Squamous Cell Carcinoma Of The Esophagus Research Articles

Treatment of patients with carcinomas in advanced stages with 5-fluorouracil, folinic acid and pyridoxine in tandem

The effect of high-dose pyridoxine (PN) on activity of 5-fluorouracil (FUra) and folinic acid (FA)-containing regimens was studied in 50 patients including 14 with digestive tract, and 36 with breast carcinomas (BC) in advanced stages with poor prognostic characteristics. Patients with colorectal, and pancreas adenocarcinoma received oxaliplatin, irinotecan, FUra, FA (Folfirinox), and patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus had paclitaxel, carboplatin, FUra, FA (TCbF). Patients with BC received AVCF (doxorubicin, vinorelbine, cyclophosphamide, FUra, FA) followed by TCbF or TCbF only, and patients who overexpressed HER2 received TCbF plus trastuzumab and pertuzumab. PN (1000–3000 mg/day iv) preceded each administration of FUra and FA. 47 patients (94%) responded, including 16 (32%) with CR. Median tumor reduction was 93%. Median event-free survival (EFS) was 37.7 months. The 25 patients with tumor shrinkage ≥ 91% had EFS of 52% from 42 months onwards. Unexpected toxicity did not occur. PN enhances potency of chemotherapy regimens comprising FUra and FA.

Leiomyosarcoma of the esophagus, arising from lamina muscularis mucosae, in a combination with microinvasive squamous cell carcinoma-A case report.

Leiomyosarcoma of the esophagus is a very rare disease, accounting for less than 0.5% of malignant esophageal tumors. Esophageal leiomyosarcoma combined with squamous cell carcinoma is even rarer than solitary leiomyosarcoma. To our knowledge, there are less than ten cases of simultaneously diagnosed leiomyosarcoma and squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus. A 66-year-old male was admitted to our hospital suffering from epigastric pain, asthenia, weight loss, and difficulties when feeding with solid food which had been present for 2 weeks. A computed tomography scan showed a large tumor tissue mass in the mid-to-distal part of the esophagus. The patient underwent robot-assisted surgery-an esophagectomy with esophagogastrostomy. Histologically, the tumor consisted of highly pleomorphic spindle cells with multiple atypical mitosis and necrotic areas. An immunohistochemical examination was performed to distinguish leiomyosarcoma from spindle cell squamous carcinoma or malignant GIST. Tumor cells stained diffusely positive for smooth muscle actin, but negative for p63, CD117, and CKAE1/AE3. Tumor invasion involved mucosa and submucosa, without tunica muscularis propria. Microinvasive well-differentiated squamous cell carcinoma was also noted in the mucosa at the borders between the tumor and the healthy part of the esophagus. The aim of the manuscript is to present an extremely rare case of combined polypoid leiomyosarcoma and microinvasive squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus, cured by robot-assisted surgical intervention and to emphasize that such cases should be examined carefully, including additional diagnostic tests such as Immunohistochemistry (IHC) in order to define the correct diagnosis.

Prospective randomized comparative study between EBRT alone and EBRT with ILRT boost in locally advanced unresectable esophageal cancer - Tertiary rural Indian cancer center experience

Background: Local recurrence within the gross tumor volume following a conventional radiation dose of 50 Gy is a major hurdle in achieving a better prognosis for esophageal carcinoma. Consequently, there remains a lack of consensus globally regarding the optimal dose for definitive concurrent chemoradiotherapy. Certain studies propose that radiation dose escalation could enhance clinical outcomes. Aims and Objectives: The current study aimed to compare the safety and effectiveness of external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) alone versus EBRT with intraluminal radiotherapy (ILRT) boost. Materials and Methods: A total of 60 patients with locally advanced unresectable squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus were prospectively enrolled in this study. A comparison was conducted between 50 Gy EBRT alone and 50 Gy EBRT with 8 Gy ILRT boost, alongside weekly concurrent chemotherapy, to assess the response and toxicities. Results: On initial assessment, a complete response (CR) was achieved in 76.66% of patients in the ILRT boost arm and 70% in the EBRT alone arm (P=0.559). At the 6th-month follow-up, 60% of patients in the ILRT boost arm and 50% in the EBRT alone arm still had a CR. No statistically significant differences were observed between the two arms in terms of leukopenia (P=0.576), nephrotoxicity (P=1.0), radiation dermatitis (P=0.615), vomiting (P=0.921), and diarrhea (P=1.0). Five patients in the ILRT boost arm and three in the EBRT alone arm experienced stricture, while no cases of fistula formation were reported. Conclusion: Dose escalation with ILRT can result in an enhanced CR accompanied by manageable toxicity, ultimately leading to improved locoregional control.

Carbon dioxide gas-induced pneumothorax versus one-lung ventilation in minimally invasive esophagectomy: a multicenter propensity score matching cohort study.

Carbon dioxide gas-induced pneumoperitoneum might be the reason for the shorter postoperative survival of patients with malignant tumors. Whether CO 2 gas-induced pneumothorax has unfavorable impacts on the surgical and oncological outcomes of minimally invasive esophagectomy remains unclear. Between 2010 and 2016, a total of 998 patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus who received video-assisted surgery were registered from three large-volume medical centers. The overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) were compared after using propensity score-matched and inverse probability-weighted methods. In addition, the tumor-relapse state was evaluated, and the relapse pattern was compared. A total of 422 and 576 minimally invasive esophagectomies with intraoperative one-lung ventilation and CO 2 -induced pneumothorax were enrolled, respectively. The 5-year OS and DFS were similar between the CO 2 -induced pneumothorax (64.2% and 64.7%) and one-lung ventilation (65.3% and 62.4%) groups following propensity matching. The inverse probability weighting revealed similarly equal survival results in the two groups. The 5-year relapse rates were 35.1% and 30.6% in the one-lung ventilation and CO 2 -induced pneumothorax groups, respectively. Moreover, the relapse patterns were not significantly different between the two groups. The results of this study suggested that the use of intraoperative one-lung ventilation and CO 2 -induced pneumothorax have similar oncological outcomes; therefore, the two methods are both viable options in esophagectomy.

Feasibility and safety of an active surveillance protocol after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy for squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus.

Feasibility and safety of an active surveillance protocol after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy for squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus.

Updated German guideline on diagnosis and treatment of squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma of the esophagus.

Diagnosis and therapy of esophageal carcinoma is challenging and requires a multidisciplinary approach. The purpose of the updated German guideline "Diagnosis and Treatment of Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Adenocarcinoma of the Esophagus-version 3.1" is to provide practical and evidence-based advice for the management of patients with esophageal cancer. Recommendations were developed by a multidisciplinary expert panel based on an extensive and systematic evaluation of the published medical literature and the application of well-established methodologies (e.g. Oxford evidence grading scheme, grading of recommendations). Accurate diagnostic evaluation of the primary tumor as well as lymph node and distant metastases is required in order to guide patients to a stage-appropriate therapy after the initial diagnosis of esophageal cancer. In high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia or mucosal carcinoma endoscopic resection shall be performed. Whether endoscopic resection is the definitive therapeutic measure depends on the histopathological evaluation of the resection specimen. Esophagectomy should be performed minimally invasive or in combination with open procedures (hybrid technique). Because the prognosis in locally advanced esophageal carcinoma is poorwith surgery alone, multimodality therapy is recommended. In locally advancedadenocarcinomas of the esophagus or esophagogastric junction, perioperative chemotherapy or preoperative radiochemotherapy should be administered. In locally advanced squamous cell carcinomas of the esophagus, preoperative radiochemotherapy followed by complete resection or definitive radiochemotherapy without surgery should be performed. In the case of residual tumor in the resection specimen after neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy and R0 resection of squamous cell carcinoma or adenocarcinoma, adjuvant immunotherapy with nivolumab should be given. Systemic palliative treatment options (chemotherapy, chemotherapy plus immunotherapy, immunotherapy alone) in unresectable or metastastic esophageal cancer depend on histology and are stratified according to PD-L1 and/or Her2 expression.

First-line pembrolizumab (pembro) plus chemotherapy (chemo) for advanced esophageal cancer: 5-year outcomes from the phase 3 KEYNOTE-590 study.

250 Background: First-line (1L) pembro + chemo significantly improved survival versus placebo (pbo) + chemo in patients (pts) with advanced esophageal cancer after a median follow-up of 22.6 mo in the randomized phase 3 KEYNOTE-590 study (NCT03189719). We report 5-yr follow-up data. Methods: Eligible pts had locally advanced/metastatic adenocarcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus (ESCC), or Siewert type I gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma; measurable disease per RECIST v1.1; and ECOG PS 0 or 1. Pts were randomized 1:1 to receive pembro 200 mg or pbo IV every 3 weeks for ≤35 cycles both with chemo (5-fluorouracil [≤35 cycles] and cisplatin [≤6 cycles]). Primary end points were OS in pts with ESCC and PD-L1 CPS ≥10 and OS and PFS per RECIST v1.1 by investigator in all pts, pts with ESCC regardless of PD-L1, and pts in the ITT population with CPS ≥10. Secondary end points included ORR and DOR per RECIST v1.1 by investigator and safety. Pt-reported outcomes will also be presented. Data cutoff was July 10, 2023. Results: Overall, 749 pts were randomized to receive pembro + chemo (n = 373) or pbo + chemo (n = 376). Median time from randomization to data cutoff was 58.8 mo (range, 49.2-70.6). A total of 701/740 pts (94.7%) discontinued treatment; most commonly due to progressive disease (n = 449; 60.7%). ORR and DOR by pt population are provided (Table). In the ITT population, median OS was 12.3 mo for pembro + chemo and 9.8 mo for pbo + chemo (HR 0.72 [95% CI 0.62-0.84]); 5-yr OS rates were 10.6% and 3.0%, respectively. Median PFS was 6.3 mo for pembro + chemo and 5.8 mo for pbo + chemo (HR 0.64 [95% CI 0.54-0.75]); 5-yr PFS rates were 5.5% and 0%, respectively. Grade 3-5 treatment-related AEs occurred in 266 (71.9%) pts in the pembro + chemo arm and 250 (67.6%) pts in the pbo + chemo arm. Treatment-related AEs led to death in 9 (2.4%) and 5 (1.4%) pts in the pembro + chemo and pbo + chemo arms, respectively. Conclusions: After 5 yrs, use of pembro + chemo showed durable efficacy versus pbo + chemo, with no new safety concerns in pts with untreated advanced esophageal cancer. Long-term results continue to support 1L pembro + chemo for advanced esophageal cancer. Clinical trial information: NCT03189719 . [Table: see text]

Management of Multifocal Squamous Dysplasia: Role of Esophagectomy

Squamous dysplasia precedes invasive squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus, but there is limited evidence on its surgical management. The “field change effect” further complicates matters, causing multifocal or second primary neoplasms in the esophagus and upper aerodigestive tract. While endoscopic procedures are the primary treatment, surgical resection, either alone or in combination with endoscopy, must be considered given the extent of the disease and organ involvement. This chapter summarizes multifocal squamous dysplasia scenarios and highlights the role of esophagectomy or surgical resection.

Atypical intrapapillary capillary loops in early-stage basaloid squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus.

Basaloid squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus (BSCCE) is rare and extremely difficult to identify at early stage.We herein presented a superficial depressed lesion at early stage.

Modern approaches to esophageal squamous cell carcinoma therapy: paradigm shift?

Esophageal cancer (EC) is one of the most aggressive malignant neoplasms, ranking sixth among oncological causes of death. According to GLOBOCAN, more than half a million people die from this disease every year, and by 2040 this indicator is expected to increase almost twice. In most patients, esophageal cancer is diagnosed at stages III–IV of the disease. Currently, the standard of treatment for inoperable patients with EC is simultaneous chemoradiotherapy.One of the main methods of treatment of patients with non-metastatic esophageal lesion remains surgical intervention in the volume of esophagectomy with radical lymph dissection, accompanied by quite frequent serious postoperative complications. However, the results of surgical treatment of locally advanced esophageal cancer alone remain unsatisfactory, and the fiveyear survival rate is less than 20 %. In order to improve the oncological results of treatment, various combinations of drug and radiation therapy are used (preoperative chemotherapy or chemoradiotherapy, independent chemoradiotherapy). To date, recommendations for the treatment of locally advanced esophageal cancer vary from country to country. Trimodal therapy (preoperative chemoradiotherapy up to TFD – 46 Gy with 5 cycles of weekly chemotherapy according to the carboplatin + paclitaxel scheme followed by surgical treatment) is the standard in operable patients with non-metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus in our and European countries. In Asian countries, preference is given to neoadjuvant chemotherapy, based on the data of the JCOG1109 (NExT) study, in which it was shown that the addition of docetaxel to neoadjuvant therapy with cisplatin and fluorouracil is accompanied by an improvement in overall survival and acceptable toxicity, compared with the CF regimen and chemoradiotherapy. A separate issue is the place of lifesaving esophagectomy in patients who have received a course of radical chemoradiotherapy. Unfortunately, according to several researchers, recurrent or persistent esophageal cancer remains an urgent problem with a risk of relapse of the disease in up to 60 % of cases.We have studied the data of the Russian and global literature concerning the treatment of squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus.

HOXC10 promotes esophageal squamous cell carcinoma progression by targeting FOXA3 and indicates poor survival outcome

BackgroundEsophageal cancer is one of the most unknown and deadliest cancers in the world. Although recent studies have identified some mutations linked to the development of squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus (ESCC), the specific role of HomeoboxC10 (HOXC10) in the pathogenesis still requires further investigation. MethodsAgilent mRNA single-channel gene expression was employed to identify genome-wide gene signatures in ESCC. These signatures were also verified using qRT-PCR, immunohistochemical staining as well as Western blot. The biological functions of HOXC10 were further investigated through cellular studies conducted on ESCC cells. Survival analysis was conducted utilizing the Kaplan-Meier method. The GEPIA database and the STRING website were utilized to predict the potential targets that bind to HOXC10. Co-immunoprecipitation assays were performed to investigate the binding interaction between HOXC10 and Forkhead Box A3 (FOXA3). Animal models were established to analyze the effects of HOXC10 silencing on tumorigenesis in vivo. ResultsThe expression levels of HOXC10 mRNA were found to be upregulated in ESCC. Survival analysis revealed a significant association between abnormally elevated levels of HOXC10 mRNA and an unfavorable prognosis in patients with ESCC. In vitro studies revealed that the knockdown of HOXC10 expression resulted in the inhibition of the proliferation, invasion, and migrating ability of ESCC cells through the upregulation of FOXA3. Furthermore, tumor-bearing mouse models studies demonstrated that HOXC10 through knockdown techniques significantly suppressed ESCC tumor growth. HOXC10 was found to enhance the activation of the MAPK signaling pathway by regulating FOXA3 in ESCC cells. ConclusionThese results support a key role for HOXC10 in the tumorigenesis of ESCC by upregulating FOXA3 via the MAPK pathway and highlight its potential as a promising diagnostic and prognostic marker for ESCC.

S2750 A Rare Case of Metachronous Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Esophagus After Resolution of Prior Adenocarcinoma

S2750 A Rare Case of Metachronous Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Esophagus After Resolution of Prior Adenocarcinoma

428. PHARYNGEAL SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA AND RISK OF LATER ESOPHAGEAL SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA

Abstract Introduction Pharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma is a known risk factor for later squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus. We investigated whether the risk of esophageal carcinoma is high enough to justify routine gastroscopy surveillance in a northern European population. If the risk among patients with pharyngeal carcinoma corresponds to the risk among patients with Barretts esophagus of developing adenocarcinoma, it could justify surveillance. Method Histopathology data from pharyngeal and esophageal biopsies obtained 1980–2016 in Sweden’s 28 pathology departments were linked to national population-based healthcare registers. We calculated a subdistribution hazard ratio (HR) comparing the risk of esophageal cancer and death in patients with pharyngeal carcinoma to a matched general population. Result In total 1399 patients with pharyngeal cancer were identified. 344 were excluded due to age under 18 years, previous esophageal cancer, death or cancer within 6 months of diagnosis. Thus, 1055 patients remained. Median follow up time was 5,1 years. 78% were men and median age at diagnosis of pharyngeal cancer was 64 years. Four (0.38%) patients developed esophageal squamous cell carcinoma during follow-up, equal to 1 in 263 patients (HR = 14,32; 95%CI = 1,55-132,30). 855 of the patients (81%) died during follow-up (HR = 7,65; 95% = 6,82-8,59). Discussion The yearly risk of developing esophageal squamous cell carcinoma was 0,07%, which is lower than the risk among patients with Barretts esophagus. Therefore, we find no support for long-term endoscopic surveillance among patients with pharyngeal cancer.

Trends in Epidemiology of Esophageal Cancer in the US, 1975-2018

Esophageal cancer (EC) is the 7th most common cancer worldwide and 14th in the US. More data are needed to study the changing incidence patterns of its 2 primary histologic subtypes, squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus (SCE) and adenocarcinoma of the esophagus (ACE). To examine temporal trends in incidence rates of EC, ACE, and SCE from 1975 through 2018. In this population-based cross-sectional study, data were derived from 9 Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) registries from January 1975 through December 2018 and from all 21 registries for January 2000 through December 2018 for patients with a diagnosis of EC from 1975 through 2018 (International Classification of Disease-Oncology, Third Edition codes). Age-adjusted incidence rates (AAIRs) of EC, ACE, and SCE were calculated. The timing and magnitude of the annual percentage change (APC) in incidence were examined using Joinpoint regression analyses. Data analysis was started in 2021 and updated and completed in 2023. The APC for age-adjusted EC incidence rates as stratified by histology, anatomical location, stage, sex, age, race and ethnicity, and geographic region. A total of 47 648 patients with a diagnosis of EC were retained for analysis. These included 22 419 (47.1%) with a diagnosis of SCE, 22 217 (46.6%) with ACE, and 3012 (6.3%) with other subtypes. The AAIR for EC changed from 4.14 per 100 000 population in 1975 to 4.18 in 2018, AAIRs of SCE declined from 3.06 in 1975 to 1.15 in 2018 as well as for ACE, and AAIRs increased from 0.42 in 1975 to 2.78 in 2018. From 1975 through 2004, EC incidence significantly increased (APC, 0.53; 95% CI, 0.4 to 0.7) but significantly decreased (APC, -1.03; 95% CI, -1.3 to -0.7) from then until 2018. The APC of SCE significantly continued to decline (-2.80, 95% CI, -3.0 to -2.6), and ACE increased from 2000 to 2006 (APC, 2.51; 95% CI, 1.0 to 4.0) but has since stabilized from 2006 to 2018. The results of this cross-sectional study suggest that the incidence of EC modestly declined since 2004 and that the incidence of SCE continued to decline while the incidence rate of ACE plateaued for more than a decade. Understanding factors associated with plateaued rates of ACE may help inform public health interventions.

Metachronous Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Esophagus After Resolution of Previous Adenocarcinoma

ABSTRACT Esophageal cancer is the sixth leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Metachronous malignancies refer to multiple independent primary cancers diagnosed at least 6 months apart. The incidence of metachronous esophageal cancers with different histologic subtypes is extremely rare. This case presents an unprecedented occurrence of esophageal adenocarcinoma, followed by metachronous squamous cell carcinoma.

Increasing access to pathology services in low- and middle-income countries through innovative use of telepathology.

In low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), surgical care can be limited by access to pathology services. In Uganda, the pathologist-to-population ratio is less than 1 to 1 million people. The Kyabirwa Surgical Center in Jinja, Uganda, created a telepathology service in collaboration with an academic institution in New York City. This study demonstrated the feasibility and considerations of implementing a telepathology model to supplement the critical pathology needs of a low-income country. This was a retrospective, single-center study of an ambulatory surgery center with pathology capability using virtual microscopy. The remote pathologist (also known as a telepathologist) controlled the microscope and reviewed histology images transmitted across the network in real time. In addition, this study collected demographics, clinical histories, the surgeon's preliminary diagnoses, and the pathology reports from the center's electronic medical record. Nikon's NIS Element Software was used as a dynamic, robotic microscopy model with a video conferencing platform for communication. An underground fiber optic cable established Internet connectivity. After a two-hour tutorial session, the lab technician and pathologist were able to proficiently use the software. The remote pathologist read (1) pathology slides with inconclusive reports from external pathology labs, and (2) tissues labeled by the surgeon as suspicious for malignancy, which belonged to patients who lacked financial means for pathology services. Between April 2021 and July 2022, tissue samples of 110 patients were examined by a telepathologist. The most common malignancies on histology were squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus, ductal carcinoma of the breast, and colorectal adenocarcinoma. With the increasing availability of video conference platforms and network connections, telepathology is an emerging field that can be used by surgeons in LMICs to improve access to pathology services, confirming histological diagnosis of malignancies to ensure appropriate treatment.

A novel diagnostic signature of circulating tsRNAs and miRNAs in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma detected with a microfluidic platform

Small non-coding RNAs (sncRNAs) consisting of tRNA-derived small RNAs (tsRNAs) and miRNAs can be released by cancer cells and detected in blood, offering great potential for diagnosis of malignant tumors such as squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus (ESCC). One of the major challenges for the clinical application of blood-based sncRNAs biomarkers is the difficulty of detection because of their small sncRNA size and low abundance. The deferentially expressed tsRNAs and miRNAs in plasma were studied with high-throughput sequencing and polymerase chain reaction in ESCC cohorts. A novel signature containing tRF-55:74-chrM.Phe-GAA, tRF-56:75-Ala-CGC-1-M4 and miR-4488 was identified with diagnostic potential. The signature was further confirmed by an attomolar-level ultrasensitive and rapid microfluidic biochip, which can achieve a multiplex, simple and low-cost detection. Our results indicated that a combination of tsRNAs and miRNAs has high diagnostic efficiency and tremendous potential to act as specific biomarkers through a reliable, highly sensitive, fast, and economic microfluidic biochip for ESCC diagnosis.

Paclitaxel + ramucirumab versus paclitaxel alone in patients with squamous-cell carcinoma of the esophagus, refractory or intolerant to combination therapy with fluoropyrimidine and platinum-based drugs: Final results from the randomized phase 2 IKF-S627/RAMOS trial of the AIO.

e16043 Background: Ramucirumab (Ram) in combination with docetaxel is an approved 2nd-line treatment in patients (pts) with squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) of the lung (REVEL study) and with paclitaxel for esophagogastric adenocarcinoma (RAINBOW study). In SCC of the esophagus, nivolumab is currently the only evidence-based 2nd-line treatment option. This study evaluates the safety and efficacy of the combination of Ram plus paclitaxel. Methods: This prospective, randomized, open-label, multicenter, phase II trial evaluated paclitaxel plus Ram (Ram 8 mg/kg d1 and d15 and paclitaxel 80 mg/m2 d1, 8, 15) Arm A vs. paclitaxel alone (80 mg/m2 d1, 8, 15) Arm B, both q4w. Primary endpoint was overall survival rate at 6months (mos) (OS@6), main secondary endpoints were OS, PFS, objective response rate (ORR) and safety. Results: From 3/2019 to 4/2021, 21/186 planned pts were treated within the study protocol (Arm A 11 pts; Arm B 10 pts) in 10 German centers. Due to slow accrual, the study was terminated prematurely. Median age was 63y, 71% were male and 86% had relevant concomitant disease. Pts. received a median of 9 and 10 cycles Arms A and B, respectively. The most common treatment related AEs in Arm A were leucopenia (54.5%), fatigue (27.3%) and peripheral sensory neuropathy (18.2%). Treatment related adverse events (AEs) ≥ grade 3 occurred in 27% in Arm A and 50% in Arm B with neutropenia being most frequent in Arm B (n=3; 30%). Serious adverse events (SAE) occurred in 36% and 50% in Arms A and B respectively. Median follow-up was 9 months (0.7 – 32.4 months). OS@6 in Arm A was 73% for Ram/paclitaxel and 50% for paclitaxel. However, the study design did not allow for statistical comparison of the arms. ORR (CR+PR 18% vs. 20%) and DCR (55% vs. 60%) were in the same range, as well as median PFS (3.8 vs. 3.5 mos) and OS (12.1 vs. 9.2 mos), for Arms A and B, respectively. Conclusions: Ram and Paclitaxel is considered to show an acceptable tolerability and numerically improved OS@6. Due to the small number of pts the current trial must be considered exploratory and more data are needed in this indication. Clinical trial information: NCT03762564 .

Role of Confocal Laser Endomicroscopy in Early Detection of Upper Gastrointestinal Malignancy in High Risk Patients.

Upper gastrointestinal malignancies are a major global health burden. Early diagnosis of upper gastrointestinal premalignant and malignant lesions is crucial for improving prognosis and reducing morbidity and mortality. The purpose of this study was to investigate the diagnostic accuracy of confocal laser endomicroscopy (CLE) in detecting upper gastrointestinal premalignant and early malignant lesions in high-risk patients, as well as diagnosing patients with inconclusive white light endoscopy (WLE) and histopathology results. It was a cross-sectional study that included ninety (n = 90) high-risk patients with inconclusive diagnoses of upper gastrointestinal lesions on WLE and WLE-based biopsy histopathology. These patients underwent CLE, and the definitive diagnosis was confirmed using CLE and CLE-target biopsy histopathology. Diagnostic accuracy was determined by comparing the sensitivity, specificity, predictive values, and accuracy between the procedures. The mean patient age was 47.43 ± 11.18 years. CLE and target biopsy confirmed that 30 (33.3%) patients had normal histology, while 60 (66.7%) patients were diagnosed with gastritis, gastric intestinal metaplasia, high-grade dysplasia, adenocarcinoma, Barrett's esophagus, and squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus. The results of CLE were superior to those of WLE in terms of diagnostic parameters. Additionally, CLE demonstrated nearly similar results in sensitivity (98.33%), specificity (100%), positive predictive value (100%), negative predictive value (96.77%), and accuracy (98.89%) when compared to CLE-target biopsy. CLE showed higher diagnostic accuracy in differentiating normal, premalignant and malignant lesions. It effectively diagnosed patients who initially had inconclusive WLE and/or biopsy results. Furthermore, early detection of upper gastrointestinal premalignant or malignant lesions may improve prognosis and reduce morbidity and mortality.

Successful extirpation of a perforated esophagus after chemo radiotherapy in infiltrative ulcerative squamous cell carcinoma

Esophageal cancer is one of the most aggressive malignant neoplasms of the gastrointestinal tract, occupying the eighth place in the structure of morbidity worldwide. Despite comprehensive approaches to treatment, mortality continues to grow in both gender groups, which moves this pathology to the sixth position in the structure of mortality from malignant tumors. A lot of patients undergo radiation therapy in the preoperative period or in an independent version due to the peculiarities of the localization of the tumor or the spread of the process. One of the serious complications of the disease on the background of ongoing conservative therapy is perforation of the esophagus, which, according to the literature, can develop from 5.6 to 33 % of cases, and the risk factors for the development of this complication are infiltrative-u lcerative form of cancer, disease stage T3–4 and the presence of esophageal stenosis, as well as the use of chemotherapy drugs such as fluorouracil and cisplatin. The article describes a clinical case of esophageal perforation in a patient with infiltrative-u lcerative form of squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus on the background of preoperative chemoradiotherapy. The total focal dose (TFD) at the time of complication development was 24 Gy. As a result of a comprehensive additional examination, which revealed a developed complication in the form of perforation of the esophagus, an interdisciplinary council decided on an immediate surgical intervention, during which extirpation of the esophagus with gastro- and esophagostomy was performed. The patient was discharged on the 15th day in a satisfactory condition with a recommendation to conduct an IHC study for the presence of PD-L1 expression to determine further management tactics. This clinical case demonstrates the role of the infiltrative- ulcerative form of tumor growth, the stage of the disease, as well as the use of chemotherapy drugs during radiation treatment as risk factors for the development of esophageal perforation; an important task at the prehospital stage in the selection of such patients is a thorough examination in specialized oncological centers to exclude possible complications in the process of the above conservative treatment.