Predictive Value of Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography-Derived Fractional Flow Reserve for Survival in Patients with Esophageal Cancer Following Esophagectomy.

Objective: This study aimed to assess the predictive value of CT-FFR on survival in patients with esophageal carcinoma (EC) after esophagectomy.

Methods: Five hundred and eighty patients with EC who had coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) and esophagectomy from January 2012 to September 2023 were included in this study. The lesion-specific fractional flow reserve (FFR) was derived from CCTA.

Protocol to generate genetically engineered organoid-initiated mouse models of esophageal cancer.

Here, we present a protocol for generating genetically engineered organoid-initiated mouse models of esophageal cancer. We describe steps for isolating mouse esophageal primary cells, organoids culture, construct and virus preparation, and genome editing. We then detail procedures for transplanting engineered organoids into the esophagus, forming squamous cell carcinoma, and tumorigenesis monitoring.

Does Pseudo-Lymph Node Skip Metastasis After Neoadjuvant Therapy Affect Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Outcomes? A Multicenter Study.

Background: Unlike classical lymph node skip metastasis, pseudo-lymph node skip metastasis occurs when proximal lymph nodes show therapeutic alleviation, while distal lymph nodes remain positive in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma after neoadjuvant therapy.

Objective: This multicenter study aimed to investigate the prognostic value of pseudo-lymph node skip metastasis.

Methods: We analyzed 1030 patients with esophageal cancer treated with neoadjuvant therapy followed by esophagectomy at three tertiary centers in China from 2010 to 2023.

Artificial capnothorax versus single-lung ventilation in minimally invasive esophagectomy for esophageal cancer: A randomized controlled trial.

Background: Artificial capnothorax during surgery potentially increases the risk of tumor cell dissemination and impacts survival. This trial aimed to investigate the effect of artificial capnothorax on the prognosis of patients with esophageal cancer who underwent minimally invasive esophagectomy.

Methods: This prospective, randomized controlled trial was conducted in two high-volume hospitals in China.

LncRNA small nucleolar RNA host gene 1 (SNHG1) mediates acidic bile salt-induced EMT via the ULK1-Notch1 axis in Barrett's esophagus.

Barrett's esophagus (BE) is a precancerous condition closely linked to chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease, characterized by the abnormal transformation of esophageal squamous mucosa into specialized intestinal-type epithelium, significantly elevating the risk of esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC). Recurrent acidic bile reflux promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), a critical event driving malignant progression. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain incompletely understood.

Comprehensive risk score of the E-PASS scoring system serves a prognostic indicator for patients after neoadjuvant therapy and curative esophageal cancer surgery: a multicenter retrospective study.

Background: Neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT) and curative surgery have been recommended as the standard treatments for locally advanced esophageal cancer. Nevertheless, the postoperative morbidity and long-term survival outcomes for patients following this consensus treatment plan remain suboptimal. Therefore, preoperative risk assessment is essential to identify high-risk patients and predict adverse postoperative outcomes.

Reversal of chemotherapy resistance in gastric cancer with traditional Chinese medicine as sensitizer: potential mechanism of action.

Gastric cancer (GC) remains one of the most common types of cancer, ranking fifth among cancer-related deaths worldwide. Chemotherapy is an effective treatment for advanced GC. However, the development of chemotherapy resistance, which involves the malfunction of several signaling pathways and is the consequence of numerous variables interacting, seriously affects patient treatment and leads to poor clinical outcomes.

Synchronous carcinomas of the esophagus: Influence of prognosis and staging.

Objective: Synchronous carcinomas of the esophagus (SCEs), occurring at multiple locations in the esophagus or the esophagogastric junction, are uncommon. In this study, we retrospectively analyzed patients with SCEs, focusing on the types of SCEs and their influence on staging and prognosis.

Methods: Data of patients treated surgically for esophageal carcinoma between January 2009 and January 2016 were retrieved from the database in the thoracic surgery department of our hospital.

The comparison of uniportal versus multiportal video-assisted thoracic surgery for esophageal cancer: a propensity-weighted analysis.

Objectives: The utilization of uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) has become prevalent, notwithstanding, there are few studies exploring its application specifically in esophagectomy.

Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on data collected from patients diagnosed with clinical stage T1-3/N0/M0 thoracic esophageal cancer, who underwent surgery between January 2017 and December 2020. To evaluate the outcomes, an analysis was conducted utilizing the inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) method.

Multimodality Therapy and Survival Outcomes in Resectable Primary Small Cell Carcinoma of the Esophagus: A Multicenter Retrospective Study.

Background: Currently, optimal treatment strategy for resectable primary small cell carcinoma of the esophagus (PSmCCE) remains controversial. To address this, we conducted a multicenter study to evaluate treatment patterns and long-term survival of PSmCCE patients who underwent radical resection.

Methods: This retrospective multicenter study included resected PSmCCE patients who received radical resection at seven high-volume cancer centers.

Intestinal Microbiota and Its Effect on Vaccine-Induced Immune Amplification and Tolerance.

This review provides the potential of intestinal microbiota in vaccine design and application, exploring the current insights into the interplay between the intestinal microbiota and the immune system, with a focus on its intermediary function in vaccine efficacy. It summarizes families and genera of bacteria that are part of the intestinal microbiota that may enhance or diminish vaccine efficacy and discusses the foundational principles of vaccine sequence design and the application of gut microbial characteristics in vaccine development. Future research should further investigate the use of multi-omics technologies to elucidate the interactive mechanisms between intestinal microbiota and vaccine-induced immune responses, aiming to optimize and improve vaccine design.

Unraveling the impact of irritability on esophageal diseases: Insights from multivariable Mendelian randomization analysis.

Background: Previous studies have suggested a potential association between irritability and the risk of various diseases. However, establishing a causal relationship has remained a significant challenge. To address this issue, we employed Mendelian randomization (MR), a sophisticated approach that leverages genotype data to emulate the conditions of randomized controlled trials.

Clinical efficacy and immune response of neoadjuvant camrelizumab plus chemotherapy in resectable locally advanced oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma: a phase 2 trial.

Background: Neoadjuvant immunotherapy is under intensive investigation for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). This study assesses the efficacy and immune response of neoadjuvant immunochemotherapy (nICT) in ESCC.

Methods: In this phase II trial (ChiCTR2100045722), locally advanced ESCC patients receiving nICT were enrolled.

The prognostic value of controlling nutritional status score on esophageal squamous cell carcinoma patients with neoadjuvant therapy followed by esophagectomy-a retrospective research.

Background: A variety of nutritional evaluation parameters has been documented as prognostic indicators in some malignancies. However, the prognostic significance of the controlling nutritional status (CONUT) score, as one of these nutritional indices, in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) remains unclear and warrants investigation. Our study sought to elucidate the prognostic value of this nutritional index in ESCC patients who underwent neoadjuvant therapy followed by esophagectomy.

Exploring the causal relationships between cholelithiasis, cholecystitis, cholecystectomy, and gastroesophageal reflux disease: a bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization study.

Background: Biliary disorders and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) frequently coexist. However, precise linkages between these conditions remain to be clarified.

Methods: Univariable Mendelian randomization (MR), Bayesian weighted MR (BWMR) along with multivariable MR approaches were conducted using genetic instruments to evaluate the causality involving biliary disorders and GERD.

Investigating esophageal sarcomatoid carcinoma and its comparison with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma on clinicopathological characteristics, prognosis, and radiomics features: a retrospective study.

Introduction: Esophageal sarcomatoid carcinoma (ESC) is a rare pathological subtype of esophageal carcinomas, wherein its epithelial component typically demonstrates squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). However, the clinicopathological features and prognosis of ESC remain unclear, alongside its unique aspects compared to esophageal SCC (ESCC).

Methods: Between January 2008 and December 2018, we retrospectively reviewed 67 ESC patients treated at West China Hospital.

Clinical efficacy of different therapeutic strategies in patients with spontaneous rupture of the esophagus: a multicenter retrospective cohort study.

Background: The therapeutic strategy for patients with spontaneous rupture of the esophagus includes surgical repair, endoscopic therapy, supportive care, and others. However, no evidence exists to direct clinical decision-making regarding the choice of operative and nonoperative management. This study aimed to determine the clinical efficacy of different therapeutic strategies in both general and stratified patients.

Mapping of lymph node metastasis from esophageal squamous cell carcinoma after neoadjuvant treatment: a prospective analysis from a high-volume institution in China.

The study aimed to describe the prevalence of lymph node metastases per lymph node station for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) after neoadjuvant treatment. Clinicopathological variables of ESCC patients were retrieved from the prospective database of the Surgical Esophageal Cancer Patient Registry in West China Hospital, Sichuan University. A two-field lymphadenectomy was routinely performed, and an extensive three-field lymphadenectomy was performed if cervical lymph node metastasis was suspected.

Substitute or coexistence? Mediastinoscopy-assisted versus thoracoscope-assisted esophagectomy in esophageal cancer: a meta-analysis of perioperative outcomes and long-term survival.

Background: Currently, mediastinoscopy-assisted esophagectomy (MAE) and thoracoscope-assisted esophagectomy (TAE) represent two prevalent forms of minimally invasive esophagectomy extensively employed in the management of esophageal cancer (EC). The aim of this meta-analysis is to assess and compare these two surgical approaches concerning perioperative outcomes and long-term survival, offering valuable insights for refining surgical strategies and enhancing patient outcomes in this field.

Methods: Adhering to PRISMA guidelines, the authors systematically searched PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Embase, and CNKI databases until 1 March 2024, for studies comparing MAE and TAE.