Management of Locally Advanced and Metastatic Esophageal Cancer in the Older Population

Long non-coding RNA HOXC-AS1 promotes the malignancy by sponging miR-195-5p with ANLN in esophageal cancer

Long non-coding RNA HOXC cluster antisense RNA 1 (HOXC-AS1) exhibits elevated expression in gastric and prostate cancers, yet its involvement in esophageal cancer (EC) remains unexplored. This investigation assessed the expression patterns and functional implications of HOXC-AS1 in EC. Quantitative real-time PCR was employed to evaluate HOXC-AS1 expression in EC cell lines, while its impact on cell proliferation, migration, invasion, tumor growth, and metastasis was examined through MTT, EdU, transwell, wound healing assays, and animal models. Mechanistic insights into HOXC-AS1 were pursued using dual-luciferase reporter assays and RNA immunoprecipitation. Analysis of TCGA data demonstrated significant upregulation of HOXC-AS1 in EC tissues, consistent with its enriched expression in EC cell lines. Knockdown experiments revealed that suppressing HOXC-AS1 reduced proliferation, migration, and invasion of EC cells in vitro and inhibited tumor growth and metastasis in vivo. Mechanistically, HOXC-AS1 acted as a molecular sponge for miR-195-5p, with anillin actin-binding protein (ANLN) identified as a direct downstream target of miR-195-5p. Functional rescue experiments showed that inhibiting miR-195-5p or overexpressing ANLN counteracted the suppressive effects induced by HOXC-AS1 silencing on the aggressive phenotypes of EC cells. These findings establish HOXC-AS1 as a promoter of EC progression via regulation of the miR-195-5p/ANLN axis, suggesting its utility as a prospective therapeutic target for EC management.

Prognosis of radiotherapy for esophageal cancer in elderly patients exceeding seventy-five years old

BACKGROUND

Esophageal cancer (EC) often occurs in the elderly, with approximately 33% of patients aged ≥ 75 years at the time of diagnosis.

AIM

To evaluate the prognostic factors for radiotherapy (RT) in elderly patients with unresectable EC.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed the clinical characteristics, toxic reactions, and survival information of EC patients aged ≥ 75 years who underwent intensity-modulated RT at Lu'an Hospital of Anhui Medical University between January 2016 and September 2023. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to draw the overall survival (OS) curves, and Cox regression analysis was employed to evaluate the influence of various clinical factors on the prognosis.

RESULTS

A total of 139 patients were enrolled. The median follow-up time was 52.0 months. The median OS was 20.0 months. The 1-year, 2-year, 3-year, and 5-year OS rates were 69.8%, 38.7%, 28.2%, and 17.5%, respectively. Univariate analysis showed that age, radiation dose, and chemotherapy had no significant impact on prognosis. Multivariate analysis indicated that clinical stage [III-IVa vs I-II, hazard ratio (HR) = 2.421, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.242-4.718, P = 0.009; IVb vs I-II, HR = 4.222, 95%CI: 1.888-9.438, P < 0.001), Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) (0 vs ≥ 1, HR = 1.539, 95%CI: 1.015-2.332, P = 0.042), and nutritional risk screening 2002 (NRS2002) (< 3 vs ≥ 3, HR = 2.491, 95%CI: 1.601-3.875, P < 0.001) were independent prognostic factors for OS.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that CCI and NRS2002 were independent prognostic factors of OS for unresectable elderly EC patients undergoing RT. For elderly patients with EC, full attention should be given to biological age-related indicators, such as comorbidities and nutrition, when formulating treatment protocols. These factors should be considered in future clinical practice.

Real-world evaluation of multimodal treatment practice in older oesophageal cancer patients

OBJECTIVES

Elderly-specific data for multimodal treatment of oesophageal cancer (EC) is lacking. This study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of multimodal treatment in older EC patients and to compare the impact of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NCT) and neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (NCRT).

METHODS

Patients diagnosed with oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma or adenocarcinoma who received NCT/NCRT were identified in the National Cancer Database (NCDB, 2004-2015). First, we compared baseline and post-treatment characteristics between younger (<70 years) and older patients (≥70 years). Logistic regression was used to investigate risk factors of postoperative mortality. Second, we evaluated the effect of neoadjuvant chemotherapy on postoperative mortality and overall survival in the older cohort. Inverse probability of treatment weights and multivariable analyses were used to compensate for differences in baseline covariates.

RESULTS

We 1st compared outcomes of neoadjuvant therapy plus oesophagectomy in 14 778 eligible EC patients. The older group experienced higher rates of postoperative mortality at 30 days (5.8%) and 90 days (13.5%) compared to younger patients. Postoperative mortality was significantly related to the Charlson-Deyo score and treatment-related factors including neoadjuvant therapy type and minimally invasive technique. Second, among the 3141 older patients (with a median follow-up of 57.8 months and 2029 deaths), those receiving NCT obtained significantly lower postoperative mortality and improved overall survival compared with NCRT (inverse probability of treatment weights-adjusted P = 0.05; hazard ratio 0.85; 95% Cl 0.72-0.99).

CONCLUSIONS

Neoadjuvant therapy plus oesophagectomy carries increased short-term mortality risk in older EC patients. NCT in older EC patients showed lower postoperative mortality but no statistically significant differences in overall survival, with a point estimate favouring NCT compared to the NCRT group, making NCT a potential option for consideration in specific cases.

Individualized treatment decision model for inoperable elderly esophageal squamous cell carcinoma based on multi-modal data fusion

BACKGROUND

This research aimed to develop a model for individualized treatment decision-making in inoperable elderly patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) using machine learning methods and multi-modal data.

METHODS

A total of 189 inoperable elderly ESCC patients aged 65 or older who underwent concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) or radiotherapy (RT) were included. Multi-task learning models were created using machine learning techniques to analyze multi-modal data, including pre-treatment CT images, clinical information, and blood test results. Nomograms were constructed to predict the objective response rate (ORR) and progression-free survival (PFS) for different treatment strategies. Optimal treatment plans were recommended based on the nomograms. Patients were stratified into high-risk and low-risk groups using the nomograms, and survival analysis was performed using Kaplan-Meier curves.

RESULTS

The identified risk factors influencing ORR were histologic grade (HG), T stage and three radiomic features including original shape elongation, first-order skewness and original shape flatness, while risk factors influencing PFS included BMI, HG and three radiomic features including high gray-level run emphasis, first-order minimum and first-order skewness. These risk factors were incorporated into the nomograms as independent predictive factors. PFS was substantially different between the low-risk group (total score ≤ 110) and the high-risk group (total score > 110) according to Kaplan-Meier curves (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The developed predictive models for ORR and PFS in inoperable elderly ESCC patients provide valuable insights for predicting treatment efficacy and prognosis. The nomograms enable personalized treatment decision-making and can guide optimal treatment plans for inoperable elderly ESCC patients.

Geriatric Radiation Oncology: What We Know and What Can We Do Better?

Elderly patients represent a growing subgroup of cancer patients for whom the role of radiation therapy is poorly defined. Older patients are still clearly underrepresented in clinical trials, resulting in very limited high-level evidence. Moreover, elderly patients are less likely to receive radiation therapy in similar clinical scenarios compared to younger patients. However, there is no clear evidence for a generally reduced radiation tolerance with increasing age. Modern radiation techniques have clearly reduced acute and late side effects, thus extending the boundaries of the possible regarding treatment intensity in elderly or frail patients. Hypofractionated regimens have further decreased the socioeconomic burden of radiation treatments by reducing the overall treatment time. The current review aims at summarizing the existing data for the use of radiation therapy or chemoradiation in elderly patients focusing on the main cancer types. It provides an overview of treatment tolerability and outcomes with current standard radiation therapy regimens, including possible predictive factors in the elderly population. Strategies for patient selection for standard or tailored radiation therapy approaches based on age, performance score or comorbidity, including the use of prediction tests or geriatric assessments, are discussed. Current and future possibilities for improvements of routine care and creation of high-level evidence in elderly patients receiving radiation therapy are highlighted.

Concomitant preoperative airflow obstruction confers worse prognosis after trans-thoracic surgery for esophageal cancer

Background

Airflow obstruction is a critical element of chronic airway diseases. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of preoperative airflow obstruction on the prognosis of patients following surgery for esophageal carcinoma.

Methods

A total of 821 esophageal cancer patients were included and classified into two groups based on whether or not they had preoperative airflow obstruction. Airflow obstruction was defined as a forced expiration volume in the first second (FEV₁)/forced vital capacity (FVC) ratio below the lower limit of normal (LLN). A retrospective analysis of the impact of airflow obstruction on the survival of patients with esophageal carcinoma undergoing esophagectomy was performed.

Results

Patients with airflow obstruction (102/821, 12.4%) had lower three-year overall (42/102, 58.8%) and progression-free survival rate (47/102, 53.9%) than those without airflow obstruction (P < 0.001). Multivariate analyses showed that airflow obstruction was an independent risk factor for overall survival (Hazard Ratio = 1.66; 95% CI: 1.17-2.35, P = 0.004) and disease progression (Hazard Ratio = 1.51; 95% CI: 1.1-2.08; P = 0.01). A subgroup analysis revealed that the above results were more significant in male patients, BMI < 23 kg/m² patients or late-stage cancer (stage III-IVA) (P = 0.001) patients and those undergoing open esophagectomy (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Preoperative airflow obstruction defined by FEV₁/FVC ratio below LLN was an independent risk factor for mortality in esophageal cancer patients after trans-thoracic esophagectomy. Comprehensive management of airflow obstruction and more personalized surgical decision-making are necessary to improve survival outcomes in esophageal cancer patients.

Best Supportive Care of the Patient with Oesophageal Cancer

BACKGROUND

Oesophageal cancer patients have poor survival, and most are unfit for curative or systemic palliative treatment. This article aims to review the best supportive care for oesophageal cancer, focusing on the management of its most frequent or distinctive symptoms and complications.

METHODS

Evidence-based review on palliative supportive care of oesophageal cancer, based on Pubmed search for relevant clinical practice guidelines, reviews and original articles, with additional records collected from related articles suggestions, references and societies recommendations.

RESULTS

We identified 1075 records, from which we screened 138 records that were related to oesophageal cancer supportive care, complemented with 48 additional records, finally including 60 records. This review summarizes the management of oesophageal cancer-related main problems, including dysphagia, malnutrition, pain, nausea and vomiting, fistula and bleeding. In recent years, several treatments have been developed, while optimal management is not yet standardized.

CONCLUSION

This review contributes toward improving supportive care and decision making for oesophageal cancer patients, presenting updated summary recommendations for each of their main symptoms. A robust body of evidence is still lacking, and the best supportive care decisions should be individualized and shared.

Management of elderly patients with esophageal squamous cell cancer

This review focuses on the treatment about elderly esophageal cancer to clarify the current situation regarding our clinical question. Although there are several reviews about elderly esophageal cancer treatment, there are fundamental differences between Japan and the rest of the world. Two main differences are raised: histological differences and treatment strategies for resectable patients. We overview each status according to following clinical questions. First, there are no established evaluation criteria for frail. Second, selection criteria for surgery or non-surgery are not established. Third, few specific treatments for elderly patients (EPs) are investigated. In conclusion, there are many reports about treatment of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma for EPs, although treatment strategy is still controversial. We have to consider well-designed prospective trial to confirm specific treatment strategy according to each stage.

Interaction of Estradiol and Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress in the Development of Esophageal Carcinoma

Gender differences in esophageal cancer patients indicate that estradiol may have antitumor effects on esophageal cancer. The initiation of endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) can induce apoptosis in esophageal cancer cells. However, it is still unknown whether estradiol inhibits the development of esophageal cancer by activating ERS pathway. In this study, the gender difference in the development of esophageal cancer was observed by analyzing clinical data and the experimental tumor xenografts in mice. Meanwhile, we investigated the mechanism of ERS in estradiol-mediated inhibition of esophageal cancer using esophageal squamous cell carcinoma cell line EC109. The proportion of male patients with esophageal cancer was significantly higher than female patients. Meanwhile, male patients were prone to have adventitial invasion. The weight of transplanted tumors in female mice was significantly smaller than that in male mice. In vitro experiments showed estradiol inhibits the viability and migration of EC109 cells by increasing the expression of ERS-related proteins, whereas ERS inhibitor 4-PBA abolished the effects of estradiol. In conclusion, our data demonstrate that sex difference exists in the occurrence of esophageal cancer. Estradiol can inhibit the viability and migration of esophageal cancer cells through the activation of ERS, providing a novel insight for esophageal cancer development, treatment, and prevention.