Women age ≥55 years with squamous cell locoregional esophageal cancer and women <55 years of age with squamous cell metastatic esophageal cancer have a significantly better outcome than men.
Over the past two decades, the global incidence of esophageal cancer has increased by 50%, from 316,000 cases in 1990 to 482,000 new diagnoses in 2008.
Overall risk remains low; risk for patients with nonerosive reflux not increased.
Long-term survivors of esophageal cancer surgery who experience postoperative complications continue to experience long-lasting adverse effects on their health-related quality of life (HRQL).
The FDA has approved the mTOR inhibitor RAD-001 (Afinitor) and the Hedgehog inhibitor GDC-0449 (Erivedge) for use in other types of cancer. In this study, the combination of these two drugs significantly reduced the tumor burden by 90% in a mouse model of EAC, while the mTOR inhibitor RAD-001 alone had virtually no effect.
For patients with advanced esophageal cancer, use of an individualized, multimodal approach with palliative intention achieves an acceptable mean survival time, with initial use of photodynamic therapy (PDT) offering significantly longer median survival compared to other modalities.
Administration of synthetic ghrelin during chemotherapy improves food intake and appetite in patients with esophageal cancer, while minimizing gastrointestinal disorders.
This fact sheet explains the causes, symptoms, stages, and treatments associated with esophageal, throat cancer.
