gerd | The Salgi Esophageal Cancer Research Foundation

Roswell Park scientists create calculator to guide treatment choice in esophageal cancer

March 3, 2017

“Cancer of the esophagus, the hollow tube connecting the oral cavity to the stomach, is usually treated surgically. Roswell Park Cancer Institute researchers have created a novel calculator that more readily identifies patients who may benefit from therapy that reduces the extent of the disease prior to surgery. The study has been published online ahead of print by the Journal of the American College of Surgeons.

Using the National Cancer Data Base, the Roswell Park team evaluated clinical data for 8,974 patients diagnosed with early-stage esophageal cancer. The database records information for as many as 70% of the nation’s cancer cases through participating hospitals. The researchers evaluated characteristics such as patients’ comorbidity score, tumor grade and neoadjuvant chemoradiation status (whether they had chemotherapy and/or radiation prior to surgery). Only preoperative data were used to develop the calculator. The scientists found that patients who benefit more from neoadjuvant chemoradiation included those whose tumors had metastasized to nearby lymph nodes, older patients and those with more aggressive cancers, such as tumors of higher grade and greater depth of invasion. These findings indicate that the calculator would assist physicians and patients with treatment decision-making.

“The use of calculators to estimate outcomes is becoming increasingly common, and is being applied to real-time clinical situations to aid in treatment decision-making and individualizing therapy,” says the lead author of the study, Emmanuel Gabriel, MD, PhD, of the Department of Surgical Oncology at Roswell Park.

“Our effort is a good example of how you can use large national databases to create calculators to guide and improve preoperative decision-making. Such tools can help us, for example, to avoid the toxic side effects of upfront chemoradiotherapy in a subset of patients. However, our calculator should be validated prospectively before firm conclusions can be drawn about its value in treatment selection,” notes the senior author of the study, Moshim Kukar, MD, Assistant Professor of Surgery in the Department of Surgical Oncology at Roswell Park.”

Story Source:

Materials above provided by Roswell Park Cancer Institute. Editor Note: Content may be edited.

Journal Refrence:

Emmanuel Gabriel, Kristopher Attwood, Rupen Shah, Steven Nurkin, Steven Hochwald, Moshim Kukar. Novel Calculator to Estimate Overall Survival Benefit from Neoadjuvant Chemoradiation in Patients with Esophageal Adenocarcinoma. Journal of the American College of Surgeons, 2017; DOI: 10.1016/j.jamcollsurg.2017.01.043

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.

Esophageal cancer: Loss of muscle mass represents a significant risk to survival

February 15, 2017

via: Medical University of Vienna

“Esophageal cancer patients who suffer loss of muscle mass (sarcopenia) during neoadjuvant therapy (chemotherapy prior to surgery) survive, on average, 32 months less than patients with no sarcopenia. This is the central finding of a recent study conducted at the Comprehensive Cancer Center (CCC) of MedUni Vienna and Vienna General Hospital. The study has recently been published in the European Journal of Cancer Surgery.

Esophageal cancer is the eighth most common type of cancer and sixth most common cause of death from cancer in Austria. According to “Statistik Austria,” approximately 420 people develop this type of cancer every year. This means that esophageal cancer is a rare form of cancer but the number of cases has grown rapidly over the past few years. The number of cases in men has risen sixfold and has quadrupled in women, men being more likely to develop this type of cancer than women.

Esophageal cancer is among the fastest and deadliest cancers in the United States and western world. In 2017, an estimated 16,940 will be diagnosed with esophageal cancer and there will be an estimated 15,690 deaths from esophageal cancer, in the United States.¹ Only 18.4% of patients diagnosed with esophageal cancer will survive 5(+) years.

Apart from smoking and high alcohol consumption, risk factors for esophageal cancer also include gastro-esophageal reflux disease and the resulting cell changes in the lower part of the oesophagus (Barrett metaplasia). The standard treatment for patients in which the tumour is advanced but not yet metastasised, is to give chemotherapy or a combination of chemotherapy and radiotherapy prior to surgery (multimodal therapy). In local carcinomas that are not advanced, surgery is the treatment of choice.

Nutrition and exercise affect chances of survival

In their study, experts in stomach and esophageal cancer from the Comprehensive Cancer Center of MedUni Vienna and Vienna General Hospital (CCC GET-Unit, Head: Sebastian Schoppmann) investigated to what extent sarcopenia and body composition changed during multimodal therapy and whether this has any influence upon long-term survival. The results show that patients who suffered sarcopenia (loss of muscle mass below a defined threshold) at any time during treatment had a poorer prognosis for survival: on average, their period of survival was 32 months shorter than that of patients who were not diagnosed with sarcopenia. Sarcopenia was therefore identified as an independent risk factor.

Says Matthias Paireder, Department of Surgery (Head: Michael Gnant) of MedUni Vienna and Vienna General Hospital, member of the CCC-GET and lead author of the study: “Sarcopenia is not necessarily a side effect of chemotherapy. Many patients were already sarcopenic before the treatment and there was no significant progression of sarcopenia during treatment. The reasons for this loss of general muscle mass are poor nutrition and lack of exercise.”

New study planned

In a new study, the team headed up by Paireder and Schoppmann will investigate whether a programme that includes nutritional advice and physical training could significantly increase long-term survival for esophageal cancer patients.”

Story Source:

Materials above provided by Medical University of Vienna. Editor Note: Content may be edited.

Medical University of Vienna. “Esophageal cancer: Loss of muscle mass represents a significant risk to survival.” ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 14 February 2017.

The Salgi Esophageal Cancer Research Foundation is a 501 (c) (3) non profit organization as recognized by the Internal Revenue Service.

Response to an article. Acid reflux can increase esophageal cancer risk.

February 1, 2017

Our volunteers recently came across an article on PostBulletin.com entitled “[Gastroesophageal] reflux can trigger symptoms similar to cardiac problems.” It is a Mayo Clinic Q & A piece that the Minnesota newspaper published online.

The article question was submitted by a daughter whose father had gone to the emergency room due to chest pain which the doctors said was most likely not a heart attack but could possibly be heartburn. Jeffrey Alexander, M.D from Mayo Clinic, responded to the daughter’s question about her father’s health. While we are pleased with most of the article, two quotes from Dr. Alexander stuck out as major red flags for anyone who suffers from Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD-which is also known as acid reflux disease).

The first quote from Dr. Alexander we would like to address is:

“Typically, GERD does not require treatment from a health care provider.”

In the United States, approximately 20 percent of the population has GERD, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK).¹

One in five Americans who suffers from GERD. If not properly treated, overtime GERD damages the lining of the esophagus and can cause serious medical conditions, i.e. chronic cough or hoarseness, bleeding or scarring of the esophagus, ulcers, Barrett’s esophagus or esophageal cancer.

Many chronic GERD sufferers turn to antacids or other over-the-counter medications for relief. Others seek help from their doctors and are prescribed medications known as Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs), which reduce the amount of acid in the stomach; thus treating the symptoms of GERD but not the disease. Recent research has shown that PPIs may not protect against Barrett’s esophagus and/or esophageal cancer.²

Therefore, those who suffer from GERD should not self-medicate alone, but should speak with their doctor and a doctor who specializes in GERD to reduce the risk of damage to the esophagus.

This leads us to the second quote by Dr. Alexander from the article that we would like to address:

“GERD can be managed, and nobody dies from it.”

GERD is a primary risk factor for esophageal cancer (adenocarcinoma), one of the fastest growing and deadliest cancers in the United States and the western world. Incidences of esophageal cancer and GERD have increased significantly in past decades. In fact, incidence of esophageal cancer has risen over 600%. Unfortunately, esophageal cancer has an overall five-year survival rate of only 18.4%.³

While GERD in and of itself won’t cause anyone to die, the damage that GERD can cause to the esophagus very well could eventually lead people to die.

President of The Salgi Foundation, Linda Molfesi, knows all too well the dangers of heartburn and GERD.

“My father suffered from chronic heartburn for years and was never warned by doctors of the possible risks. We found out too late, once he started having difficulty swallowing, that his chronic reflux had led to esophageal cancer.” Molfesi continued, “My father passed away a little over a year from the date he was diagnosed and it was, and still is, devastating,” Molfesi said.

In addition to esophageal cancer’s dramatic increase over the past decades and its very poor survival rates, there are currently no routine or standard screenings to detect esophageal cancer in its earliest stages.

The Salgi Esophageal Cancer Research Foundation urges the public to be proactive about their health. Never ignore frequent heartburn or other symptoms and never rely on medications alone. If you suffer from heartburn, chest pain or any other symptom, talk to your doctor about all your options, especially how you can get screened for any possible damage.

Dr. Alexander does mention that lifestyle changes can help manage GERD symptoms and he also notes common “warning” symptoms which could point to more serious problems, including esophageal cancer.

However, GERD is a progressive disease which will only get worse if not properly treated. Once again, we must stress that it is very important to speak to your doctor if you are experiencing GERD to manage symptoms, get screened and reduce your risk of Barrett’s esophagus and/or esophageal cancer.

Sources:

GERD by the Numbers: Facts, Statistics & You. Ann Pietrangelo. Medically Reviewed by George T. Krucik, MD, MBA on March 2, 2015. Healthline Media. healthline.com
Does any acid reflux medication prevent esophageal cancer? Bruce Kaechele. RefluxMD refluxmd.com
Cancer Stat Facts: Esophageal Cancer. National Cancer Institute, Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results Program, seer.cancer.gov
Gastroesophagel reflux can trigger symptoms similar to cardiac problems. Jeffrey Alexander, M.D., Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester. Mayo Clinic Q & A postbulletin.com

The Salgi Esophageal Cancer Research Foundation is a 501 (c) (3) non profit organization as recognized by the Internal Revenue Service.

Breath test could help detect stomach and esophageal cancers

January 30, 2017

via: The European CanCer Organisation (ECCO)

“A test that measures the levels of five chemicals in the breath has shown promising results for the detection of cancers of the esophagus and stomach in a large patient trial presented at the European Cancer Congress 2017 [1].

Together, stomach and esophageal cancer account for around 1.4 million new cancer diagnoses each year worldwide [2]. Both tend to be diagnosed late, because the symptoms are ambiguous, meaning the five-year survival rate for these two types of cancer is only 15%.

Esophageal cancer is considered one of the fastest growing and deadliest cancers in the United States and western world, with over a 600% increase in the past decades.

The new research, involving more than 300 patients, showed that the test could diagnose cancer with an overall accuracy of 85%.

Dr Sheraz Markar, an NIHR Clinical Trials Fellow from Imperial College London, under the supervision of Professor George Hanna, told the Congress: “At present the only way to diagnose esophageal cancer or stomach cancer is with endoscopy. This method is expensive, invasive and has some risk of complications.

“A breath test could be used as a non-invasive, first-line test to reduce the number of unnecessary endoscopies. In the longer term this could also mean earlier diagnosis and treatment, and better survival.”

The trial was based on the results of previous research that suggested differences in the levels of specific chemicals (butyric, pentanoic and hexanoic acids, butanal, and decanal) between patients with stomach or esophageal cancer and patients with upper gastrointestinal symptoms without cancer. The new research aimed to test whether this ‘chemical signature’ that seemed to typify cancer could be the basis of a diagnostic test.

In the new study, the research team collected breath samples from 335 people at St Mary’s Hospital, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust; University College London Hospital; and the Royal Marsden Hospital, London. Of these, 163 had been diagnosed with stomach or esophageal cancer and 172 showed no evidence of cancer when they had an endoscopy.

All the samples were analysed with a technique called selected ion flow-tube mass spectrometry, which is able to accurately measure small amounts of different chemicals in mixtures of gases such as breath.

Researchers measured the levels of the five chemicals in each sample to see which ones matched to the ‘chemical signature’ that indicated cancer.

The results showed that the test was 85% accurate overall, with a sensitivity of 80% and a specificity of 81%. This means that not only was the breath test good at picking up those who had cancer (sensitivity), it was also good at correctly identifying who did not have cancer (specificity).

Dr Markar said: “Because cancer cells are different to healthy ones, they produce a different mixture of chemicals. This study suggests that we may be able detect these differences and use a breath test to indicate which patients are likely to have cancer of the esophagus and stomach, and which do not. However, these findings must be validated in a larger sample of patients before the test could be used in the clinic.”

Over the next three years, the researchers will continue with a larger trial, using the test with patients who are being given an endoscopy for gastrointestinal symptoms but not yet diagnosed with cancer. This will assess the ability of the test to pick up cases within a group that is likely to contain only a small percentage of cancers.

The team is also working on breath tests for other types of cancer, such as colorectal and pancreatic, which could be used as first-line tests in general practice surgeries.”

Story Source:

Materials above provided by The European CanCer Organisation (ECCO). Editor Note: Content may be edited.

The Salgi Esophageal Cancer Research Foundation is a 501 (c) (3) non profit organization as recognized by the Internal Revenue Service.

Holiday Fundraiser

December 3, 2016

Would you like to make a difference this holiday season by supporting The Salgi Esophageal Cancer Research Foundation’s efforts to promote esophageal cancer awareness and raise funding for potentially life-saving research?

If you answered yes, consider hosting a fundraiser! Fundraising can also be done online through a fundraising page on Charity GoFundMe. It takes less than five minutes to set up! (Click here to start your own personal fundraising page.)

Fundraising and donations are essential to this mission! The Salgi Esophageal Cancer Research Foundation was able to award grant funding for esophageal cancer research in 2015. This feat was accomplished in less than five years since the charity was formed. Your support is crucial to ensuring that more research can be funded in the new year.

If you are hosting an in-person fundraiser in the Rhode Island area, we might also be able to guest speak, provide you with information and help educate others about esophageal cancer, prevention and awareness. Remember, The Salgi Esophageal Cancer Research Foundation is a 501c3 nonprofit charity so all donations are tax-free and go directly to the mission.

If you would like to organize a fundraiser, contact us here, today!

If you are unable to host a fundraiser, but would like to make a donation, please visit: SALGI.org/donate.

Thank you!

Thanksgiving Tips to Manage GERD

November 23, 2016

The holidays are a wonderful time of year when family and friends can gather together, share thanks and enjoy an abundant feast filled with our favorite foods. Certain habits can cause some unwanted holiday heartburn. Learn how to enjoy the holidays and all of the delicious foods while managing your acid reflux symptoms.

Here are a few tips for you to take with you to the Thanksgiving dinner table:

1. Limit beverage consumption while eating. Sometimes fluids, especially carbonated beverages, can cause more gas in the stomach when combined with food intake. Try to drink slowly after you are done eating.

2. Monitor what you are eating and avoid foods that trigger acid reflux. Foods that have the worse effects on acid reflux are spicy, fatty, fried and citrus foods. Food and drinks that trigger GERD symptoms vary from person to person, so it is important to know your body and determine which are best for you.

3. Limit or avoid alcohol. There are some people, however, who should avoid all alcohol consumption, as even the smallest amounts can cause acid reflux. Alcohol increases the production of stomach acids. Alcohol also relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), the muscle that is in charge of keeping stomach contents from refluxing into the esophagus.

4. Don’t over-eat. Ask for a smaller plate, take a small sample from each dish and choose “safe” foods that you’ve predetermined do not flare up your acid reflux symptoms. When you’re feeling tempted to overindulge, ask yourself “Is having that second helping of pumpkin pie worth the hours of pain and misery due to the acid reflux afterwards?”

5. Chew slowly. Help your digestive system by chewing every bite slowly and thoroughly. Put your fork down in between bites to help remind yourself to go slow while eating.

6. Wear loose clothing. Clothing which is tight especially around the mid-section can put extra pressure on the abdomen and increase acid reflux symptoms.

7. Sit upright for several hours after you’ve eaten. Or better yet, take a leisurely family stroll around the neighborhood to help settle your stomach and aid digestion. Avoid any rigorous exercise, as it can upset the digestion process and cause reflux symptoms.

8. Pass on the after-dinner coffee. For some, coffee can increase acid reflux and cause symptoms to flare up. Both caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee have shown to aggravate GERD symptoms.

9. Ditch all tobacco products. Tobacco, including cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco and pipe tobacco not only worsens GERD symptoms, but it can cause people to develop GERD. Like alcohol, tobacco weakens the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and increases stomach acids.

While occasional heartburn is not typically a cause for concern, as billions of Americans experience heartburn at some point in their lives, heartburn that occurs more than twice weekly should not be taken lightly, as it could be an indicator of GERD. GERD stands for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease which is a disease of the digestive system.

Also known as acid reflux disease, GERD is a progressive disease, which means that it worsens overtime, especially if it is not properly treated. The reflux of acids from the stomach damages the lining of the esophagus and can cause major health problems, including an increased risk of esophageal cancer. Speak to your doctor if you are experiencing frequent or chronic heartburn or if your acid reflux symptoms are worsening.

If you, or someone you know, has GERD, RefluxMD has put together an eBook that is surely a must-read! To download a FREE copy of “I Have GERD, Now What?”, click here.

From all of your friends at The Salgi Esophageal Cancer Research Foundation, we wish you a happy, healthy and heartburn-free Thanksgiving!

Sources:

Dr. Peter Denk, Struggling with Heartburn? Find Your Trigger Foods, RefluxMD, www.refluxmd.com/learn/resources/2014-07-28/9996/struggling-heartburn-find-your-trigger-foods
8 Top Lifestyle Changes to Manage GERD Diana Rodriguez Medically reviewed by Lindsey Marcellin, MD, MPH, Everyday Health, Inc. www.everydayhealth.com/health-report/managing-gerd/lifestyle-changes-to-manage-gerd.aspx
Wendl, B., Pfeiffer, A., Pehl, C., Schmidt, T. and Kaess, H. 1994. Effect of decaffeination of coffee or tea on gastro-oesophageal reflux. Alimentary pharmacology & therapeutics. 8(3):283-7.
Factors that Contribute to GERD — Use of Tobacco Products, E-MedTV.com

The Salgi Esophageal Cancer Research Foundation is a 501 (c) (3) non profit organization as recognized by the Internal Revenue Service.

GERD Awareness Week: November 20-26th, 2016

November 17, 2016

“Chronic heartburn may be more than just a pain in the esophagus.”

That disease is Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). Also known as acid reflux disease, GERD is a condition of the digestive system, which has increased significantly in recent decades. GERD is also a primary risk factor for esophageal cancer, one of the fastest growing and deadliest cancers in the United States.

Esophageal cancer, similar to GERD, has also increased significantly in past decades. In fact, incidence of esophageal cancer has risen over 600% and with an overall five-year survival rate of less than 18.5%.

The Salgi Esophageal Cancer Research Foundation, a nonprofit which awarded its first grant to esophageal cancer research last year, is once again bringing awareness of the dangerous link between GERD and esophageal cancer.

What can I do to help?

Spread the word on Social Media

–Share this message with your friends, family and social media pages:

Did you know that chronic heartburn can lead to esophageal cancer? Learn more about the dangerous link: salgi.org/GERD

–”Like” us on Facebook and Follow us on Instagram so that you can easily share life-saving information with your friends and family members who may be at risk.

Educating others allows them to make informed decisions about their health and decide if they should get screened. Remember, awareness of risk factors and symptoms along with early detection is the key to improving the chances of survival!

Post this graphic and tag us in your post @SalgiFoundation!

GERD Awareness Week 2016 The Salgi Esophageal Cancer Research Foundation Awareness Early Detection Advocacy Advocate

Donate:

When you make a donation to The Salgi Foundation, you are not only helping to spread the word about esophageal cancer and dangerous risk factors such as GERD; you are helping to raise money for research projects which are aimed at discovering methods of prevention, early detection and treatment. These research projects have one main goal: to save lives! Click here to make a one-time or recurring donation!

For more information and other ways to help make a difference, visit: SALGI.org/gerd

The Salgi Esophageal Cancer Research Foundation is a 501 (c) (3) non profit organization as recognized by the Internal Revenue Service.

Minimally Invasive Esophagectomy Spares Patients Pain and Trauma

November 16, 2016

via medstargeorgetown.org

(Washington, D.C.) “Edward Eckenhoff recalls putting up with heartburn for many years. He says he would often take a few over-the-counter medications before a meal to ease his symptoms.

All of this caught up to him in February 2016 when, on vacation in Florida he suddenly had trouble swallowing.

“I said, ‘oh boy, I have a problem,’” recalls Eckenhoff. “So I went to a gastroenterologist in Florida who diagnosed me with esophageal cancer. Fifteen to 20 years of acid reflux resulted in a tumor at the base of my esophagus near my stomach.”

The National Cancer Institute reports that 16,910 new cases of esophageal cancer will be diagnosed in 2016; 15,690 people will die from the disease.

Figures from the American Society of Clinical Oncology say the five year survival rate, overall is around eighteen percent; forty percent if the disease is caught early and four percent if the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.

When Eckenhoff got back to Washington, D.C. he consulted with physicians at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital. He received chemotherapy and radiation. Next, the surgery to remove the cancerous portion of his esophagus.

At most centers, surgeons crack open a patient’s chest to gain access to the esophagus.

But MedStar Georgetown’s chief of Thoracic Surgery Blair Marshall, MD has pioneered a minimally invasive procedure to remove esophageal cancer that is easier on patients in several ways.

“Instead of a large incision that breaks the patient’s chest bone, I use tiny incisions and cameras that allow us to remove the esophagus with the cancer and then make a new one,” said Dr. Marshall. “Patients do not go to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). They have less pain, blood loss and return to eating normally much sooner than with the standard approach. This is a procedure that is rarely performed by surgeons at other institutions. ”

Eckenhoff is a patient with a unique situation. He is paralyzed from the waist down due to an accident and uses crutches to get around. He is the founder of the MedStar National Rehabilitation Hospital which has helped patients to be empowered to overcome disabilities caused by disease or injury for more than 30 years.

“I’m 6’ 2” and a couple of hundred pounds,” says Eckenhoff. “The old way of removing my cancerous esophageal tumor would have destroyed the musculature I need to get around. In my case, the minimally invasive surgery meant I was back on my crutches weeks after hospital discharge and it allowed me to be back on the golf course in 22 days. Now I am back to independence and I’m on the golf course three to four times a week!”

James Pease Blair, a retired National Geographic photographer who has traveled the world covering stories got a similar diagnosis of esophageal cancer in September 2012 when he was in his early 80’s.

“I was having scallops for dinner one night at a restaurant and suddenly, they came right back up. I couldn’t swallow,” recalls Blair. “I don’t remember having recurrent heartburn but I ate a lot of funny food from all around the world because of my work and I know I ate a lot of antacids over the years.”

An upper endoscopy revealed an esophageal tumor measuring approximately four inches in size.

“I looked at it as just another assignment, but one that would take a lot longer than usual. I just had to get out there and get it done,” says the award winning photo journalist who is now retired and living in New England.

Blair had chemotherapy before his surgery, which was a minimally invasive esophagectomy performed by Dr. Marshall.

“At this point in time, we have operated on several patients in their early to mid 80’s with excellent results,” says Dr. Marshall.

“Dr. Marshall showed me beforehand what the surgery using cameras was going to be like, says Blair. As a photographer I could see precisely what she was talking about. It was a major operation and I was 82 years old! I don’t think I would have survived the old method of having the surgeon crack open my chest to get to the tumor.”

Blair recalls that he never stayed in the ICU after his surgery and while he wasn’t eating when he left the hospital, his recovery was not painful.

“I’m doing perfectly now. And this is really serious stuff because this surgery allowed me to continue exhibiting photography and to give public talks about my work. I’m having a fulfilling life and that’s really important to me. I appreciate that she not only did a good job as a surgeon but also felt concern for me as a patient.”

“Both of these gentlemen are examples of patients who can benefit from a surgical technique that might take longer in the operating room, but results in a quicker and easier recovery from a very serious cancer,” Dr. Marshall said.”

Story Source:

Materials above provided by Medstar Georgetown. Editor Note: Content may be edited.

The Salgi Esophageal Cancer Research Foundation is a 501 (c) (3) non profit organization as recognized by the Internal Revenue Service.

Sponge on a string test could replace endoscopies

November 15, 2016

via cancerresearchuk.org

“Cancer Research UK-funded scientists have discovered that a ‘sponge on a string’ pill test can identify which people with a condition called Barrett’s esophagus have a low risk of developing esophageal cancer – sparing them uncomfortable endoscopies.

Researchers from the University of Cambridge(link is external) gave 468 people who had Barrett’s esophagus a ‘sponge on a string’ (cytosponge) test. Barrett’s esophagus is a condition that can lead to esophageal cancer in a small number of people.

They found that the cytosponge test together with additional laboratory tests identified that 35 per cent (162) of people with Barrett’s in the study were at a low risk of developing esophageal cancer.

The results show that patients with Barrett’s could be given a cytosponge test by their local GP and monitored, to detect which patients were at low risk of developing cancer, rather than having regular endoscopies at hospital.

This could help save patients’ time, as well as reducing the anxiety and discomfort of having endoscopy tests. Endoscopies are expensive and involve putting a camera down the throat to collect a sample of the cells lining the oesophagus for analysis under a microscope.

The cytosponge is a small pill with a string attached that the patient swallows, which expands into a small sponge when it reaches the stomach. This is slowly pulled back up the throat using the string, collecting cells from the esophagus for analysis.

The researchers tested these cells for two specific genetic markers and changes in the cells that can be used to estimate an individual’s risk of developing esophageal cancer. These results, alongside other information including age and obesity, were used in a mathematical model to classify patients’ risk levels.

Barrett’s esophagus is caused by acid reflux. This can occur when acid travels back up the food pipe from the stomach causing symptoms such as heartburn. Cells in the esophagus can then become damaged over time, leading to Barrett’s esophagus. People with the condition are also monitored for early signs of cancer, which can sometimes be triggered by cell damage.

Lead researcher Professor Rebecca Fitzgerald, based at the MRC Cancer Unit at the University of Cambridge, said: “Most people who have Barrett’s esophagus will not go on to develop esophageal cancer, but at the moment there is no way of identifying who will and who won’t. Our study is the first step in using the cytosponge to answer this question.

“We’re assessing the cytosponge test in larger trials next year to understand more about how it can help diagnose esophageal cancer sooner. Compared with endoscopies performed in hospital, the cytosponge causes minimal discomfort and is a quick, simple test that can be done by your GP.”

Jessica Kirby, Cancer Research UK’s senior health information manager, said: “It would be good news for patients if the cytosponge test could be used to replace uncomfortable endoscopies for some people.

“Twelve per cent of people with esophageal cancer survive for at least 10 years, and part of the reason for the lower survival could be that the disease is often diagnosed at a late stage. Research like this helps us to understand more about the disease and could help doctors better predict who is at risk of esophageal cancer.”

The study is published in The Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology.

Materials above provided by Cancer Research UK.

The Salgi Esophageal Cancer Research Foundation is a 501 (c) (3) non profit organization as recognized by the Internal Revenue Service.

Leave a Comment » | The Salgi Foundation - Esophageal Cancer Awareness, Early Detection & Research | Tagged: acid, acid reflux, acid reflux disease, acid reflux drugs, acid reflux medication, awareness, barrett's, barrett's esophagus, cancer, cancer of the esophagus, cancer of the oesophagus, cancer run, cancer walk, charity, diet, disease, esophageal, esophageal cancer, esophageal cancer advocacy, esophageal cancer advocate, esophageal cancer awareness, esophageal cancer charity, esophageal cancer nonprofit, esophageal cancer nutrition, esophageal cancer research, esophageal cancer research charity, esophageal cancer research foundation, esophageal cancer research news, esophageal cancer run, esophageal cancer walk, esophagus, exercise, fitness, food, gastroenterology, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, Gatroesophageal Reflux Disease, gerd, health, health news, healthy., heartburn, heartburn medication, heartburn sufferer, heartburn symptoms, lifestyle, medication, news, nutrition, obesity, oesophageal, oesophageal cancer, oesophageal cancer awareness, oesophageal cancer charity, oesophageal cancer nonprofit, oesophageal cancer research, ppi, reflux disease, silent reflux | Permalink
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Throwback Thursday: Esophageal Cancer Research Funding Awarded in 2015

July 21, 2016

The Salgi Esophageal Cancer Research Foundation awarded its first grant for esophageal cancer research in July 2015. The charity awarded program director, Dr. Carlos Minacapelli and Rutgers Robert Wood Johnston Medical School grant funding.

In 2011, The Salgi Esophageal Cancer Research Foundation was established to raise awareness, encourage early detection and to fund research of esophageal cancer. Since 2011, the foundation has both raised awareness and encouraged the importance of earliest possible detection throughout New England, across the United States and internationally.

“The Salgi Esophageal Cancer Research Foundation is excited to be a part of Dr. Minacapelli’s and Rutger’s research efforts in honor of all the brave men and women who were affected by esophageal cancer and to hopefully reduce incidence and improve outcomes for individuals in the future” President of the foundation stated.

Update: As of July 2016, The Salgi Esophageal Cancer Research Foundation has received 20 requests from researchers seeking funding for esophageal cancer research.

To make a tax-deductible donation to The Salgi Esophageal Cancer Research Foundation, please visit: SALGI.org/donate.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, also known as GERD or acid reflux disease, of which the most common symptom is chronic heartburn, is one of the primary risk factors associated with esophageal cancer. Other risk factors include obesity, poor nutrition and smoking. With over a 600% increase in the past decades, esophageal cancer is among the fastest growing and deadliest cancers in the United States and western world.

Currently, there are no standard or routine screenings to detect esophageal cancer in earlier stages. Symptoms, such as difficulty swallowing, typically appear once the cancer has become advanced and the overall five-year survival rate is only 17.5%. Despite its rapid increase and poor prognosis, esophageal cancer receives very little awareness and research funding.

The Salgi Esophageal Cancer Research Foundation would like to thank all of our supporters and donors who believe in this mission and who make these accomplishments possible. However, this is just the beginning. The charity received many other research requests that we were unable to fund in 2015. We need to continue our efforts to fundraise so that we may continue to fund research.

The Salgi Esophageal Cancer Research Foundation is a 501 (c) (3) non profit organization as recognized by the Internal Revenue Service.

The Salgi Esophageal Cancer Research Foundation

Roswell Park scientists create calculator to guide treatment choice in esophageal cancer

Esophageal cancer: Loss of muscle mass represents a significant risk to survival

Response to an article. Acid reflux can increase esophageal cancer risk.

Breath test could help detect stomach and esophageal cancers

Esophageal cancer is considered one of the fastest growing and deadliest cancers in the United States and western world, with over a 600% increase in the past decades.

Holiday Fundraiser

Thanksgiving Tips to Manage GERD

GERD Awareness Week: November 20-26th, 2016

What can I do to help?

Spread the word on Social Media

Donate:

Minimally Invasive Esophagectomy Spares Patients Pain and Trauma

Sponge on a string test could replace endoscopies

Throwback Thursday: Esophageal Cancer Research Funding Awarded in 2015

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