“Immunotherapy drugs such as nivolumab (Opdivo) have given new hope to lung cancer and melanoma patients, some of whom are seeing remarkable response rates with the new therapies. However, progress has been slow for other cancers, including one of the deadliest, esophageal cancer.
Now, in research just published in Annals of Surgery, cancer specialists at Allegheny Health Network’s Esophageal and Lung Institute and the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins have looked at how the immune microenvironment changes during standard chemotherapy and radiation treatment in tissue samples from 31 esophageal cancer patients and a rat model of the disease to shed light on how immunotherapy drugs like nivolumab may help patients with esophageal cancer.
“As physicians who care for patients with esophageal cancer, we are continually working to find new ways to prevent and treat this aggressive cancer,” said Blair Jobe, MD, Chair of the Esophageal and Lung Institute at Allegheny Health Network and one of the principal investigators in the study. “We believe our findings could have significant implications for the treatment of esophageal cancer patients.”
Blair Jobe, MD and Ali Zaidi, MD, Director of Research at AHN’s Esophageal and Lung Institute led the research along with Ronan Kelly, MD, MBA, associate professor at the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center. Other AHN researchers included E. Day Werts, PhD., radiation biologist, Division of Radiation Oncology, and Jan Silverman, MD, Chair of Pathology at AHN.
Among tissue samples of esophageal cancer patients treated with combined chemotherapy and radiation, the scientists report statistically significant increases of between nearly 20 and 30 percent of the expression of proteins such as PD-L1 and CTLA-4, which are involved in regulating tumor responses to immune system cells. They also found an increase in the number of T-cells, the soldiers of the immune system, within tumor tissue samples after the patients were treated with chemo and radiation, compared with before their treatment.
In a study of 22 rats which are bred to develop acid reflux disease and subsequent esophageal cancers, the scientists treated 10 of the rats with nine weeks of a lower dose of radiation and 12 rats with a higher dose. Among the esophageal tumors removed from the rats, the scientists found up to twice the levels of PD-L1 expression the within the tumors treated with higher doses of radiation than those that received lower doses. However, because of the small sample size of rats, the changes in protein expression levels was not considered statistically significant. What the scientists did find, though, was that the expression levels were highest immediately after radiation treatment and leveled off as time went on.
“If we continue to find that radiation causes immunologic changes in tumors, we can test whether drugs that target the immune system are able to drive more cancer-killing T-cells into the tumor,” says Kelly. The investigators hope that the human body’s dormant immune defenses can be tricked into recognizing and killing esophageal cancer cells when combined with chemo-radiation.
“Esophageal cancer is a deadly disease that even when detected early is fatal in the majority of patients. Chances of spreading throughout the body are extremely high even in patients where it is diagnosed early and resected. Therefore, newer ways are required to treat this deadly disease in real-time.” says Ali Zaidi MD, Director Research at Esophageal and Lung Institute.
The scientists at AHN and Johns Hopkins are conducting a clinical trial to test the safety and effectiveness of adding immunotherapy to standard chemotherapy and radiation in patients with esophageal cancer.”
Materials above provided by Allegheny Health Network. Editor Note: Content may be edited.
Disclaimer
This post contains information provided by a press release from authors of the highlighted abstracts and reflects the content of those abstracts. It does not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of The Salgi Esophageal Cancer Research Foundation who cannot be held responsible for the accuracy of the data.
The Salgi Esophageal Cancer Research Foundation is a 501 (c) (3) non profit organization as recognized by the Internal Revenue Service.
Content found on Salgi.org is for informational purposes only. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
“Patients requiring surgery for esophageal cancer fare better after undergoing a hybrid minimally invasive esophagectomy (HMIO) compared to an open esophagectomy (OO), according to long-term results of the MIRO trial to be presented at the ESMO 2017 Congress in Madrid.
Mature results of the phase 3 study, with follow-up to a median of 48.8 months, demonstrate that the reduced surgical trauma associated with a laparoscopic approach, does not cut corners on safety, said investigator Dr. Guillaume Piessen, from University Hospital C. Huriez, Lille, France.
“In addition to a 69% reduction in major intra- and postoperative morbidity, three-year overall survival was improved in the laparoscopic group, showing that it is an oncologically sound procedure,” Piessen said.
While the survival difference between groups was not statistically significant, he called it “highly clinically relevant.”
MIRO enrolled 207 adult patients from 13 centers with resectable cancers of the middle or lower third of the esophagus.
They were randomized to undergo either HMIO or an OO.
At 30-days, major postoperative morbidity occurred in significantly fewer patients in the HMIO compared to the OO group (35.9% versus 64.4%, odds ratio [OR] 0.31, 95%CI 0.18-0.55; p<0·001).
At three years, there was also a trend in the HMIO group towards improved overall survival and disease-free survival (67.0% versus 55%, p=0.05 and 57% versus 48%, p=0.15).
Commenting on the trial, Prof. Ulrich Güller, from Kantonsspital St. Gallen, Switzerland said: “This represents an extremely important, well-designed and well-conducted study demonstrating that HMIO is an oncologically sound procedure and significantly reduces postoperative morbidity. Based on these results, the HMIO should become the new standard operating procedure for patients with mid and low [esophageal] cancer.”
Güller added, “I think it is key to mention Prof. Christophe Mariette, the first author of this important trial, who sadly passed away one month ago. Prof. Mariette was a model of a surgical scientist and an opinion leader in the field, and his contribution to the MIRO trial was of cardinal importance.”
To read more esophageal cancer news, please visit: SALGI.org/news
This post contains information provided by a press release from authors of the highlighted abstracts and reflects the content of those abstracts. It does not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of The Salgi Esophageal Cancer Research Foundation who cannot be held responsible for the accuracy of the data.
The Salgi Esophageal Cancer Research Foundation is a 501 (c) (3) non profit organization as recognized by the Internal Revenue Service.
Content found on Salgi.org is for informational purposes only. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Join us for a fundraising event on Saturday, August 5th from 1-3 PM at Kendra Scott Soutport in Chicago to raise money for esophageal cancer awareness and research efforts! 20% of all proceeds will benefit The Salgi Esophageal Cancer Research Foundation. Enjoy sips, sweets and jewels!
Kendra Scott Southport
3426 N Southport Avenue
Chicago, Illinois
Not going to be in Chicago that day, but want to participate? Not a problem! You can place a phone order starting August 2nd up until Saturday, August 5th. The phone number is 708-669-0230.
Together we can raise awareness, and get one step closer to ending esophageal cancer once and for all!
Please help us make this a great success by sharing this event on Facebook, click here, and share the image below on Instagram! Tag us in your posts @SalgiFoundation. Thank you!
The Salgi Esophageal Cancer Research Foundation hosted the 6th Annual Esophageal Cancer Walk/Run on Saturday, June 17, 2017 at Warwick City Park. The annual events aim to raise awareness and funding for esophageal cancer advocacy and research.
We would like to thank everyone who helped make Rhode Island’s 6th Annual Esophageal Cancer Walk/Run a great success! Thank you to all of the walkers, runners, sponsors, volunteers and donors! We look forward to more events in the future to further this mission in support of awareness, early detection and research funding for esophageal cancer!
Due to the success of previous fundraising events, The Salgi Foundation was able to award esophageal cancer research funding for the very first time in July 2015! This goal was achieved in less than five years since the charity first founded. This research was accepted by the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) Institute Council and was presented as a poster presentation during Digestive Disease Week (DDW) held in Chicago, IL in May, 2017. While this was a major accomplishment, there is still so much more work that needs to be done and worthy research that needs to be funded.
Volunteers are needed for the 2018 event. Please contact us for information! SALGI.org/volunteer
Visit our Facebook page to view photos from the event. Please feel free to tag! …and remember to “like” and “share” our page! Thank youKimberli Photographyfor taking photos of the event! Visit her website: KimberliPhoto.com
Visit our YouTube channel to view the video from the event. Please remember to subscribe and share!
Thank you to Eric Simmons for taking the time to create this video! Visit his website: Grrrmedia.com
The Salgi Esophageal Cancer Research Foundation will host the 6th Annual Esophageal Cancer Walk/Run on Saturday, June 17th, at Warwick City Park in Warwick, Rhode Island at 10 AM. The event aims to raise awareness and funding for esophageal cancer advocacy and research. Sign up today! salgiwalkrun2017.eventbrite.com.
Periwinkle sponsor for the 6th Annual Esophageal Cancer Walk/Run is General Dynamics Electric Boat.
Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 the day of; children 12 and under and dogs are admitted free! T-shirts are available only for pre-paid guests who have registered by Friday, May 26th, 2017. Guests may sign up individually or as a team. To register or for more information, please visit: salgiwalkrun2017.eventbrite.com.
Those who are unable to attend the event but would still like to donate may visit: SALGI.org/donate.
Guests and supporters may create a personalized online fundraising page to help The Salgi Esophageal Cancer Research Foundation make an even bigger impact. Registration is not required to create a fundraising page. Please visit: Crowdrise.com/EsophagealCancer2017.
Sponsorship opportunities are still available for the 6th Annual Esophageal Cancer Walk/Run. Click here to learn more.
The Salgi Esophageal Cancer Research Foundation awarded its first-ever grant to esophageal cancer research in July, 2017. This research was accepted by the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) Institute Council and an abstract was presented during Digestive Disease Week (DDW) 2017.
Since The Salgi Esophageal Cancer Research Foundation first funded research in 2015, over 20 investigators have inquired about their funding program. The charity is working diligently in hopes of funding more research within the next year.
About Esophageal Cancer: Acid reflux disease is one of the primary risk factors associated with esophageal cancer. Chronic heartburn, obesity, poor nutrition, tobacco use and excessive alcohol use are all risk factors. Esophageal cancer is among the fastest growing and deadliest cancers in the United States. With over a 600% increase in the past decades, the overall five-year survival rate is only 18.4%.
There are no standard or routine screenings to detect esophageal cancer in its earlier stages. Symptoms, such as difficulty swallowing, typically appear once the cancer has become advanced. Despite its rapid increase and poor prognosis, esophageal cancer receives very little awareness and research funding.
Please join The Salgi Esophageal Cancer Research Foundation in making this event a great success. Visit, like and share our Facebook page and invite your friends to do so as well! https://www.facebook.com/SalgiFoundation
The Salgi Esophageal Cancer Research Foundation has been invited to participate in the Pawtucket Red Sox’sPaws for a Cause event.
On Friday, July 7th at 7:05 PM, The Salgi Esophageal Cancer Research Foundation will visit the PawSox for their home-game against the Buffalo Bisons.
The Salgi Esophageal Cancer Research Foundation will be introduced on the field during the pre-game ceremonies. Our mission of raising awareness and research funding for esophageal cancer will be delivered over the stadium’s communications system for all guests to hear. We will also visit the PawSox broadcast booth for an inning during the game!
Tickets can be purchased through our unique ticket link, here.
For every ticket that we sell through this unique link, half of the money will go directly to The Salgi Esophageal Cancer Research Foundation to help fund our programs dedicated to esophageal cancer awareness, early detection and research!
Please help us make this a great night by sharing this post with everyone you know! Family, friends and co-workers. Thank you!
In July 2015, The Salgi Esophageal Cancer Research Foundation awarded esophageal cancer research funding for the very first time. This feat was accomplished in less than five years since our inception.
The research was awarded to Dr. Carlos Minacapelli and his team of researchers. The study titled “Chemoprevention studies on an in-vitro Barrett’s Epithelium Carcinogenesis model targeting CYP1 biomarker(s) by natural product Curcumin” was completed at the Crohn’s and Colitis Center of New Jersey, Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School.
The American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) Institute Council accepted Dr. Minacapelli’s abstract to be presented as a poster presentation on Monday, May 8, 2017, during Digestive Disease Week (DDW) held in Chicago, IL. The abstract is entitled “Effect of Benzo[a]pyrene along with Acid and Bile is highly carcinogenic as shown in the in-vitro Barrett’s Esophagus Carcinogenesis (BEC) model.”
We are proud to have been a part of this research and will continue to prioritize funding research of esophageal cancer until a cure is found. To learn more about our esophageal cancer research, our funding program and how you can help, please visit: salgi.org/research
Effect of Benzo[A]Pyrene Along with Acid and Bile is Highly Carcinogenic as Shown in Thein-Vitro Barrett’s Esophagus Carcinogenesis (BEC) Model Minacapelli, Carlos D. et al. Gastroenterology , Volume 152 , Issue 5 , S834 – S835
The Salgi Esophageal Cancer Research Foundation is a 501 (c) (3) non profit organization as recognized by the Internal Revenue Service.
Content found on Salgi.org is for informational purposes only. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
April is Esophageal Cancer Awareness Month! This month, Bravelets has partnered with our charity to help raise awareness and funding for esophageal cancer research and advocacy.
Our President, Linda Molfesi, was able to share our mission and history with their team. Visit their blog page here to read what she had to say.
Through the end of April, 2017, you can donate 20% of your purchase to The Salgi Esophageal Cancer Research Foundation with code: SALGI20 at checkout. Visit our Bravelets Brave Page here.
To learn more about Bravelets, their mission, history and why they decided to partner with The Salgi Esophageal Cancer Research Foundation, keep reading below!
What is Bravelets’ mission?
Bravelets was founded in 2012 and the Bravelets mission is to help people be brave during hard times. It is such a simple idea that started with one bracelet, in 10 colors, helping 10 different non-profits. We have now grown to over 30 products in 16 colors, helping close to 4,000 personal causes and nonprofits around the country. There are times in all of our lives where we need to be brave – whether for ourselves, for our family, for our friends, or even for a complete stranger. Bravelets bracelets are more than just something to wear on your wrist. All Bravelets jewelry and accessories are symbols of hope, strength and courage. They are designed to help you be brave in the toughest of times.
How did Bravelets begin?
Stephanie started Bravelets in 2012 after her mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. She wanted something the whole family could wear as a symbol of hope. Something they could look at every day, and remember to be brave. She also wanted something that gave back to the cause she cared about, which is why with every item purchased from Bravelets 10% is donated back to the cause of the customer’s choice.
How Bravelets has made an impact for nonprofits?
We offer the ability for anyone to set up a fundraiser for anything they feel they need to be brave for! Many people set up fundraisers in support of their favorite nonprofit, or they set up a personal fundraiser to raise money for their medical bills or local causes in their community. To date, we’ve raised over $2.6 million dollars for various personal causes and non-profits. Aside from the financial impact, the personal connection we’ve made with non-profits and hearing the stories of the people their research and mission’s effects is even more rewarding.
Bravelets gives nonprofits the opportunity to raise money in a special way
Why Bravelets chose to donate to nonprofits?
Bravelets is unique, because we provide a platform for anyone to choose to give back to any cause they wish to support. If they are searching for a specific cause but can’t seem to find the right one, we give them the opportunity to create a quick fundraising page for that cause!
Why did Bravelets choose to work with The Salgi Esophageal Cancer Research Foundation?
April is Esophageal Cancer Month, and we think it’s great to partner with non-profits that specifically work towards research and awareness about that cause! The Salgi Esophageal Cancer is making strides to bring awareness about early detection and we are proud to help support them.
What are Bravelets goals and plans for the future?
Bravelets is on track to raise another $2 Million for causes around the nation! We are excited about the support we are able give people each and every day, and the donations that are going back into our communities. We always have new products rolling out, and new causes joining our mission! We are excited to see how Bravelets continues to impact people’s lives and outlook on life!
Remember, through the end of April. 2017, you can donate 20% of your purchase to The Salgi Esophageal Cancer Research Foundation with code: SALGI20 at checkout. Visit our Bravelets Brave Page here. Please share this post with all of your family members and friends! Thank you!
The Salgi Esophageal Cancer Research Foundation has put together a video slideshow of the brave men and women who have been affected by esophageal cancer- those who have survived, those who have passed away and those who are currently fighting this horrific cancer.
Please considermaking a donation. This charity is sustained 100% by the generosity of our donors. In order to continue this mission of raising awareness, encouraging early detection and funding research of esophageal cancer, we ask you to consider making a tax-deductible donation. Click here to donate.
The goal of this video slideshow is to raise awareness of the fact that esophageal cancer is growing at a rapid rate and affecting people of all ages, race and gender. Please subscribe to our YouTube channel and share the video with your friends, family and social media. Be sure to tag us in your posts! (@SalgiFoundation) With your help, we will make a difference!
April is Esophageal Cancer Awareness Month. This year, The Salgi Esophageal Cancer Research Foundation is putting together a video slideshow of all the brave men and women who have been affected by esophageal cancer- those who have survived, those who have passed away and those who are currently fighting this horrific cancer
If you would like to submit a photo to be included in the slideshow, please email salgifoundation @ gmail.com by Friday, March 24, 2017 at 2PM EST. Please only send one photo per person to be included in the slideshow. Please also include the person’s name and if applicable, the birth year and year of passing. (I.e. John Smith, 1968-2014)
We ask you to consider making a donation to the charity along with your photo. While donations are not mandatory for inclusion in the slideshow, this charity is sustained 100% by the generosity of our donors. In order to continue this mission of raising awareness, encouraging early detection and funding research of esophageal cancer, we ask you to consider making a tax-deductible donation. Click here to donate.
The goal of this video slideshow is to raise awareness of the fact that esophageal cancer is growing at a rapid rate and affecting people of all ages, race and gender. With your help, we will make a difference!
The Salgi Esophageal Cancer Research Foundation is a 501 (c) (3) non profit organization as recognized by the Internal Revenue Service.
Content found on Salgi.org is for informational purposes only. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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