Curva de aprendizagem de dissecção endoscópica de submucosa por endoscopistas ocidentais treinados no Japão: Experiência na América Latina / Learning curve in esophageal endoscopic submucosal dissection by western endoscospists trained in japan: experience in latin america

ABSTRACT Background: Esophageal endoscopic submucosal dissection (EESD) is a complex and time-consuming procedure at which training are mainly available in Japan. There is a paucity of data concerning the learning curve to master EESD by Western endoscopists. Objective: This study aimed to assess the learning curve effect on patient's clinical outcome for EESD. Methods: This is a retrospective observational study. Enrolling patients that underwent EESD from 2009 to 2021. The analysis was divided into two periods; T1: case 1 to 49 and T2: case 50 to 98. The following features were analyzed for each group: patients and tumors characteristics, en-bloc, complete and curative resection rates, procedure duration and adverse events rate. Results: Ninety-eight EESD procedures were performed. Mean procedure time was 111.8 min and 103.6 min for T1 and T2, respectively (P=0.004). En bloc resection rate was 93.8% and 97.9% for T1 and T2, respectively (P=0.307). Complete resection rate was 79.5% and 85.7% for T1 and T2, respectively (P=0.424). Curative resection rate was 65.3% and 71.4% for T1 and T2, respectively (P=0.258). Four patients had complications; three during T1 period and one during T2 period. Overall mortality rate: 0%. Conclusion: The esophageal endoscopic submucosal dissection could be performed effectively and safely by an adequately trained Western endoscopist.

RESUMO Contexto: A dissecção endoscópica da submucosa do esôfago (DSEE) é um procedimento complexo, cujo treinamento está disponível principalmente no Japão. Há uma escassez de dados sobre a curva de aprendizado para se capacitar na realização da DSEE por endoscopistas ocidentais. Objetivo: Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar o efeito da curva de aprendizado no resultado clínico dos pacientes submetidos a DSEE. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo observacional retrospectivo. Foram incluídos pacientes submetidos a DSEE no período de 2009 a 2021. A análise foi dividida em dois períodos; T1: caso 1 a 49 e T2: caso 50 a 98. Os seguintes parâmetros foram analisados para cada grupo: características clínicas dos pacientes e dos tumores de esôfago, taxas de ressecção em bloco, completa e curativa, duração do procedimento e taxa de eventos adversos. Resultados: Noventa e oito procedimentos de DSEE foram realizados. O tempo médio do procedimento foi de 111,8 min e 103,6 min nos períodos T1 e T2, respectivamente (P=0,004). A taxa de ressecção em bloco foi de 93,8% e 97,9% nos períodos T1 e T2, respectivamente (P=0,307). A taxa de ressecção completa foi de 79,5% e 85,7% nos períodos T1 e T2, respectivamente (P=0,424). A taxa de ressecção curativa foi de 65,3% e 71,4% para T1 e T2, respectivamente (P=0,258). Quatro pacientes tiveram complicações; três durante o período T1 e um durante o período T2. Taxa de mortalidade geral: 0%. Conclusão: A DSEE pode ser realizada de forma eficaz e segura por um endoscopista ocidental adequadamente treinado.

Diagnóstico y tratamiento de los tumores de la unión esofagogástrica. Experiencia en el Instituto Nacional de Cancerología / Diagnosis and treatment of esophagogastric junction tumors. Experience at the National Cancer Institute

Introducción. El diagnóstico adecuado de los tumores de la unión esofagogástrica es esencial para el tratamiento de estos pacientes. La clasificación propuesta por Siewert-Stein define las características propias, factores de riesgo y estrategias quirúrgicas según la localización. El objetivo de este estudio fue describir las características de los pacientes con adenocarcinoma de la unión esofagogástrica tratados en nuestra institución. Métodos. Estudio retrospectivo, descriptivo, de corte longitudinal, que incluyó los pacientes con diagnóstico de adenocarcinoma de la unión esofagogástrica intervenidos quirúrgicamente en el Instituto Nacional de Cancerología, Bogotá, D.C., Colombia, entre enero de 2012 y mayo de 2017. Resultados. Se operaron 59 pacientes (84,7 % hombres), con una edad media de 62,5 años. En su orden de frecuencia los tumores fueron tipo II (57,6 %), tipo III (30,7 %) y tipo I (11,9 %). El 74,6 % recibieron neoadyuvancia y se realizó gastrectomía total en el 73 % de los pacientes. La concordancia diagnóstica moderada con índice Kappa fue de 0,56, difiriendo con la endoscópica en 33,9 %. El 10,2 % de los pacientes presentó algún tipo de complicación intraoperatoria. La supervivencia a tres años en los tumores tipo II fue del 89,6 % y del 100 % en aquellos con respuesta patológica completa. Conclusión. Es necesario el uso de diferentes estrategias para un proceso diagnóstico adecuado en los tumores de la unión esofagogástrica. En esta serie, los pacientes Siewert II, aquellos que recibieron neoadyuvancia y los que obtuvieron una respuesta patológica completa, tuvieron una mejor supervivencia a tres años

Introduction: Proper diagnosis of gastroesophageal junction tumors is essential for the treatment of these patients. The classification proposed by Siewert-Stein defines its own characteristics, risk factors and surgical strategies according to the location. This study describes the characteristics of patients with adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction treated at our institution. Methods. Retrospective, descriptive, longitudinal study, which includes patients diagnosed with adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction who underwent surgery at the National Cancer Institute in Bogotá, Colombia, between January 2012 and May 2017. Results. Fifty-nine patients (84.7% men) were operated on, with a mean age of 62.5 years. In their order of frequency, the tumors were type II (57.6%), type III (30.7%) and type I (11.9%). 74.6% received neoadjuvant therapy and total gastrectomy was performed in 73% of the cases. The moderate diagnostic concordance with the Kappa index was 0.56, differing from the endoscopic one in 33.9%. 10.2% of the patients presented some type of intraoperative complication. Three-year survival in type II tumors was 89.6% and 100% in those with complete pathologic response. Conclusion. The use of different strategies is necessary for an adequate diagnostic process in tumors of the esophagogastric junction. In this series, Siewert II patients, those who received neoadjuvant therapy, and those who obtained a complete pathological response had a better three-year survival

Does neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy for esophageal and gastroesophageal junction cancer patients affect postoperative outcomes? a study using the becker tumor regression grade system and lymph node regression / A radioterapia e quimioterapia neoadjuvantes para pacientes com câncer de esôfago e junção gastro-esofágica afetam os resultados pós-operatórios? um estudo usando o sistema de regressão tumoral de becker e regressão de linfonodos

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: The effect of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT) in patients with locally advanced esophageal cancer can be determined by assessing the Becker tumor regression grade in the primary tumor, as well as in lymph nodes. AIMS: The aim of this study was to investigate the anatomopathological changes caused by neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy and their impact on clinical parameters. Specifically, we analyzed the Becker tumor regression grade, lymph node status, and regression changes and evaluated their association with the Clavien-Dindo classification of surgical complications and overall patient survival. METHODS: This is a retrospective and observational study including 139 patients diagnosed with adenocarcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus and treated with either neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy followed by surgery or surgery alone. For the 94 patients who underwent neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy, we evaluated tumor regression by Becker tumor regression grade in primary tumors. We also analyzed lymph node status and regression changes on lymph nodes with or without metastases. Overall survival analysis was performed using Kaplan-Meier curves. RESULTS: Becker tumor regression grade is associated with lower lymphatic permeation (p<0.01) and vascular invasion (p<0.001), but not with lymph node regression rate (p=0.10). Clavien-Dindo classification was associated neither with lymph node regression rate (odds ratio=0.784, p=0.795) nor with tumor regression grade (p=0.68). Patients who presented with lymphatic permeation and vascular invasion had statistically significantly lower median survival (17 vs. 30 months, p=0.006 for lymphatic permeation, and 14 vs. 29 months, p=0.024 for vascular invasion). CONCLUSION: In our series, we were unable to demonstrate an association between Becker tumor regression grade and lymph node regression rate with any postoperative complications. Patients with lower lymphatic permeation and vascular invasion have higher overall survival, correlating with a better response in the Becker tumor regression grade system.

RESUMO RACIONAL: O efeito da quimioradioterapia neoadjuvante em pacientes com câncer de esôfago localmente avançado pode ser determinado pela avaliação do grau de regressão tumoral de Becker no tumor primário, bem como nos linfonodos. OBJETIVOS: Investigar as alterações anatomopatológicas causadas pela quimioradioterapia neoadjuvante e seu impacto nos parâmetros clínicos. Especificamente, analisamos o grau de regressão tumoral de Becker, o status linfonodal e as alterações de regressão e avaliamos sua associação com a Classificação Clavien-Dindo de complicações cirúrgicas e a sobrevida geral dos pacientes. MÉTODOS: Estudo retrospectivo e observacional incluindo 139 pacientes diagnosticados com carcinoma espinocelular de esôfago ou adenocarcinoma da junção esofagogástrica, tratados com quimioradioterapia neoadjuvante seguido de cirurgia ou cirurgia isolada. Para os 94 pacientes submetidos a quimioradioterapia neoadjuvante, avaliamos a grau de regressão tumoral de Becker em tumores primários. Também analisamos o status linfonodal e as alterações de regressão em linfonodos com ou sem metástases. A análise de sobrevida global foi realizada usando curvas de Kaplan-Meier. RESULTADOS: O grau de regressão tumoral de Becker está associado a menor permeação linfática (p<0,01) e invasão vascular (p<0,001), mas não à taxa de regressão linfonodal (p=0,10). A classificação de Clavien-Dindo não foi associada à taxa de regressão linfonodal (OR=0,784; p=0,795) nem ao grau de grau de regressão tumoral (p=0,68). Os pacientes que apresentavam permeação linfática e invasão vascular tiveram sobrevida mediana menor estatisticamente significativa (17 vs 30 meses; p=0,006 para a permeação linfátiva e 14 vs 29 meses; p=0,024, para a invasão vascular, respectivamente). CONCLUSÕES: Em nossa série não conseguimos demonstrar associação entre grau de regressão tumoral de Becker e taxa de regressão linfonodal com quaisquer complicações pós-operatórias. Pacientes com menor permeação linfática e invasão vascular apresentam maior sobrevida global, correlacionando-se com uma melhor resposta no sistema Becker.

Early postoperative outcomes of the esophagectomy minimally invasive in esophageal cancer / Resultados pós-operatórios precoces da esofagectomia minimamente invasiva no câncer do esôfago

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: The incidence of esophageal cancer is high in some regions and the surgical treatment requires reference centers, with high volume, to make surgery feasible. AIMS: To evaluate patients undergoing minimally invasive esophagectomy by thoracoscopy in prone position for the treatment of esophageal cancer and to recognize the experience acquired over time in our service after the introduction of this technique. METHODS: From January 2012 to August 2021, all patients who underwent the minimally invasive esophagectomy for esophageal cancer were retrospectively analyzed. In order to assess the factors associated with the predefined outcomes as fistula, pneumonia, and intrahospital death, we performed univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses, accounting for age as an important factor. RESULTS: Sixty-six patients were studied, with mean age of 59.5 years. The main histological type was squamous cell carcinoma (81.8%). The incidence of postoperative pneumonia and fistula was 38% and 33.3%, respectively. Eight patients died during this period. The patient's age, T and N stages, the year the procedure was performed, and postoperative pneumonia development were factors that influenced postoperative death. There was a 24% reduction in the chance of mortality each year, associated with the learning curve of our service. CONCLUSIONS: The present study presented the importance of the team's experience and the concentration of the treatment of patients with esophageal cancer in reference centers, allowing to significantly improve the postoperative outcomes.

RESUMO RACIONAL: A incidência do câncer de esôfago é elevada em algumas regiões e o tratamento cirúrgico requer centros de referência com alto volume para viabilizar a cirurgia. OBJETIVOS: Avaliar os pacientes submetidos à esofagectomia minimamente invasiva, por toracoscopia na posição prona, para o tratamento do câncer de esôfago e conhecer a experiência adquirida ao longo do tempo em nosso serviço após a introdução desta técnica. MÉTODOS: De janeiro de 2012 a agosto de 2021, foram analisados retrospectivamente todos os pacientes submetidos à esofagectomia minimamente invasiva para câncer de esôfago. Para avaliar os fatores associados aos desfechos predefinidos de fístula, pneumonia e óbito intra-hospitalar, realizamos análises de regressão logística univariada e multivariada considerando a idade como fator importante. RESULTADOS: Foram estudados 66 pacientes, com idade média de 59,5 anos. O tipo histológico mais frequente foi carcinoma espinocelular (81,8%). A incidência de pneumonia pós-operatória e fístula foi de 38% e 33,3%, respectivamente. Oito pacientes morreram durante este período. A idade do paciente, os estágios T e N, o ano da realização do procedimento e o desenvolvimento de pneumonia pós-operatória foram fatores que influenciaram o óbito. Houve uma redução de 24% na chance de mortalidade, ano a ano, associada à curva de aprendizado do nosso serviço. CONCLUSÕES: O presente estudo mostrou a importância da experiência da equipe e da concentração do tratamento de pacientes com câncer de esôfago em centros de referência, possibilitando melhorar significativamente o resultado pós-operatório.

Progress of Research on Gastrointestinal Flora in Screening, Diagnosis and Prognosis of Esophageal Cancer / 胃肠病学

Esophageal cancer is a common and poorly prognostic cancer, and early screening and early diagnosis arc the keys to improve the prognosis of patients. In recent years, more and more studies have shown that changes in gastrointestinal flora are associated with the occurrence, progression, recurrence, metastasis and chemotherapy resistance of esophageal cancer. This article mainly reviewed the changes of gastrointestinal flora in esophageal cancer patients and the progress of research on gastrointestinal flora in the screening, diagnosis and prognosis of esophageal cancer.

Chinese expert consensus on celiac lymphadenectomy during open/minimally invasive esophagectomy (2023 edition) / 中华肿瘤杂志

Surgical resection remains the cornerstone of the multidisciplinary treatment for patient with localized esophageal cancer. Lymphadenectomy is a pivotal step of radical esophagectomy, which is advanced technique required. Although the consensus on mediastinal lymph node dissection in the radical esophagectomy had been published in China, no agreement or consensus are available on the abdominal lymph node dissection. Based on the latest guidelines or consensuses, available clinical evidence, and agreements from Chinese expert panel of abdominal lymph node dissection in the radical esophagectomy, Chinese Society of Esophageal Cancer, China Anti-cancer Association organized experts to discuss and write this consensus. The expert consensus focuses on the key points of and makes recommendations for surgical approach, extent of lymphadenectomy, quality control and complication management for abdominal lymph node dissection in the radical esophagectomy in China. Applying a standard and efficient abdominal lymph node dissection in the radical surgical resection for patient with esophageal cancer is important and indispensable.

Predictive value of prognostic nutritional index in complications after thoracoscopy-assisted esophagectomy / 中国胸心血管外科临床杂志

@#Objective    To investigate the predictive value of prognostic nutritional index (PNI) in complications after thoracoscopy-assisted radical resection of esophageal cancer. Methods    We collected the clinical data of patients who underwent thoracoscopy-assisted esophagectomy in the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University from January 2015 to June 2020. The predictive value of PNI for postoperative complications was evaluated by establishing receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and the optimal cut-off point was determined. The patients were divided into a high PNI group and a low PNI group according to the cut-off point. The differences of baseline data and perioperative complications-related indicators between the two groups were compared and analyzed. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to investigate the influence of PNI and other related indexes on postoperative complications. Results    A total of 116 patients were enrolled in this study, including 75 males and 41 females, aged 65 (58-69) years. The area under ROC curve was 0.647, and the optimal cut-off point was 51.9. According to the cut-off point, there were 45 patients in the high PNI group and 71 patients in the low PNI group. The overall complication rate (χ2=10.437, P=0.001) and the incidence of postoperative pulmonary infection (χ2=10.811, P=0.001) were statistically different between the two groups. The results of univariate analysis showed that the duration of ventilator use (Z=–3.136, P=0.002), serum albumin value (t=2.961, P=0.004), and PNI value (χ2=10.437, P=0.001) were the possible risk factors for postoperative complications after thoracoscopy-assisted esophagectomy. The results of multivariate analysis suggested that the duration of ventilator use (OR=1.015, P=0.002) and the history of drinking (OR=5.231, P=0.013) were independent risk factors for postoperative complications, and high PNI was the protective factor for postoperative complications (OR=0.243, P=0.047). Conclusion    PNI index has a certain value in predicting postoperative complications, which can quantify the preoperative nutritional and immune status of patients. Drinking history and duration of ventilator use are independent risk factors for postoperative complications of thoracoscopy-assisted esophagectomy, and high PNI is a protective factor for postoperative complications.

Clinical analysis of liver dysfunction induced by SHR-1210 alone or combined with apatinib and chemotherapy in patients with advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma / 中华肿瘤杂志

Objective: To investigate the clinical characteristics of abnormal liver function in patients with advanced esophageal squamous carcinoma treated with programmed death-1 (PD-1) antibody SHR-1210 alone or in combination with apatinib and chemotherapy. Methods: Clinical data of 73 patients with esophageal squamous carcinoma from 2 prospective clinical studies conducted at the Cancer Hospital Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences from May 11, 2016, to November 19, 2019, were analyzed, and logistic regression analysis was used for the analysis of influencing factors. Results: Of the 73 patients, 35 had abnormal liver function. 13 of the 43 patients treated with PD-1 antibody monotherapy (PD-1 monotherapy group) had abnormal liver function, and the median time to first abnormal liver function was 55 days. Of the 30 patients treated with PD-1 antibody in combination with apatinib and chemotherapy (PD-1 combination group), 22 had abnormal liver function, and the median time to first abnormal liver function was 41 days. Of the 35 patients with abnormal liver function, 2 had clinical symptoms, including malaise and loss of appetite, and 1 had jaundice. 28 of the 35 patients with abnormal liver function returned to normal and 7 improved to grade 1, and none of the patients had serious life-threatening or fatal liver function abnormalities. Combination therapy was a risk factor for patients to develop abnormal liver function (P=0.007). Conclusions: Most of the liver function abnormalities that occur during treatment with PD-1 antibody SHR-1210 alone or in combination with apatinib and chemotherapy are mild, and liver function can return to normal or improve with symptomatic treatment. For patients who receive PD-1 antibody in combination with targeted therapy and chemotherapy and have a history of long-term previous smoking, alcohol consumption and hepatitis B virus infection, liver function should be monitored and actively managed in a timely manner.

Characteristics of lymph node metastasis of right recurrent laryngeal nerve in thoracic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma / 中华肿瘤杂志

Objective: To understand the characteristics and influencing factors of lymph node metastasis of the right recurrent laryngeal nerve in thoracic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), and to explore the reasonable range of lymph node dissection and the value of right recurrent laryngeal nerve lymph node dissection. Methods: The clinicopathological data with thoracic ESCC were retrospectively analyzed, and the characteristics of lymph node metastasis along the right recurrent laryngeal nerve and its influencing factors were explored. Results: Eighty out of 516 patients had lymph node metastasis along the right recurrent laryngeal nerve, the metastasis rate was 15.5%. Among 80 patients with lymph node metastasis along the right recurrent laryngeal nerve, 25 cases had isolated metastasis to the right recurrent laryngeal nerve lymph node but no other lymph nodes. The incidence of isolated metastasis to the recurrent laryngeal nerve lymph node was 4.8% (25/516). A total of 1 127 lymph nodes along the right recurrent laryngeal nerve were dissected, 115 lymph nodes had metastasis, and the degree of lymph node metastasis was 10.2%. T stage, degree of tumor differentiation and tumor location were associated with right paraglottic nerve lymph node metastasis (all P<0.05). The lymph node metastasis rate along the right recurrent laryngeal in patients with upper thoracic squamous cell carcinoma (23.4%, 26/111) was higher than that of patients with middle (13.5%, 40/296) and lower (12.8%, 14/109) thoracic squamous cell carcinoma (P=0.033). In patients with poorly differentiated ESCC (20.6%, 37/180) the metastasis rate was higher than that of patients with moderately (14.6%, 39/267) and well-differentiated (5.8%, 4/69; P<0.05). The lymph node metastasis rate of patients with stage T4 (27.3%, 3/11) was higher than that of patients with stage T1 (9.6%, 19/198), T2 (19.0%, 16/84) and T3 (18.8%, 42/1 223; P<0.05). Multivariate regression analysis showed that tumor location (OR=0.61, 95% CI: 0.41-0.90, P=0.013), invasion depth (OR=1.46, 95% CI: 1.11-1.92, P=0.007), and differentiation degree (OR=1.67, 95% CI: 1.13-2.49, P=0.011) were independent risk factors for lymph node metastasis along right recurrent laryngeal nerve of ESCC. Conclusions: The lymph node along the right recurrent laryngeal nerve has a higher rate of metastasis and should be routinely dissected in patients with ESCC. Tumor location, tumor invasion depth, and differentiation degree are risk factors for lymph node metastasis along right recurrent laryngeal nerve in patients with ESCC.

Knockdown of ACC1 promotes migration of esophageal cancer cell / 中华肿瘤杂志

Objective: To investigate the effect of acetyl-CoA carboxylase 1 (ACC1) knockdown on the migration of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) KYSE-450 cell and underlying mechanism. Methods: Lentiviral transfection was conducted to establish sh-NC control cell and ACC1 knocking down cell (sh-ACC1). Human siRNA HSP27 and control were transfected by Lipo2000 to get si-HSP27 and si-NC. The selective acetyltransferase P300/CBP inhibitor C646 was used to inhibit histone acetylation and DMSO was used as vehicle control. Transwell assay was performed to detect cell migration. The expression of HSP27 mRNA was examined by reverse transcription-quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and the expressions of ACC1, H3K9ac, HSP27 and epithelial-mesenchymal transition-related proteins E-cadherin and Vimentin were detected by western blot. Results: The expression level of ACC1 in sh-NC group was higher than that in sh-ACC1 group (P<0.01). The number of cell migration in sh-NC group was (159.00±24.38), lower than (361.80±26.81) in sh-ACC1 group (P<0.01). The protein expression levels of E-cadherin and Vimentin in sh-NC group were statistically significant compared with sh-AAC1 group (P<0.05). The migrated cell number in sh-NC+ si-NC group was (189.20±16.02), lower than (371.60±38.40) in sh-ACC1+ si-NC group (P<0.01). The migrated cell number in sh-NC+ si-NC group was higher than that in sh-NC+ si-HSP27 group (152.40±24.30, P<0.01), and the migrated cell number in sh-ACC1+ si-NC group was higher than that in sh-ACC1+ si-HSP27 group (P<0.01). The protein expression levels of E-cadherin and Vimentin in sh-NC+ si-NC group were significantly different from those in sh-ACC1+ si-NC and sh-NC+ si-HSP27 groups (P<0.01). The protein expression levels of E-cadherin and Vimentin in sh-ACC1+ si-NC group were significantly different from those in sh-ACC1+ si-HSP27 group (P<0.01). After 24 h treatment with C646 at 20 μmmo/L, the migrated cell number in sh-NC+ DMSO group was (190.80±11.95), lower than (395.80±17.10) in sh-ACC1+ DMSO group (P<0.01). The migrated cell number in sh-NC+ DMSO group was lower than that in sh-NC+ C646 group (256.20±23.32, P<0.01). The migrated cell number in sh-ACC1+ DMSO group was higher than that in sh-ACC1+ C646 group (87.80±11.23, P<0.01). The protein expressions of H3K9ac, HSP27, E-cadherin and Vimentin in sh-NC+ DMSO group were significantly different from those in sh-ACC1+ DMSO group and sh-NC+ C646 group (P<0.01). The protein expression levels of H3K9ac, HSP27, E-cadherin and Vimentin in sh-ACC1+ DMSO group were significantly different from those in sh-ACC1+ C646 group (P<0.01). Conclusion: Knockdown of ACC1 promotes the migration of KYSE-450 cell by up-regulating HSP27 and increasing histone acetylation.

Expert consensus on PD-L1 expression testing in esophageal carcinoma in China / 中华肿瘤杂志

In recent years, immunotherapy represented by immune checkpoint inhibitors programmed death 1 (PD-1) has made great progress in the treatment of esophageal cancer and is rewriting the global paradigm for the treatment of esophageal cancer. According to current data, only a small number of patients with esophageal cancer could benefit from immunotherapy. Therefore, it is a challenge to screen the potential beneficiaries of PD-1 inhibitors. Studies have shown that the expression level of programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) in esophageal cancer is closely associated with the efficacy of PD-1 inhibitors, and PD-L1 is the most important predictive biomarker of the efficacy of PD-1 inhibitors. With the clinical application of different PD-1 inhibitors and PD-L1 protein expression detection platforms, clarifying the clinical significance and timing of detection of PD-L1 protein expression in esophageal cancer, and establishing a standardized PD-L1 testing procedure, are of great significance to improve the accuracy of detection and reduce the difference between laboratories, so as to maximize the therapeutic benefits for patients. This consensus was finally reached, based on the combination of literature, expert experience, and internal discussion and voting of committee members, to provide an accurate and reliable evidence for clinicians to make decisions.

Construction of perioperative activity program for minimally invasive esophageal cancer patients under enhanced recovery after surgery concept / 中国实用护理杂志

Objective:To construct a perioperative activity program for patients with minimally invasive esophageal cancer under enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) concept through literature review and Delphi method.Methods:This was a single-center and interview study. Databases and websites including PubMed, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Database, Medive and other databases and websites were searched systematically for articles related to esophageal cancer and upper digestive tract cancer patients′ activities from January 1, 2002 to January 31, 2022. In this single-center and interview study, literature review and group discussion were conducted to form a preliminary activity program, and then Delphi method was used to further demonstrate the practicability and feasibility of the activity program.Results:The overall program and specific intervention methods of perioperative activity program for minimally invasive esophageal cancer patients under ERAS concept were constructed, including 3 first-level indicators, 9 second-level indicators and 35 third-level indicators.Conclusions:Perioperative activity program of patients with minimally invasive esophageal cancer is scientific and reasonable, which can provide reference for medical staff and patients.

Observation on the efficacy of different stents in the treatment of patients with advanced esophageal cancer / 国际肿瘤学杂志

Objective:To explore the efficacy and safety of treating advanced esophageal cancer by implanting the common stent and the radioactive 125I particle stent with endoscope. Methods:The clinical data of patients with advanced esophageal cancer admitted to Jingbian County People's Hospital of Shaanxi Province, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Medical University, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases of Air Force Medical University and the First Hospital of Yulin of Shaanxi Province from December 2014 to December 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into common stent group ( n=66) and radioactive particle stent group ( n=34) according to different stent types. The postoperative complications, Karnofsky performance status (KPS) score, dysphagia score, restenosis rate and quality of life were compared between the two groups. Results:The incidences of postoperative retrosternal pain in the common stent group and the radioactive particle stent group were 65.2% (43/66) and 47.1% (16/34) respectively. The incidences of pharyngeal pain and hoarseness were 12.1% (8/66) and 5.9% (2/34) . The incidences of abdominal pain were 9.1% (6/66) and 2.9% (1/34) . The incidences of errhysis were 3.0% (2/66) and 2.9% (1/34) . The incidences of vomiting and nausea were 7.6% (5/66) and 5.9% (2/34) respectively. There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups ( χ2=3.04, P=0.081; χ2=0.40, P=0.527; χ2=0.53, P=0.467; χ2<0.01, P>0.999; χ2<0.01, P>0.999) . In the two groups, KPS scores in the first, second, third and sixth month after operation were higher than those before operation (all P<0.05) . KPS scores of the radioactive particle stent group in the second, third and sixth month were significantly higher than those of the common stent group [ (89.73±7.84) points vs. (82.37±7.42) points, t=4.62, P<0.001; (93.63±8.13) points vs. (88.33±7.28) points, t=3.74, P<0.001; (92.78±6.26) points vs. (87.28±8.73) points, t=3.77, P<0.001]. The dysphagia scores of patients in the two groups in the first, second, third and sixth month were lower than those before operation (all P<0.05) . The dysphagia scores of the radioactive particle stent group in the third and sixth month after operation were significantly lower than those of the common stent group [ (0.68±0.12) points vs. (2.33±0.32) points, t=26.20, P<0.001; (0.82±0.22) points vs. (2.67±0.24) points, t=36.92, P<0.001]. In the third month after operation, the restenosis rate of the radioactive particle stent group was significantly lower than that of the common stent group [5.88% (2/34) vs. 42.4% (28/66) , χ2 =14.27, P<0.001]. The scores of QLQ-C30 and OES-18 scales in the first, second, third and sixth month after operation were lower than those before operation (all P<0.05) . The scores of QLQ-30 scale in the radioactive particle stent group in the second, third and sixth month were significantly lower than those in the common stent group [ (19.12±3.02) points vs. (21.22±2.87) points, t=3.39, P=0.001; (15.04±1.68) points vs. (20.43±2.23) points, t=12.39, P<0.001; (14.38±2.18) points vs. (19.77±3.67) points, t=9.20, P<0.001]. The scores of OES-18 scale in the radioactive particle stent group were also significantly lower than those in the common stent group [ (17.13±2.07) points vs. (20.64±2.11) points, t=7.95, P<0.001; (15.22±1.88) points vs. (19.24±1.76) points, t=10.62, P<0.001; (14.74±2.36) points vs. (18.53±3.27) points, t=6.01, P<0.001]. Conclusion:The radioactive particle stent can improve the quality of life of patients with advanced esophageal cancer with esophageal stenosis, so as to improve dysphagia and reduce the restenosis rate after operation. However, whether it is obviously superior to common stent in prolonging survival time and reducing complications needs to be further confirmed by a multicenter, prospective, large-sample randomized controlled study.

Meta-analysis of Radiomics to predict the efficacy of non-surgical treatment for esophageal cancer / 国际外科学杂志

Objective:To evaluate the value of radiomics in predicting the efficacy of non-operative treatment of esophageal cancer by meta-analysis.Methods:Search terms included "Esophageal Neoplasms", "Esophageal Neoplasms", "Neoplasm, Esophageal", "Esophagus Neoplasm", "Esophagus Neoplasm", "Neoplasm, Esophagus", "Neoplasms, Esophagus", "Neoplasms, Esophageal", "Cancer of Esophagus", "Cancer of the Esophagus", "Esophagus Cancer", "Cancer, Esophagus", "Cancers, Esophagus", "Esophagus Cancers", "Esophageal Cancer", "Cancer, Esophageal", "Cancers, Esophageal", "Esophageal Cancers" and "radiomics", "radiomics features", "radiomic", "texture", "texture analysis", "textural analysis", "histogram", "machine learning", "artificial intelligence", both in English and corresponding Chinese. The Chinese and English literatures related to radiomics prediction of the efficacy of non-surgical treatment of esophageal cancer published in PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, China National Knowledge Internet, Wanfang Medical Online and VIP Chinese Journal Service Platform from the establishment of the database to November 2022 were searched, and screening, quality evaluation and data extraction were carried out. Meta analysis was performed by using Stata 15.1, Meta-disc 1.4 and Review Manager 5.3 software.Results:Seventeen literatures of Chinese and English with 1389 patients with esophageal cancer who received non-surgical treatment were included. There was no significant threshold effect in predicting the effect of non-operative treatment of esophageal cancer by radiomics ( r=0.103, P=0.694), and there was high heterogeneity ( I2>50%). The combined sensitivity of all included literatures was 0.86 (95% CI: 0.81-0.89), specificity was 0.81 (95% CI: 0.76-0.85), positive likelihood ratio was 4.4 (95% CI: 3.5-5.6), and negative likelihood ratio was 0.18 (95% CI: 0.13-0.24). The diagnostic odds ratio was 25 (95% CI: 16-39) and the AUC was 0.90 (95% CI: 0.87-0.92). Conclusions:Radiomics can better predict the efficacy of non-surgical treatment of esophageal cancer, MRI and PET/CT radiomics has higher accuracy in predicting the efficacy of esophageal cancer, and machine learning can also improve the accuracy of prediction. It is helpful to make individualized treatment plan and improve the efficiency of treatment by effectively predicting the curative effect of patients with esophageal cancer before treatment.

Chinese expert consensus on the inflatable video-assisted mediastinoscopic transhiatal esophagectomy / 中国胸心血管外科临床杂志

@#With the widespread application of minimally invasive esophagectomy, inflatable video-assisted mediastinoscopic transhiatal esophagectomy (IVMTE) has gradually become one of the alternative surgical methods for transthoracic esophagectomy due to less trama, fewer perioperative complications and better short-term efficacy. However, there is no uniform standard for surgical methods and lymph node dissection in medical centers that perform IVMTE, which affects the standardization and further promotion of IVMTE. Therefore, on the basis of fully consulting domestic and foreign literature, our team proposed an expert consensus focusing on IVMTE, in order to standardize the clinical practice, guarantee the quality of treatment and promote the development of IMVTE.

Analysis of the quality of life in patients with early esophageal cancer after endoscopic submucosal dissection / 肿瘤研究与临床

Objective:To explore the quality of life (QOL) and the related influencing factors of patients with early esophageal cancer after endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD).Methods:A questionnaire survey was conducted in 167 early esophageal cancer patients who underwent ESD in Shanxi Province Cancer Hospital from January 2022 to July 2022. European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Assessment Core Scale (EORTC QLQ-C30) and the Esophageal Cancer Supplementary Scale (EORTC QLQ-OES18) were used to compare QOL of patients with different clinical characteristics before surgery, 1 month after surgery and 6 months after surgery, And multiple logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the influencing factors of patients' QOL at 6 months after surgery.Results:EORTC QLQ-C30 showed that the scores of the patients' physical function, role function, and social function at 1 month and 6 months after surgery were lower than those before surgery, and the differences were statistically significant (all P < 0.05). The scores of dyspnea, constipation, nausea and vomiting, fatigue, and economic status in the symptom area were higher than those before surgery, and the differences were statistically significant (all P < 0.05). According to EORTC QLQ-OES18, the scores of difficulty in swallowing oral fluid, obstruction, poor eating initiative, dry mouth, and cough at 1 month and 6 months after surgery were higher than those before surgery, and the differences were statistically significant (all P < 0.05). The score of dysphagia at 1 month after surgery was higher than that before surgery, while the score at 6 months after surgery was lower than that before surgery, and the differences were statistically significant (all P < 0.05). The score of dyspepsia at 1 month and 6 months after surgery was lower than that before surgery, and the difference was statistically significant (all P < 0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that the lesion perimeter >1/2 perimeter (lesion perimeter >1/2 perimeter vs. lesion perimeter ≤ 1/2 perimeter: OR = 2.072, 95% CI 1.536-2.796, P < 0.05) and postoperative esophageal stricture dilatation (undergoing esophageal stricture dilatation or not: OR = 2.193, 95% CI 1.429-2.789, P < 0.05) were independent risk factors affecting the QOL of patients at 6 months after surgery. Conclusions:The QOL of early esophageal cancer patients after ESD is decreased compared with that before surgery, and the main manifestations include physical function, role function, social function, and symptom. The area of lesion and undergoing esophageal stricture dilatation or not are factors affecting the QOL of patients after surgery.

Aspiration risk of preventive placement of nasal jejunum nutrition tube in advanced esophageal cancer patients receiving radiotherapy and the influencing factors / 肿瘤研究与临床

Objective:To investigate the aspiration risk of preventive placement of nasal jejunum nutrition tube in advanced esophageal cancer patients receiving radiotherapy and the influencing factors.Methods:The clinical data of 220 patients with advanced esophageal cancer who received radiotherapy and preventive placement of nasal jejunum nutrition tube feeding from November 2020 to November 2021 in Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences were retrospectively analyzed. The level of aspiration risk was measured according to the standard swallowing function assessment scale (SSA). The questionnaire collected the following data: (1) the general data including gender, age, educational level, history of smoking, history of alcoholism, knowledge of aspiration; (2) the disease factors including tumor staging, tumor site, swallowing function, abdominal distention; (3) the nosocomial factors including history of esophageal cancer surgery, sedation and analgesia treatment, combination of chemotherapy or not, cumulative radiotherapy dose, grade of radiation esophagitis, the position, time and tube feeding method of enteral nutrition. The standard swallowing function of patients was measured and repeated saliva swallowing test (RSST) was used to screen the patients with the difficulty in the esophageal function swallowing. Multiple linear regression was used to analyze the factors affecting aspiration risk.Results:A total of 220 patients with advanced esophageal cancer were enrolled in the investigation. Finally, 70 patients (31.8%) had grade 0 aspiration risk, and SSA score was 19; 23 patients (10.5%) had grade I aspiration risk, and SSA score was (23.4±1.3); 103 patients (46.8%) had grade Ⅱ aspiration risk, and SSA score was (27.5±1.1); 24 patients (10.9%) had grade Ⅲ aspiration risk, and SSA score was (33.2±1.5); 136 patients (61.8%) in total had aspiration risk. There were 32.7% (72/220) patients knowing the knowledge of aspiration. Multifactor analysis showed that esophageal tumor site ( t = -2.869, P = 0.005), cumulative radiotherapy dose ( t = 5.558, P < 0.001), grade of radiation esophagitis ( t = 11.405, P < 0.001), the duration time of enteral nutrition ( t = 4.050, P < 0.001) were independent factors affecting the aspiration risk. Conclusions:The aspiration risk of preventive placement of nasal jejunum nutrition tube in advanced esophageal cancer patients receiving radiotherapy is high, which is related to esophageal tumor site, grade of radiation esophagitis, cumulative radiotherapy dose and the duration time of enteral nutrition.

Expressions of STMN1, BubR1, bcl-2 and Bad in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma and their relationship with chemotherapy effect of paclitaxel-containing regimen / 肿瘤研究与临床

Objective:To investigate the correlation between the expression levels of STMN1, BubR1, bcl-2 and Bad and the chemotherapy effect of paclitaxel-containing regimen in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC).Methods:The clinical data of ESCC patients who received paclitaxel-containing chemotherapy at Fenyang Hospital Affiliated to Shanxi Medical University from September 2016 to June 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. Among them, 59 cases received maintenance chemotherapy and 27 cases received surgery after 3 courses of neoadjuvant chemotherapy. The expression levels of STMN1, BubR1, bcl-2 and Bad in tumor tissues before chemotherapy were detected by immunohistochemistry. The imaging efficacy after 3 courses of chemotherapy and pathological efficacy after neoadjuvant chemotherapy were evaluated. The imaging efficacy, pathological efficacy and progression-free survival (PFS) were compared between the high expression group and the low expression group of each protein.Results:The proportion of patients with stage Ⅳ (46.3%, 19/41), the proportion of patients with low differentiation (22%, 9/41) and the incidence of lymph node metastasis (95.1%, 39/41) in STMN1 high expression group were higher than those in STMN1 low expression group (17.8%, 8/45; 4.4%, 2/45; 64.4%, 29/45), and the differences were statistically significant (all P < 0.05). The proportion of patients with stage Ⅳ in Bad high expression group was lower than that in Bad low expression group, and the difference was statistically significant ( P < 0.05). In the evaluation of imaging efficacy, the chemotherapy sensitivity rates in STMN1 and BubR1 high expression groups (29.3%, 12/41; 37.9%, 22/58) were lower than those in STMN1 and BubR1 low expression groups (75.6%, 34/45; 85.7%, 24/28), and the chemotherapy sensitivity rate of patients in Bad high expression group (65.9%, 27/41) was higher than that in Bad low expression group (42.2%, 19/45), and the difference was statistically significant (all P < 0.05). There was no statistical correlation between bcl-2 expression and chemotherapy sensitivity rate ( P > 0.05). In the evaluation of pathological efficacy, the proportion of patients with tumor regression grade (TRG) score 0-1 after neoadjuvant therapy in STMN1 high expression group (27.3%, 3/11) was lower than that in STMN1 low expression group (75.0%, 12/16), and the difference was statistically significant ( P = 0.022). There were no statistical differences in the proportions of patients with TRG score 0-1 after neoadjuvant therapy between high and low expression groups of BubR1, bcl-2 and Bad (all P > 0.05). The PFS rate was 15.2% (9/59) for patients received maintenance chemotherapy, and the median PFS time was 6 months. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that PFS in STMN1 low expression group was better than that in STMN1 low expression group ( χ2 = 12.90, P < 0.001). PFS in BubR1 low expression group was better than that in BubR1 high expression ( χ2 =12.04, P < 0.001). PFS in Bad high expression group was better than that in Bad low expression group ( χ2 =9.69, P = 0.004). There was no statistical difference in PFS between high and low bcl-2 expression groups ( χ2 =1.43, P = 0.320). Conclusions:ESCC patients with low expression of STMN1, low expression of BubR1 and high expression of Bad have better chemotherapy effect after receiving paclitaxel-containing regimen, but there is no correlation between bcl-2 expression and chemotherapy efficacy.

Progress of re-treatment of recurrent esophageal cancer after chemoradiotherapy / 肿瘤研究与临床

Esophageal cancer is the most common malignant tumor in the digestive system in China. Because of the hidden clinical symptoms, the disease has reached the local advanced stage once discovered. For patients who have lost the opportunity of surgery, synchronous chemoradiotherapy is recommended, however, the recurrence rate after chemoradiotherapy is still high. Chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery are commonly used for recurrent patients, but the survival rate of recurrent patients after treatment is not satisfying. In recent years, immunotherapy has been successfully applied in various solid tumors, and its efficacy and safety in the treatment of advanced and recurrent metastatic esophageal cancer have also been recognized in the field of esophageal cancer. This article aims to provide high efficacy and low toxicity treatment methods for patients with recurrent esophageal cancer after chemoradiotherapy through summarizing the relevant literatures of various treatments including immunotherapy.

Correlation of epidermal growth factor receptor expression in esophageal cancer tissues with sensitivity of radical radiotherapy and prognosis of patients / 肿瘤研究与临床

Objective:To analyze the correlation of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) expression in esophageal cancer tissues with sensitivity of radical radiotherapy and prognosis of patients.Methods:A total of 98 esophageal cancer patients admitted to the Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University from January 2017 to July 2019 were selected, and all patients received radical radiotherapy. The efficacy was assessed after 4 weeks of radiotherapy, partial remission (PR) + complete remission (CR) was treated as the sensitive group and disease progression (PD) + stable disease (SD) was treated as the tolerated group. The expression of EGFR in cancer tissues and paraneoplastic tissues (more than 5cm from the margin of cancer tissues) was measured by using immunohistochemistry. The expression of EGFR in cancer tissues and paraneoplastic tissues and the clinicopathological characteristics of the sensitive and tolerant groups were compared. Cox proportional risk model was used to analyze the factors influencing the prognosis of esophageal cancer patients; the Kaplan-Meier method was used to analyze the relationship between EGFR expression in cancer tissues and prognosis of patients.Results:The positive expression rate of EGFR in esophageal cancer tissues (66.3%, 65/98) was higher than that in paraneoplastic tissues (29.6%, 29/98), and the difference between the two groups was statistically significant (χ 2=26.49, P < 0.001). All 98 patients successfully completed radical radiotherapy, including 4 cases of CR, 60 cases of PR, 26 cases of SD and 8 cases of PD. The proportion of patients with highly differentiated and tumor length ≤1.5 cm in the sensitive group was higher than that in the tolerant group, and the differences were statistically significant (all P < 0.05). The positive expression rate of EGFR in cancer tissues in the sensitive group (56.3%, 36/64) was lower than that in the tolerant group (85.3%, 29/34), and the difference between the two groups was statistically significant ( χ2=8.39, P < 0.001). Multifactorial Cox regression analysis showed that poor differentiation, tumor long diameter >1.5 cm, and positive EGFR expression were independent risk factors for overall survival in patients with esophageal cancer (all P < 0.05). The difference in overall survival between patients with positive and negative EGFR expression was statistically significant ( χ2=9.70, P = 0.002). Conclusions:Highly-expressed EGFR in esophageal cancer tissues may suggest low sensitivity of radical radiotherapy and poor prognosis of patients.