restricted to Barrett's cases and was more frequent in areas with intestinal metaplasia. Columnar-lined esophagus without intestinal metaplasia did not express MUC2. Our study suggests a relationship between the metaplastic population with gastric phenotype and malignancy, and points to the involvement of columnar as well as goblet elements in tumorigenesis. The association between goblet cells aberrantly producing MUC6 and the presence of neoplasia suggests they may be useful for risk stratification.     

MicroRNAs, development of Barrett’s esophagus, and progression to esophageal adenocarcinoma

Barrett's esophagus is a premalignant condition caused by gastroesophageal reflux. Once developed, it can progress through varying grades of dysplasia to esoph-ageal adenocarcinoma. Whilst it is well accepted that Barrett's esophagus is caused by gastroesophageal reflux, the molecular mechanisms of its pathogenesis and progression to cancer remain unclear. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short segments of RNA that have been shown to control the expression of many human genes. They have been implicated in most cellul...     

COX-2在Barrett食管和食管腺癌中的表达及意义

目的:探讨环氧合酶-2(COX-2)及其催化产生的前列腺素E2(PGE2)与Barrett食管及食管腺癌的关系．方法:采用RT-PCR、免疫组化和RIA等方法,分别测定Barrett食管组(n=16),食管腺癌组(n=17)和正常对照组(n=20)食管黏膜中COX-2 mRNA的表达率、 COX-2蛋白在组织中的表达率和在细胞中的分布情况,以及PGE2在组织中的含量．结果:87．50％(14／16)的Barrett食管和88．24％(15／17) 的食管腺癌中COX-2 mRNA呈阳性表达,与对照组 25．00％(5／20)比较均有显著差异(P<0．01)．免疫组织化学研究显示:COX-2蛋白在Barrett食管上皮细胞和食管腺癌的癌细胞细胞质中呈阳性表达,81．25％(13／16) 的Barrett食管和76．47％(13／17)的食管腺癌中COX-2 蛋白呈阳性表达,与对照组20．00％(4／20)比较均有显著差异(P<0．01),但Barrett食管组和食管腺癌组 COX-2蛋白表达率之间无显著差异(P>0．05)．放射免疫分析测定显示:Barrett食管组(541．41±34．30 ng／g)和食管腺癌组(559．224±37．77 ng／g)中PGE2的含量与对照组(357．10±37．58 ng／g)相比均有显著差异 (P<0．05),Barrett食管组和食管腺癌组之间PGE2的含量无显著差异(P>0．05)．结论:COX-2及其mRNA蛋白在Barrett食管和食管腺癌中均呈高表达．PGE2的含量在Barrett食管和食管腺癌中均增高．COX-2及其催化产生的PGE2可能与 Barrett食管及食管腺癌的形成有关．