Distinct features of second primary malignancies in head and neck cancer patients in Japan

Second primary malignancies (SPMs) are one of the most critical problems in treating head and neck cancer patients. Our hospital had 742 patients with a diagnosis of malignant head and neck tumors during the five-year period from 2002 to 2006. In this study, we analyzed 360 of those patients who were assumed to have risk factors such as alcohol and tobacco use: 106 oral, 120 laryngeal, 50 oropharyngeal and 84 hypopharyngeal cancer patients. Synchronous SPMs are defined as second cancers diagnosed at the same time or within 6 months of the diagnosis of the index head and neck cancers. There were 4 (3.8%) and 11 (10.4%) oral cancer patients, 11 (8.3%) and 8 (5.8%) laryngeal cancer patients, 7 (14.0%) and 4 (8.0%) oropharyngeal cancer patients, and 30 (28.6%) and 7 (8.3%) hypopharyngeal cancer patients with synchronous and metachronous SPMs, respectively. The number of metachronous patients with synchronous SPMs tended to increase during this time period. The frequencies of SPMs in oropharyngeal and hypopharyngeal cancer patients are similar to those in oral and laryngeal cancer patients. Notably, the most frequent SPMs are upper gastrointestinal tract cancers in Japan, compared to lung cancers in Europe. The five-year overall survival rate of patients with synchronous SPMs was significantly poorer than that of patients without any other tumor except for the index cancer, according to the Kaplan-Meier analysis. In conclusion, searching for SPMs in the upper gastrointestinal tract is a critical issue in head and neck cancer patients in Japan.     

Characteristics of metachronous multiple early gastric cancers after endoscopic mucosal resection

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) of early gastric cancer is a minimally invasive procedure. The incidence and characteristics of metachronous multiple gastric cancers were investigated in a retrospective study in patients with early gastric cancer after EMR treatment. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 143 patients with early gastric cancer who had undergone EMR treatment were periodically followed up with endoscopic examinations for 24 months or longer. RESULTS: The median period of endoscopic follow-up was 57 months (range 24 - 157 months). None of the patients died of gastric cancer, and there were no treatment-related deaths. Five patients died of other diseases. Of 20 patients (14 %) with metachronous multiple gastric cancers, 15 were treated by EMR. One patient with differentiated submucosal cancer and four with undifferentiated cancers underwent surgery. Sixteen patients (11 %) had synchronous multiple early gastric cancer lesions within 1 year of the initial EMR. About half of the multiple lesions were located in the same third of the stomach as the primary lesion, and most lesions were similar in macroscopic type to the primary lesions. Most multiple lesions were of the differentiated type. CONCLUSIONS: Annual endoscopic examinations can preserve the whole stomach in most patients with early gastric cancer after successful EMR.     

Recurrence after endoscopic mucosal resection for superficial esophageal cancer

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: We present the results of endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) for superficial esophageal cancer in patients treated at the National Cancer Center Hospital East since March 1993, and discuss the factors involved in local recurrence. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study consisted of 51 patients with a total of 57 superficial esophageal cancers which were treated by EMR at the National Cancer Center Hospital East between March 1993 and March 1998. EMR was performed with a two-channel fiberscope or with the assistance of the endoscopic esophageal mucosal resection tube. Follow-up examinations by means of endoscopy with iodine staining and biopsy were repeated every 3-6 months. RESULTS: A total of 19 patients had double cancers; 12 had head and neck cancers (HNC), six had stomach cancers, and one had lung cancer. The patients with HNC tended to have multiple iodine-unstained areas, and multiple cancers in the esophagus. Local recurrence was detected in two out of five patients (40%) with multiple esophageal cancers, and in two out of 46 patients (4%) with solitary cancer (P=0.0433). There was no difference in the rate of local recurrence between patients with HNC and those without HNC. Three out of four patients with recurrent cancers were given additional treatment, EMR for two and radiotherapy alone for one; no further recurrence occurred except in the patient who underwent radiotherapy alone. CONCLUSIONS: Multiplicity of cancer is a risk factor for local recurrence. Appropriate additional treatment should be indicated for recurrent lesions.     

Endoscopic screening for esophageal squamous-cell carcinoma in high-risk patients: a prospective study conducted in 62 French endoscopy centers

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: The prevalence of esophageal squamous-cell carcinoma in high-risk patients and the advantages of systematic Lugol staining during esophagoscopy have not yet been evaluated in a large prospective study. In this study we aimed to assess the prevalence of this type of tumor in high-risk patients, to examine the role of Lugol staining in endoscopic screening for esophageal squamous-cell carcinoma, and to establish whether it is possible to identify a particularly high-risk group which would benefit from systematic screening. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A prospective study was undertaken in 62 endoscopy centers. A total of 1095 patients were enrolled, none of whom had any esophageal symptoms. These patients had presented with either a past history of or a recent head and neck or tracheobronchial squamous-cell carcinoma (group 1), with alcoholic chronic pancreatitis (group 2), with alcoholic cirrhosis (group 3), or were alcohol and tobacco addicts (group 4). The patients underwent a meticulous endoscopic examination of the esophagus, followed by Lugol staining. RESULTS: The prevalence of esophageal squamous-cell carcinoma was 3.2 %. The group 1 patients showed the highest prevalence of carcinoma (5.3 %) and the highest prevalence of dysplasia (4.5 %). Of the 35 carcinomas detected in the 1095 patients, seven (20 %) were early lesions, and 20 % were only detected after Lugol staining (P = 0.02). High-grade dysplasia was only observed in group 1 patients and two-thirds of these lesions were only diagnosed after Lugol staining. The overall prevalence of low-grade dysplasia was 2.4 %, and 77 % of these were detected only after Lugol staining (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Lugol dye staining increases the sensitivity of esophageal endoscopy for the detection of high-grade dysplasia and cancer. The prevalence of dysplasia and cancer reached 9.9 % in group 1, and we therefore believe that an endoscopic screening program could be justified for patients with head and neck or tracheobronchial cancer.     

Circumferential endoscopic mucosal resection in Barrett's esophagus with high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia or mucosal cancer. Preliminary results in 21 patients

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: Treatment by endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) has been established for early lesions in Barrett's esophagus. However, the remaining Barrett's esophagus epithelium remains at risk of developing further lesions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of circumferential endoscopic mucosectomy (circumferential EMR)s in removing not only the index lesion (high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia (HGIN) or mucosal cancer), but also the remaining Barrett's esophagus epithelium. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 21 patients were included in the study (11 men, 10 women), who had Barrett's esophagus and either HGIN (n = 12) or mucosal cancer (n = 9). Of the patients, 17/21 were at high surgical risk and five had refused surgery. On the basis of preprocedure endosonography their lesions were classified as T1N0 (n = 19) or T0N0 (n = 2). The lesions and the Barrett's esophagus epithelium were removed by polypectomy after submucosal injection of 10-15 ml of saline; a double-channel endoscope was used in 15/21 cases. Circumferential EMR was performed in two sessions, the lesion and the surrounding half of the circumferential Barrett's esophagus mucosa being removed in the first session. In order to prevent the formation of esophageal stenosis, the second half of the Barrett's esophagus mucosa was resected 1 month later. RESULTS: Complications occurred in 4/21 patients (19 %), consisting of bleeding which was successfully managed by endoscopic hemostasis in all cases. No strictures were observed during follow-up (mean duration 18 months) and endoscopic resection was considered complete in 18/21 patients (86 %). For three patients, histological examination showed incomplete removal of tumor: one of these underwent surgery; two received chemoradiotherapy, and showed no evidence of residual tumor at 18 months' and 24 months' follow-up, respectively. Two patients in whom resection was initially classified as complete later presented with local recurrence and were treated again by EMR. Barrett's esophagus mucosa was completely replaced by squamous cell epithelium in 15/20 patients (75 %). CONCLUSIONS: Circumferential EMR is a noninvasive treatment of Barrett's esophagus with HGIN or mucosal cancer, with a low complication rate and good short-term clinical efficacy. Further studies should focus on long-term results and on technical improvements.     

基于SEER数据库分析手术治疗和内镜切除治疗表浅食管鳞癌的长期疗效

目的 基于SEER数据库分析Tis及T1期食管鳞癌患者接受手术或内镜治疗后的生存情况,以期为食管癌的早期治疗提供参考.方法 从美国SEER数据库获取2004年至2012年初次病理确诊为食管鳞癌的病例,均有完整T及N分期信息、无远处转移、预后和随访信息完整、肿瘤原发灶治疗信息完整.主要结局为食管癌特异性死亡.用Cox回归...     

内镜黏膜下剥离术治疗早期下咽癌及癌前病变的可行性研究

目的 探讨内镜黏膜下剥离术(ESD)治疗早期下咽癌及癌前病变的可行性。方法 回顾性分析2016年2月-2018年12月在浙江省肿瘤医院内镜科行ESD治疗的10例早期下咽癌及癌前病变患者的病例资料,评价ESD治疗的安全性及有效性。结果 10例患者共计12处下咽病变行ESD治疗,病变长径0.8?～3.0?cm,平均(1.7±0.8)cm,均一次性完整切除,整块切除率100%,ESD治疗时间20～160?min,平均(65.6±46.0)min。术后并发迟发性出血1例,呼吸困难1例,经内镜及内科保守治疗后痊愈;无穿孔、皮下气肿等并发症发生。ESD术后病理提示:低级别上皮内瘤变(LGIN) 3处,高级别上皮内瘤变(HGIN)5处,中分化鳞状细胞癌(SCC)4处。除1例SCC基底切缘阳性追加放疗外,其余病变周切缘及基底切缘均阴性。中位随访时间21.5个月(5～39个月),1例患者并发食管入口狭窄,扩张后成功解除梗阻;无局部残留及复发转移。结论 ESD治疗早期下咽癌及癌前病变安全有效,值得临床推广应用。     

多原发癌(附19例报告)

报告１９例多原发癌（ＭＰＣ）的临床资料。本组ＭＰＣ有下列特点：（１）先证癌中，以喉癌（８／１９）最多；（２）同时性ＭＰＣ占５２％；（３）１７例非血液系统ＭＰＣ的先证癌有１５例为鳞癌；（４）食道癌均表现为第二原发癌，其先证癌均为喉癌和下咽癌；（５）同时性喉ＭＰＣ的第二原发癌可在多种器官发生。作者并结合文献复习，对ＭＰＣ的流行病学、诊断和治疗进行了简要讨论     

Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR): results and prognostic factors in 21 patients

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of endoscopic mucosectomy (EM), and to present our experience with the endoscopic removal of superficial tumors of the gastrointestinal tract. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 21 patients were included in the study (16 men, 5 women), between September 1995 and May 1997. In 16 cases the site of the lesions was an esophageal carcinoma, in two cases a gastric carcinoma, and in three cases a sessile polyp of the duodenum with severe dysplasia. Surgery was not recommended for the patients with esophageal or gastric tumors (on account of cardiac disease, cirrhosis or poor health). All patients underwent an endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) examination. The lesions were classified as usT1N0 in 20 cases, and usT0N0 in one case, according to the pretreatment EUS findings. We used the technique of polypectomy after submucosal injection of 10-15 ml of saline serum. RESULTS: Complications were encountered in 2/21 patients (9.5 %). Bleeding occurred in one case, but hemostasis was achieved endoscopically. In the other case, the patient presented with a thoracic pain and was treated by morphine injection. Endoscopic resection was considered to be complete in 19/21 patients (90.4%). In the other two cases, both involving esophageal tumors, histologic examination indicated only a partial tumor removal. However, these two patients had survived with negative EUS and endoscopic biopsy findings at 18 and 22 months later, respectively. None of the patients whose resections were considered complete presented with local recurrence, but three patients developed another superficial esophageal cancer, which was also treated by endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR). The mean follow-up was 20 months. CONCLUSIONS: EMR is a safe and efficient treatment of early gastrointestinal tumors. The development of high-frequency EUS probes may further improve the results of this technique in the future.     

Endoscopic mucosal resection of early esophageal squamous cell cancer using the Duette mucosectomy kit

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIM: Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) is a less invasive alternative treatment strategy to surgery for intramucosal esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). This study described our initial experience with the newly introduced Duette Multiband Mucosectomy Kit (Cook Ireland Ltd, Limerick, Ireland) for the treatment of extensive early esophageal SCC. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Five patients with extensive early esophageal SCC, covering at least half of the circumference of the esophageal wall and measuring a mean of 2.8 cm longitudinally, underwent EMR after EUS staging. RESULTS: EMR was successfully completed in one session in five patients. Post-EMR stricture occurred in four patients but was successfully treated with bougienage. One patient did not return for follow-up after bougienage and died from ischemic heart disease 3 months later. For the remaining four patients, there was no recurrence over a mean follow up of 14.7 months. CONCLUSION: This new device obviates the need for repeated insertion of the endoscope during the process of ligation and resection and thus facilitates EMR of extensive SCC.     

Management of the patients with hypopharyngeal cancer: eight-year experience of Miyagi Cancer Center in Japan

The aim of this study is to evaluate the results of treatment for hypopharyngeal cancer and indicate the future prospect of the treatment. Seventy-four patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the hypopharynx admitted to Miyagi Cancer Center from 1993 through 2000 are reviewed. Sixty-four patients received radical treatment, and 10 patients received palliative treatment or no treatment. The cancer was advanced (stages III and IV) in 82% of all the patients. The overall 5-year survival rate of all the patients was 38%. The overall 5-year survival rate of 64 patients received radical treatment was 43%. The ten patients who received palliative treatment or no treatment died of cancer within 16 months. Fifty-two out of the 74 patients underwent neck dissection for the neck lymph node involvement; forty of the 52 patients underwent ipsilateral neck dissection and 12 underwent bilateral neck dissection. Four out of the 40 patients, who underwent ipsilateral neck dissection alone, developed late contralateral regional recurrence but were successfully treated by contralateral neck dissection at the time of recurrence. Twenty-three out of 74 patients had multiple primary cancers synchronously or metachronously (31%). Cause of the death of six patients out of 74 patients was confirmed to be primary cancers other than hypopharyngeal cancer, as judged by physicians in other department or other hospitals. Most of the patients died due to distant metastasis from hypopharyngeal cancer or other primary cancers. We therefore conclude that contralateral elective neck dissection which is frequently chosen for the treatment of hypopharyngeal cancer surgery is unnecessary. Even if locoregional control is accomplished, distant metastasis or multiple primary cancers emerge and make prognosis poor. To improve the prognosis, we should develop some strategy against hypopharyngeal cancer for each patient. New strategies including chemoprevention and surgery against distant metasistasis are necessary.     

内镜下黏膜切除术在消化道肿瘤中的应用

目的探讨内镜下黏膜切除术（EMR）在消化道肿瘤治疗中的价值。方法胃镜检查发现病灶后，利用超声内镜确定病变范围及浸润层次，对病灶位于黏膜及黏膜下层的消化道早期癌、癌前期病变、黏膜下肿瘤及宽基息肉的患者行EMR治疗。结果20例早期癌及中、重度异型增生者行EMR治疗，随访1-37个月，无1例复发及癌变，其中2例自行追加外科手术，术后病理均阴性。消化道黏膜下良性肿瘤8例，随访1-37个月，无1例复发。宽蒂息肉7例随访1-41个月，原部位无复发。术中并发出血2例、术后出血1例，均在内镜下或内科保守治疗止血成功。结论采用内镜下黏膜切除术治疗消化道早期癌、癌前期病变、黏膜下肿瘤及宽基息肉等，是一种可选择的、安全、有效的治疗方法，尤其适用高龄、合并有严重疾病及多次手术后不能再次外科手术的患者。     

Photodynamic therapy for head and neck cancer

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a recently developed treatment involving the use of a photosensitizer and low power light, usually from a laser, to selectively destroy tumor cells. At present, we perform PDT for head and neck cancer using argon or excimer dye lasers with hematoporphyrin derivative as a photosensitizer. This study attempted to assess the utility and safety of PDT and to investigate the long-term outcome. All 24 patients had squamous cell carcinoma: 15 with laryngeal, 5 with lingual or oral, and 4 with pharyngeal cancer and were treated by PDT. Data were obtained from records from February 1988 through April 1995. After PDT, 12 of 15 laryngeal cancer patients were classified as having a complete remission (CR), as were 2 of the 5 lingual or oral and one of the 4 pharyngeal cancer patients. The patients were followed for 8 to 153 months. The longest duration of CR in patients treated by PDT alone was 148 months. Photosensitivity was experienced by all patients, but required no treatment. Liver, kidneys, and bone marrow showed no abnormal values. There were no clinically relevant adverse reactions, and patients with severe complications due to other types of treatment and elderly patients were also treated safely with this therapy.     

Risk factors for local recurrence of superficial esophageal cancer after treatment by endoscopic mucosal resection

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIM: The aim of this study was to elucidate the risk factors for local recurrence after endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) treatment for superficial esophageal cancer (SEC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of the clinical course of 62 patients with 64 SECs that were treated by EMR between 1993 and 2004. Follow-up examinations by chromoscopy with iodine solution and biopsy were performed 3 months, 6 months, 12 months, and then annually after EMR. Local recurrence was defined as a histologically confirmed finding of cancer cells at the site of the preceding EMR. The contributions of lesion-related and procedure-related factors to local recurrence were analyzed retrospectively. RESULTS: Local recurrence was detected in 14/64 SECs 3-36 months after EMR. Of the lesion-related factors we assessed, local recurrence was found to be more frequent in SECs with a larger diameter (P = 0.01), larger circumferential spread (P = 0.04), or deeper invasion (P = 0.04), although the last two factors failed to demonstrate statistical significance after correction for multiple testing. Piecemeal resection did not increase the risk of local recurrence (P = 0.11), but the need for adjunctive coagulation therapy was found to increase the risk of local recurrence (P = 0.06). CONCLUSIONS: Larger SECs are associated with a higher risk of local recurrence after EMR. In patients with residual lesions, coagulation therapy does not seem to be adequate as additional endoscopic treatment.     

Multicenter Randomized Phase 2 Clinical Trial of a Recombinant Human Endostatin Adenovirus in Patients with Advanced Head and Neck Carcinoma

A randomized, open-label, phase 2, multicenter clinical trial was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the addition of a recombinant human endostatin adenovirus (E10A) to cisplatin and paclitaxel in patients with advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma or nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Patients with locally advanced or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma or nasopharyngeal carcinoma not suitable for operation or radiotherapy were randomly assigned to receive E10A plus chemotherapy every 3 weeks for a maximum of six cycles or to receive chemotherapy only. One hundred and thirty-six eligible patients were randomly assigned. The addition of E10A did not significantly improve the objective response rate (29.9 versus 39.7%, P = 0.154). However, patients who received endostatin had longer progression-free survival (7.03 versus 3.60 months, P = 0.006; hazard ratio: 0.55). The combination of E10A with chemotherapy benefited prior chemotherapy-treated patients and those who received three to four treatment cycles (6.50 versus 3.43 months, P = 0.003; 8.27 versus 4.27 months, P = 0.018; respectively). The overall disease control rate significantly increased from 80.6% in the control group to 92.6% in the test group (P = 0.034). Except for fever, no adverse events were associated with the E10A treatment. In summary, E10A plus chemotherapy is a safe and effective therapeutic approach in patients with advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma or nasopharyngeal carcinoma.     

探测前哨淋巴结在乳腺癌、早期宫颈癌和头颈鳞癌中的应用

目的评价核素淋巴显像和γ探针定位在乳腺癌、宫颈癌和头颈鳞癌中确定前哨淋巴结(SLN)的应用价值。方法女性乳腺癌116例,体检腋窝未扪及肿块。应用99Tcm-DX37~74MBq(1~2mCi)经皮下注射,或术中注射专利兰1ml,术中用γ探针定位并行前哨淋巴结活检,与手术、病理对照。宫颈癌27例,体检盆腔未扪及肿块。应用99Tcm-DX74MBq(2mCi)在宫颈肿瘤周围2°或10°处或99Tcm-SC74MBq(2mCi)阴道镜直视下四点注射,行核素淋巴显像后,手术后的标本用γ探针行体外定位,并与病理的结果加以对照。N0头颈鳞癌10例,99Tcm-DX74MBq(2mCi)肿瘤周围成分下注射,术中用γ探针定位并行前哨淋巴结活检,与手术、病理对照。结果116例乳腺癌中活检SLN108例,灵敏度为92.6%(22/27例),特异性100%(81/81例)。27例宫颈癌中SLN的灵敏度为100%(6/6例),特异性100%(21/21例)。10例N0头颈鳞癌中SLN转移3例,NSLN转移1例。结论核素淋巴显像和γ探针定位应用于乳腺癌、宫颈癌和N0头颈鳞癌是切实可行和可能的,这是一种简便、安全、易被病人接受的探测前哨淋巴结的检查方法,对预测腋窝淋巴结、盆腔淋巴结等转移有很大的临床实用价值。     

内镜超声结合E-钙粘素和CD44v6检查在食管癌诊断中的价值

目的　探讨术前内镜超声检查 (EUS)及E -钙粘素 (E -CD)、CD4 4v6表达在食管癌术前分期诊断中的价值。方法　对 5 8例食管鳞癌患者术后标本应用SP法检测E -CD和CD4 4v6的表达 ,对其中 30例食管鳞癌患者术前进行了EUS。结果　EUS诊断食管鳞癌术前TNM分期与术后病理分期对照 ,其T期总的准确率为 83% ,N期总的准确率为 77%。E -CD、CD4 4v6阳性表达率与食管鳞癌患者肿瘤细胞浸润深度、淋巴结转移显著有关 (P <0 .0 1) ,与食管癌患者临床分期有关 (P <13.0 5 )。但在食管鳞癌原发灶中E -CD和CD4 4v6表达无相关性 (P >0 .0 5 )。食管癌患者中UESTN分期与E -CD、CD4 4v6阳性表达率显著相关 (P<0 .0 1)。结论　E -CD和CD4 4v6均可反映食管癌生物学行为的指标 ,将两种细胞粘附分子的检测与EUS结合起来 ,能更准确地对食管癌患者进行TNM分期。     

西妥昔单抗联合同步放化疗治疗局部头颈部鳞癌的疗效及对患者睡眠质量的影响

目的:研究西妥昔单抗联合同步放化疗治疗局部头颈部鳞癌的疗效及对患者睡眠质量的影响.方法:选取珠海市第二中医院收治的局部头颈部鳞癌患者100例作为研究对象,按治疗方案分为观察组和对照组,每组50例.观察组行西妥昔单抗联合同步放化疗,对照组行单一同步放化疗,分析比较2组患者临床疗效.结果:观察组治疗总有效率比对照组高,治疗...     

Two cases of endoscopically identified esophageal cancer of the superficial-slightly depressed type

We experienced two cases of superficial type esophageal cancer. Case 1 was a 72-year-old man in whom endoscopic examination revealed a slightly protruded, partially reddened and faded area of irregular shape corresponding to 0-IIa + IIc (slightly depressed type) of the endoscopic classification of esophageal cancers. Macroscopically, it was a superficial, ill-defined and non-cicatrized solitary tumor measuring 2.5 x 2.4 cm in size. Histologically it was a monofocal semidifferentiated squamous cell carcinoma of a swelling type of stage 0. Case 2 was 55-year-old man. Endoscopic examination disclosed an almost roundish, smooth-surfaced, flat and dull red area corresponding to IIc (slightly depressed type). Macroscopically it was a superficial, semidefined and non-cicatrized solitary tumor measuring 1.0 x 1.0 cm in size. Histologically it was a monofocal, semidifferentiated squamous cell carcinoma of stage 0. To detect esophageal cancer at an early stage, the endoscopist needs to inspect the mucosa carefully. In case of males aged over 50, the endoscopist would be well advised to employ the dye-spraying method (Lugol staining method) at the endoscopic examination.     

Intraepithelial high-grade neoplasia and early adenocarcinoma in short-segment Barrett's esophagus (SSBE): curative treatment using local endoscopic treatment techniques

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: In recent years, short-segment Barrett's esophagus (SSBE) has attracted increasing attention in the context of reflux disease. However, there is continuing controversy regarding its potential for malignant transformation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between October 1996 and September 1999, 50/115 patients (43 %) with intraepithelial high-grade neoplasia or early Barrett's adenocarcinoma, who underwent local endoscopic treatment, had developed a malignant lesion in an (SSBE). In the framework of a prospective observational study, 28 patients were treated with endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR), 13 with photodynamic therapy, and three with argon plasma coagulation; six patients received combinations of these treatments. RESULTS: Complete local remission was achieved in 48/49 patients (98 %). One patient switched to surgery after the first EMR, because there was submucosal tumor infiltration, and in one patient out of 50 local endoscopic treatment failed. A mean of 1.7 +/- 1.4 treatment sessions was required for local endoscopic treatment. The method-associated mortality was 0 %. The rate of relevant complications (stenosis, bleeding) was 6 % (3/50 patients). No cases of severe hemorrhage (Hb fall >2 g/dl) or perforation occurred. During a mean follow-up period of 34 +/- 10 months, metachronous intraepithelial high-grade neoplasms or early adenocarcinomas were seen in 11/48 patients (23 %), who received further successful endoscopic treatment. Four patients died during the follow-up period, but in only one patient was this due to his Barrett's adenocarcinoma (this was the patient who underwent esophageal resection). CONCLUSIONS: The malignant potential of short-segment Barrett's esophagus must not be underestimated. Organ-preserving local endoscopic treatment shows good acute-phase and long-term results. Local endoscopic treatment represents an alternative to esophageal resection in the case of intraepithelial high-grade neoplasia and selected early adenocarcinomas in Barrett's esophagus.