{"id":5336,"date":"2024-12-10T09:49:26","date_gmt":"2024-12-10T08:49:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/irccs.com\/patologie\/esophageal-cancer\/"},"modified":"2026-04-03T14:28:31","modified_gmt":"2026-04-03T12:28:31","slug":"esophageal-cancer","status":"publish","type":"pathology","link":"https:\/\/irccs.com\/en\/patologie\/esophageal-cancer\/","title":{"rendered":"Esophageal Cancer"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span  id=\"pathology\" class=\"h2_anchor\"><\/span>Pathology<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Esophageal cancer is a <strong>rare malignancy<\/strong>, ranking 8th in incidence worldwide, but it is a <strong>complex disease<\/strong>. It occurs more frequently in men and in people over the age of 60. The cancer develops when cells lining the esophagus acquire mutations and begin to grow uncontrollably. In most cases, the tumor originates in the mucosa of the esophagus or its glands, while less commonly it arises from the muscle layer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The most common forms of esophageal cancer are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Squamous cell carcinoma<\/strong>: more related to alcohol consumption and smoking, with higher incidence in specific geographic areas<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Adenocarcinoma<\/strong>: frequently associated with gastroesophageal reflux and obesity<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Numbers in Italy<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>According to the latest data from the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.registri-tumori.it\/cms\/pubblicazioni\/i-numeri-del-cancro-italia-2023\">AIRTUM (<em>Italian Association of Cancer Registries<\/em>) registry<\/a>, esophageal cancer recorded about 2,480 new diagnoses (1,740 men and 740 women) in 2022.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span  id=\"risk-factors\" class=\"h2_anchor\"><\/span>Risk Factors<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Specific risk factors vary according to different geographical areas of origin. The most commonly encountered risk factors in Europe are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Smoking and alcohol<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Obesity<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Gastro-oesophageal reflux<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Barrett&#8217;s esophagus<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ingestion of caustic products, resulting in burns, can, in some cases, lead to the development of tumors several decades later.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span  id=\"symptoms\" class=\"h2_anchor\"><\/span>Symptoms<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Initial symptoms may be <strong>mild or absent<\/strong>. When present, these are often symptoms that are not specific to esophageal cancer because they are also caused by other conditions. Therefore, in the presence of these symptoms, the physician will assess whether to request further investigation with any additional tests such as blood tests and possibly a <a href=\"https:\/\/irccs.com\/en\/divisioni-cliniche\/gastroenterology-and-digestive-endoscopy\/\" type=\"medical-area\" id=\"5125\">gastroenterological examination<\/a> with esophagogastroduodenoscopy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The <strong>most common symptoms<\/strong> include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Unintentional weight loss<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Coughing and vomiting with blood emission<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Regurgitation, hoarseness, persistent coughing<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Thoracic or retrosternal pain<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span  id=\"diagnosis-and-examination\" class=\"h2_anchor\"><\/span>Diagnosis and Examination<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Early detection of<\/strong> esophageal cancer is <strong>critical to<\/strong> increase the chances of cure and improve the patient&#8217;s prognosis.  <\/p>\n\n\n\t<div id=\"block_69cfb26ea95e9\" class=\"accordion-block acf-block\">\n\t\t<div class=\"my-4 lg:my-6\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"accordion group border-b border-white\/5\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"flex items-center cursor-pointer group-hover:text-blue-light group-[.accordion--open]:text-red transition-colors\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"rotate-90 text-blue-lighter group-[.accordion--open]:rotate-180 group-[.accordion--open]:text-red transition-all\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"18\" viewbox=\"0 0 500 500\" fill=\"currentColor\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<polygon points=\"250,60 100,400 400,400\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"font-bold ml-5\">Esophagogastroduodenoscopy<\/h3>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"accordion-content max-h-0 overflow-hidden transition-all\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"pb-5 pl-[38px] pt-1\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGDS) is a fundamental examination for the diagnosis of esophageal cancer. It consists of the introduction of a<strong> t<\/strong><\/span><b>hin flexible tube with a camera on the end (endoscope) through the mouth<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to directly visualize the esophagus. During endoscopy, tissue samples (biopsy) may be taken for histological examination.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"accordion group border-b border-white\/5\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"flex items-center cursor-pointer group-hover:text-blue-light group-[.accordion--open]:text-red transition-colors\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"rotate-90 text-blue-lighter group-[.accordion--open]:rotate-180 group-[.accordion--open]:text-red transition-all\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"18\" viewbox=\"0 0 500 500\" fill=\"currentColor\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<polygon points=\"250,60 100,400 400,400\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"font-bold ml-5\">Radiological Examinations<\/h3>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"accordion-content max-h-0 overflow-hidden transition-all\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"pb-5 pl-[38px] pt-1\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<p><strong>Chest and abdominal X-rays<\/strong> with a transit study, along with computed tomography (CT) scans, provide detailed images of the esophagus and surrounding structures, helping to assess the extent of the tumor.<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"accordion group border-b border-white\/5\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"flex items-center cursor-pointer group-hover:text-blue-light group-[.accordion--open]:text-red transition-colors\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"rotate-90 text-blue-lighter group-[.accordion--open]:rotate-180 group-[.accordion--open]:text-red transition-all\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"18\" viewbox=\"0 0 500 500\" fill=\"currentColor\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<polygon points=\"250,60 100,400 400,400\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"font-bold ml-5\">Ecoendoscopy<\/h3>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"accordion-content max-h-0 overflow-hidden transition-all\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"pb-5 pl-[38px] pt-1\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">This procedure <\/span><b>combines endoscopy with ultrasound<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> to obtain high-resolution images of the walls of the esophagus and surrounding lymph nodes.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"accordion group border-b border-white\/5\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"flex items-center cursor-pointer group-hover:text-blue-light group-[.accordion--open]:text-red transition-colors\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"rotate-90 text-blue-lighter group-[.accordion--open]:rotate-180 group-[.accordion--open]:text-red transition-all\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"18\" viewbox=\"0 0 500 500\" fill=\"currentColor\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<polygon points=\"250,60 100,400 400,400\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"font-bold ml-5\">Positron Emission Tomography (PET)<\/h3>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"accordion-content max-h-0 overflow-hidden transition-all\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"pb-5 pl-[38px] pt-1\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<p>This examination provides information on the tumor\u2019s ability to absorb labeled glucose and allows <strong>more confident localization of disease sites and extent<\/strong>, particularly in cases where findings from CT scans are uncertain.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"accordion group border-b border-white\/5\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"flex items-center cursor-pointer group-hover:text-blue-light group-[.accordion--open]:text-red transition-colors\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"rotate-90 text-blue-lighter group-[.accordion--open]:rotate-180 group-[.accordion--open]:text-red transition-all\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"18\" viewbox=\"0 0 500 500\" fill=\"currentColor\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<polygon points=\"250,60 100,400 400,400\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"font-bold ml-5\">Bronchoscopy<\/h3>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"accordion-content max-h-0 overflow-hidden transition-all\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"pb-5 pl-[38px] pt-1\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">It is a <\/span><b>endoscopic examination of the airways (trachea and bronchi)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> and is used to evaluate, in selected cases, direct involvement of these structures by esophageal neoplasia.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"accordion group border-b border-white\/5\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"flex items-center cursor-pointer group-hover:text-blue-light group-[.accordion--open]:text-red transition-colors\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"rotate-90 text-blue-lighter group-[.accordion--open]:rotate-180 group-[.accordion--open]:text-red transition-all\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"18\" viewbox=\"0 0 500 500\" fill=\"currentColor\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<polygon points=\"250,60 100,400 400,400\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"font-bold ml-5\">ENT Examination<\/h3>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"accordion-content max-h-0 overflow-hidden transition-all\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"pb-5 pl-[38px] pt-1\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<p>Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) examinations are used to rule out, in cases of <strong>esophageal squamous cell carcinoma<\/strong>, the presence of synchronous tumors in the oral cavity, which share common risk factors for esophageal disease, such as <strong>cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"accordion group border-b border-white\/5\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"flex items-center cursor-pointer group-hover:text-blue-light group-[.accordion--open]:text-red transition-colors\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"rotate-90 text-blue-lighter group-[.accordion--open]:rotate-180 group-[.accordion--open]:text-red transition-all\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"18\" viewbox=\"0 0 500 500\" fill=\"currentColor\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<polygon points=\"250,60 100,400 400,400\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"font-bold ml-5\">Laboratory Examinations<\/h3>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"accordion-content max-h-0 overflow-hidden transition-all\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"pb-5 pl-[38px] pt-1\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<p>Blood tests can provide information about the patient\u2019s <strong>overall health and assess the function of various organs<\/strong>. <strong>Tumor markers<\/strong>, specifically CEA and CA 19-9, are also measured; although they are not specific to esophageal cancer and may be elevated in other conditions, they can serve as general indicators of tumor activity but cannot be used as definitive diagnostic tests for esophageal cancer.<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"accordion group border-b border-white\/5\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"flex items-center cursor-pointer group-hover:text-blue-light group-[.accordion--open]:text-red transition-colors\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"rotate-90 text-blue-lighter group-[.accordion--open]:rotate-180 group-[.accordion--open]:text-red transition-all\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"18\" viewbox=\"0 0 500 500\" fill=\"currentColor\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<polygon points=\"250,60 100,400 400,400\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"font-bold ml-5\">Histological Examination<\/h3>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"accordion-content max-h-0 overflow-hidden transition-all\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"pb-5 pl-[38px] pt-1\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<p>Histologic examination is a process in which a pathologist carefully examines samples taken during an endoscopy under a microscope to <strong>identify any cellular abnormalities<\/strong> that may indicate the presence of esophageal cancer. They are, therefore, defined:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>The <strong>type of tumor <\/strong>(adenocarcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma)<\/li>\n<li>The &#8220;<strong>histological grade&#8221; or grading<\/strong>: describes the appearance of tumor cells under the microscope and indicates the degree of cell differentiation and how quickly they can grow<\/li>\n<li><strong>biomarkers, <\/strong>i.e., assessment by immunohistochemical techniques of protein expression on tumor cells on the biopsy that represent a prognostic and\/or predictive factor for response (e.g., PDL1, HER2 only in selected cases)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\t<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span  id=\"staging\" class=\"h2_anchor\"><\/span>Staging<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Esophageal cancer staging is essential to determine the extent of disease and plan treatment. Using diagnostic test results, a stage is assigned to the tumor, such as stage 0 (carcinoma in situ) to stage IV (distant spread). Specifically:<\/p>\n\n\n\t<div id=\"block_69cfb26ea9652\" class=\"accordion-block acf-block\">\n\t\t<div class=\"my-4 lg:my-6\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"accordion group border-b border-white\/5\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"flex items-center cursor-pointer group-hover:text-blue-light group-[.accordion--open]:text-red transition-colors\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"rotate-90 text-blue-lighter group-[.accordion--open]:rotate-180 group-[.accordion--open]:text-red transition-all\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"18\" viewbox=\"0 0 500 500\" fill=\"currentColor\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<polygon points=\"250,60 100,400 400,400\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"font-bold ml-5\">Endoscopic Treatment<\/h3>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"accordion-content max-h-0 overflow-hidden transition-all\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"pb-5 pl-[38px] pt-1\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<p>Endoscopic treatment is often considered <strong>for early<\/strong> esophageal cancers, particularly carcinoma in situ or superficial tumors. These treatment options include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Endoscopic Mucosal Resection<\/strong> (<strong>EMR<\/strong>): an endoscopic procedure to remove superficial or precancerous lesions of the esophagus without the need of open surgery<\/li>\n<li><strong>Endoscopic Dissection Stretched to the Submucosa <\/strong>(<strong>ESD<\/strong>): an advanced endoscopic technique to remove larger, invasive tumors that extend to the submucosa of the esophagus<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"accordion group border-b border-white\/5\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"flex items-center cursor-pointer group-hover:text-blue-light group-[.accordion--open]:text-red transition-colors\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"rotate-90 text-blue-lighter group-[.accordion--open]:rotate-180 group-[.accordion--open]:text-red transition-all\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"18\" viewbox=\"0 0 500 500\" fill=\"currentColor\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<polygon points=\"250,60 100,400 400,400\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"font-bold ml-5\">Surgical Treatment<\/h3>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"accordion-content max-h-0 overflow-hidden transition-all\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"pb-5 pl-[38px] pt-1\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<p>The surgical approach is based on <strong>esophagectomy<\/strong>, which is the <strong>partial or total surgical removal of the esophagus<\/strong>. This procedure can be performed through a <strong>traditional open incision<\/strong> or using <strong>minimally invasive techniques<\/strong>, such as laparocopic, thoracoscopic or robotic surgery. Depending on the location of the tumor, the surgery may involve the <strong>abdomen, chest, and in some cases, the neck<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"333\">Because esophagectomy is a highly complex procedure, it is essential to carefully select patients who can safely tolerate the surgery and to ensure thorough preoperative preparation. For this reason, esophagectomy is performed only in centers with experienced multidisciplinary teams and a high volume of such procedures each year.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"335\" data-end=\"691\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\">After removing the portion of the esophagus affected by the tumor, the esophageal tract must be <strong>reconstructed<\/strong>, typically using a portion of the stomach (esophago-gastric anastomosis) or another section of the intestine. Regional lymph nodes are also removed during the procedure to evaluate the extent of the tumor and reduce the risk of metastatic spread.<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"accordion group border-b border-white\/5\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"flex items-center cursor-pointer group-hover:text-blue-light group-[.accordion--open]:text-red transition-colors\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"rotate-90 text-blue-lighter group-[.accordion--open]:rotate-180 group-[.accordion--open]:text-red transition-all\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"18\" viewbox=\"0 0 500 500\" fill=\"currentColor\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<polygon points=\"250,60 100,400 400,400\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"font-bold ml-5\">Chemotherapy<\/h3>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"accordion-content max-h-0 overflow-hidden transition-all\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"pb-5 pl-[38px] pt-1\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<p>Chemotherapy can be used in several settings in the treatment of esophageal cancer, including:<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><!-- wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<li data-section-id=\"7py3lm\" data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"130\"><strong data-start=\"2\" data-end=\"28\" data-is-only-node=\"\">Neoadjuvant treatment:<\/strong> administered before surgery to shrink the tumor and improve the likelihood of a successful outcome.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li data-section-id=\"sl733r\" data-start=\"132\" data-end=\"254\"><strong data-start=\"134\" data-end=\"157\" data-is-only-node=\"\">Adjuvant treatment:<\/strong> given after surgery to eliminate any remaining cancer cells and reduce the risk of recurrence.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li data-section-id=\"1jtq7wc\" data-start=\"256\" data-end=\"332\"><strong data-start=\"258\" data-end=\"286\" data-is-only-node=\"\">Perioperative treatment:<\/strong> administered both before and after surgery.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li data-section-id=\"cetfyk\" data-start=\"334\" data-end=\"489\" data-is-last-node=\"\"><strong data-start=\"336\" data-end=\"361\" data-is-only-node=\"\">Palliative treatment:<\/strong> used when the tumor has metastasized to other organs, aiming to relieve symptoms, improve quality of life, and extend survival.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"accordion group border-b border-white\/5\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"flex items-center cursor-pointer group-hover:text-blue-light group-[.accordion--open]:text-red transition-colors\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"rotate-90 text-blue-lighter group-[.accordion--open]:rotate-180 group-[.accordion--open]:text-red transition-all\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"18\" viewbox=\"0 0 500 500\" fill=\"currentColor\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<polygon points=\"250,60 100,400 400,400\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"font-bold ml-5\">Radiotherapy<\/h3>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"accordion-content max-h-0 overflow-hidden transition-all\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"pb-5 pl-[38px] pt-1\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<p data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"286\">Radiation therapy uses <strong>high-energy beams<\/strong> to destroy cancer cells. In the treatment of esophageal cancer, it can be combined with chemotherapy as <strong data-start=\"145\" data-end=\"168\">neoadjuvant therapy<\/strong> before surgery to shrink the tumor or as <strong data-start=\"210\" data-end=\"230\">adjuvant therapy<\/strong> after surgery to reduce the risk of local recurrence.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"288\" data-end=\"398\">For inoperable tumors, radiation therapy may be used alone or alongside chemotherapy with a curative intent.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"400\" data-end=\"549\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\">In patients with locally advanced esophageal cancer, it can also be employed <strong data-start=\"477\" data-end=\"493\">palliatively<\/strong> to alleviate pain or difficulty swallowing (dysphagia).<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\t<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span  id=\"therapies\" class=\"h2_anchor\"><\/span>Therapies<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The treatment of esophageal cancer involves <strong>multiple therapeutic approaches<\/strong>, which may be used alone or in combination, depending on the tumor stage, patient characteristics, and overall clinical condition.<\/p>\n\n\n\t<div id=\"block_69cfb26eaa0df\" class=\"accordion-block acf-block\">\n\t\t<div class=\"my-4 lg:my-6\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"accordion group border-b border-white\/5\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"flex items-center cursor-pointer group-hover:text-blue-light group-[.accordion--open]:text-red transition-colors\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"rotate-90 text-blue-lighter group-[.accordion--open]:rotate-180 group-[.accordion--open]:text-red transition-all\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"18\" viewbox=\"0 0 500 500\" fill=\"currentColor\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<polygon points=\"250,60 100,400 400,400\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"font-bold ml-5\">Endoscopic Treatment<\/h3>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"accordion-content max-h-0 overflow-hidden transition-all\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"pb-5 pl-[38px] pt-1\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<p>Esophageal cancer staging is essential to determine the extent of disease and plan treatment. Using diagnostic test results, a stage is assigned to the tumor, such as stage 0 (carcinoma in situ) to stage IV (distant spread). Specifically:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Endoscopic Mucosal Resection<\/strong> (<strong>EMR<\/strong>): an endoscopic procedure to remove superficial or precancerous lesions of the esophagus without the need of open surgery<\/li>\n<li><strong>Endoscopic Dissection Stretched to the Submucosa <\/strong>(<strong>ESD<\/strong>): an advanced endoscopic technique to remove larger, invasive tumors that extend to the submucosa of the esophagus<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"accordion group border-b border-white\/5\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"flex items-center cursor-pointer group-hover:text-blue-light group-[.accordion--open]:text-red transition-colors\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"rotate-90 text-blue-lighter group-[.accordion--open]:rotate-180 group-[.accordion--open]:text-red transition-all\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"18\" viewbox=\"0 0 500 500\" fill=\"currentColor\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<polygon points=\"250,60 100,400 400,400\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"font-bold ml-5\">Surgical Treatment<\/h3>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"accordion-content max-h-0 overflow-hidden transition-all\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"pb-5 pl-[38px] pt-1\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<p>The surgical approach is based on <strong>esophagectomy<\/strong>, which is the <strong>partial or total surgical removal of the esophagus<\/strong>. This procedure can be performed through a <strong>traditional open incision<\/strong> or using <strong>minimally invasive techniques<\/strong>, such as laparocopic, thoracoscopic or robotic surgery. Depending on the location of the tumor, the surgery may involve the <strong>abdomen, chest, and in some cases, the neck<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"333\">Because esophagectomy is a highly complex procedure, it is essential to carefully select patients who can safely tolerate the surgery and to ensure thorough preoperative preparation. For this reason, esophagectomy is performed only in centers with experienced multidisciplinary teams and a high volume of such procedures each year.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"335\" data-end=\"691\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\">After removing the portion of the esophagus affected by the tumor, the esophageal tract must be <strong>reconstructed<\/strong>, typically using a portion of the stomach (esophago-gastric anastomosis) or another section of the intestine. Regional lymph nodes are also removed during the procedure to evaluate the extent of the tumor and reduce the risk of metastatic spread.<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"accordion group border-b border-white\/5\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"flex items-center cursor-pointer group-hover:text-blue-light group-[.accordion--open]:text-red transition-colors\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"rotate-90 text-blue-lighter group-[.accordion--open]:rotate-180 group-[.accordion--open]:text-red transition-all\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"18\" viewbox=\"0 0 500 500\" fill=\"currentColor\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<polygon points=\"250,60 100,400 400,400\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"font-bold ml-5\">Chemotherapy<\/h3>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"accordion-content max-h-0 overflow-hidden transition-all\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"pb-5 pl-[38px] pt-1\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<p>Chemotherapy can be used in several settings in the treatment of esophageal cancer, including:<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><!-- wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<li data-section-id=\"7py3lm\" data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"130\"><strong data-start=\"2\" data-end=\"28\" data-is-only-node=\"\">Neoadjuvant treatment:<\/strong> administered before surgery to shrink the tumor and improve the likelihood of a successful outcome.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li data-section-id=\"sl733r\" data-start=\"132\" data-end=\"254\"><strong data-start=\"134\" data-end=\"157\" data-is-only-node=\"\">Adjuvant treatment:<\/strong> given after surgery to eliminate any remaining cancer cells and reduce the risk of recurrence.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li data-section-id=\"1jtq7wc\" data-start=\"256\" data-end=\"332\"><strong data-start=\"258\" data-end=\"286\" data-is-only-node=\"\">Perioperative treatment:<\/strong> administered both before and after surgery.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li data-section-id=\"cetfyk\" data-start=\"334\" data-end=\"489\" data-is-last-node=\"\"><strong data-start=\"336\" data-end=\"361\" data-is-only-node=\"\">Palliative treatment:<\/strong> used when the tumor has metastasized to other organs, aiming to relieve symptoms, improve quality of life, and extend survival.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"accordion group border-b border-white\/5\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"flex items-center cursor-pointer group-hover:text-blue-light group-[.accordion--open]:text-red transition-colors\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"rotate-90 text-blue-lighter group-[.accordion--open]:rotate-180 group-[.accordion--open]:text-red transition-all\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"18\" viewbox=\"0 0 500 500\" fill=\"currentColor\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<polygon points=\"250,60 100,400 400,400\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"font-bold ml-5\">Radiotherapy<\/h3>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"accordion-content max-h-0 overflow-hidden transition-all\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"pb-5 pl-[38px] pt-1\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<p data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"286\">Radiation therapy uses <strong>high-energy beams<\/strong> to destroy cancer cells. In the treatment of esophageal cancer, it can be combined with chemotherapy as <strong data-start=\"145\" data-end=\"168\">neoadjuvant therapy<\/strong> before surgery to shrink the tumor or as <strong data-start=\"210\" data-end=\"230\">adjuvant therapy<\/strong> after surgery to reduce the risk of local recurrence.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"288\" data-end=\"398\">For inoperable tumors, radiation therapy may be used alone or alongside chemotherapy with a curative intent.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"400\" data-end=\"549\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\">In patients with locally advanced esophageal cancer, it can also be employed <strong data-start=\"477\" data-end=\"493\">palliatively<\/strong> to alleviate pain or difficulty swallowing (dysphagia).<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\t<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span  id=\"ongoing-support\" class=\"h2_anchor\"><\/span>Ongoing support<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Constant support <strong>before, during and after treatment<\/strong> to accompany each patient throughout the treatment and recovery journey.<\/p>\n\n\n\t<div id=\"block_69cfb26eaa145\" class=\"accordion-block acf-block\">\n\t\t<div class=\"my-4 lg:my-6\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"accordion group border-b border-white\/5\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"flex items-center cursor-pointer group-hover:text-blue-light group-[.accordion--open]:text-red transition-colors\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"rotate-90 text-blue-lighter group-[.accordion--open]:rotate-180 group-[.accordion--open]:text-red transition-all\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"18\" viewbox=\"0 0 500 500\" fill=\"currentColor\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<polygon points=\"250,60 100,400 400,400\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"font-bold ml-5\">Endoscopic treatment<\/h3>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"accordion-content max-h-0 overflow-hidden transition-all\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"pb-5 pl-[38px] pt-1\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<p>Endoscopic treatment is often considered <strong>for early<\/strong> esophageal cancers, particularly carcinoma in situ or superficial tumors. These treatment options include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Endoscopic Mucosal Resection<\/strong> (<strong>EMR<\/strong>): an endoscopic procedure to remove superficial or precancerous lesions of the esophagus without the need of open surgery<\/li>\n<li><strong>Endoscopic Dissection Stretched to the Submucosa <\/strong>(<strong>ESD<\/strong>): an advanced endoscopic technique to remove larger, invasive tumors that extend to the submucosa of the esophagus<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"accordion group border-b border-white\/5\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"flex items-center cursor-pointer group-hover:text-blue-light group-[.accordion--open]:text-red transition-colors\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"rotate-90 text-blue-lighter group-[.accordion--open]:rotate-180 group-[.accordion--open]:text-red transition-all\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"18\" viewbox=\"0 0 500 500\" fill=\"currentColor\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<polygon points=\"250,60 100,400 400,400\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"font-bold ml-5\">Surgical Treatment<\/h3>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"accordion-content max-h-0 overflow-hidden transition-all\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"pb-5 pl-[38px] pt-1\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<p>The surgical approach is based on <strong>esophagectomy<\/strong>, which is the <strong>partial or total surgical removal of the esophagus<\/strong>. This procedure can be performed through a <strong>traditional open incision<\/strong> or using <strong>minimally invasive techniques<\/strong>, such as laparocopic, thoracoscopic or robotic surgery. Depending on the location of the tumor, the surgery may involve the <strong>abdomen, chest, and in some cases, the neck<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"333\">Because esophagectomy is a highly complex procedure, it is essential to carefully select patients who can safely tolerate the surgery and to ensure thorough preoperative preparation. For this reason, esophagectomy is performed only in centers with experienced multidisciplinary teams and a high volume of such procedures each year.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"335\" data-end=\"691\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\">After removing the portion of the esophagus affected by the tumor, the esophageal tract must be <strong>reconstructed<\/strong>, typically using a portion of the stomach (esophago-gastric anastomosis) or another section of the intestine. Regional lymph nodes are also removed during the procedure to evaluate the extent of the tumor and reduce the risk of metastatic spread.<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"accordion group border-b border-white\/5\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"flex items-center cursor-pointer group-hover:text-blue-light group-[.accordion--open]:text-red transition-colors\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"rotate-90 text-blue-lighter group-[.accordion--open]:rotate-180 group-[.accordion--open]:text-red transition-all\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"18\" viewbox=\"0 0 500 500\" fill=\"currentColor\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<polygon points=\"250,60 100,400 400,400\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"font-bold ml-5\">Chemotherapy<\/h3>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"accordion-content max-h-0 overflow-hidden transition-all\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"pb-5 pl-[38px] pt-1\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<p>Chemotherapy can be used in several settings in the treatment of esophageal cancer, including:<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><!-- wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<li data-section-id=\"7py3lm\" data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"130\"><strong data-start=\"2\" data-end=\"28\" data-is-only-node=\"\">Neoadjuvant treatment:<\/strong> administered before surgery to shrink the tumor and improve the likelihood of a successful outcome.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li data-section-id=\"sl733r\" data-start=\"132\" data-end=\"254\"><strong data-start=\"134\" data-end=\"157\" data-is-only-node=\"\">Adjuvant treatment:<\/strong> given after surgery to eliminate any remaining cancer cells and reduce the risk of recurrence.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li data-section-id=\"1jtq7wc\" data-start=\"256\" data-end=\"332\"><strong data-start=\"258\" data-end=\"286\" data-is-only-node=\"\">Perioperative treatment:<\/strong> administered both before and after surgery.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li data-section-id=\"cetfyk\" data-start=\"334\" data-end=\"489\" data-is-last-node=\"\"><strong data-start=\"336\" data-end=\"361\" data-is-only-node=\"\">Palliative treatment:<\/strong> used when the tumor has metastasized to other organs, aiming to relieve symptoms, improve quality of life, and extend survival.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"accordion group border-b border-white\/5\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"flex items-center cursor-pointer group-hover:text-blue-light group-[.accordion--open]:text-red transition-colors\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"rotate-90 text-blue-lighter group-[.accordion--open]:rotate-180 group-[.accordion--open]:text-red transition-all\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"18\" viewbox=\"0 0 500 500\" fill=\"currentColor\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<polygon points=\"250,60 100,400 400,400\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"font-bold ml-5\">Radiotherapy<\/h3>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"accordion-content max-h-0 overflow-hidden transition-all\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"pb-5 pl-[38px] pt-1\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<p data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"286\">Radiation therapy uses <strong>high-energy beams<\/strong> to destroy cancer cells. In the treatment of esophageal cancer, it can be combined with chemotherapy as <strong data-start=\"145\" data-end=\"168\">neoadjuvant therapy<\/strong> before surgery to shrink the tumor or as <strong data-start=\"210\" data-end=\"230\">adjuvant therapy<\/strong> after surgery to reduce the risk of local recurrence.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"288\" data-end=\"398\">For inoperable tumors, radiation therapy may be used alone or alongside chemotherapy with a curative intent.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"400\" data-end=\"549\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\">In patients with locally advanced esophageal cancer, it can also be employed <strong data-start=\"477\" data-end=\"493\">palliatively<\/strong> to alleviate pain or difficulty swallowing (dysphagia).<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\t<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span  id=\"multi-disciplinary-team\" class=\"h2_anchor\"><\/span>Multi Disciplinary Team<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Every cancer requires a&nbsp;<strong>multidisciplinary approach<\/strong>&nbsp;at all stages of disease management. At the Candiolo Cancer Institute, this is provided by a team of specialists from various clinical and surgical departments, known as the&nbsp;<strong>GIC&nbsp;<\/strong>(Interdisciplinary Care Group or MDT). The GIC ensures that each patient is supported throughout the diagnostic and therapeutic process, including arranging and coordinating examinations and maintaining communication with the patient and their family.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For each patient, the GIC (MDT) defines and shares a personalized care pathway based not only on the type and stage of the tumor but also on the patient\u2019s individual characteristics. The goal is to achieve the best possible outcomes both oncologically and functionally, while maintaining a high quality of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Group<strong>&nbsp;also collaborates closely with the Institute\u2019s researchers<\/strong>&nbsp;to provide patients with rapid access to the latest innovations in screening, diagnosis, and treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span  id=\"clinical-divisions\" class=\"h2_anchor\"><\/span>Clinical divisions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The diagnostic and therapeutic pathway of esophageal cancer at Candiolo involves several clinical divisions, including:  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/irccs.com\/en\/divisioni-cliniche\/oncologic-surgery\/\" type=\"medical-area\" id=\"5163\">Oncologic Surgery<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/irccs.com\/en\/divisioni-cliniche\/otolaryngology\/\" type=\"medical-area\" id=\"5115\">Otolaryngology<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/irccs.com\/en\/divisioni-cliniche\/gastroenterology-and-digestive-endoscopy\/\" type=\"medical-area\" id=\"5125\">Gastroenterology and Digestive Endoscopy<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/irccs.com\/en\/divisioni-cliniche\/anesthesia-and-resuscitation\/\" type=\"medical-area\" id=\"5185\">Anesthesia and Resuscitation<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/irccs.com\/en\/divisioni-cliniche\/oncology-day-hospital\/\" type=\"medical-area\" id=\"5183\">Oncology Day Hospital<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/irccs.com\/en\/divisioni-cliniche\/medical-oncology\/\" type=\"medical-area\" id=\"5169\">Medical Oncology<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/irccs.com\/en\/divisioni-cliniche\/nuclear-medicine\/\" type=\"medical-area\" id=\"5106\">Nuclear Medicine<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/irccs.com\/en\/divisioni-cliniche\/radiotherapy\/\" type=\"medical-area\" id=\"5104\">Radiotherapy<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/irccs.com\/en\/divisioni-cliniche\/radiodiagnostics\/\" type=\"medical-area\" id=\"5101\">Radiodiagnostics<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/irccs.com\/en\/divisioni-cliniche\/pathologic-anatomy\/\" type=\"medical-area\" id=\"5118\">Pathologic Anatomy<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span  id=\"clinical-studies\" class=\"h2_anchor\"><\/span>Clinical studies<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Researchers at the Candiolo Cancer Institute are currently involved in <strong>several national and international projects<\/strong> on esophageal cancers. <br>The <strong>GEA <\/strong>study is a multicenter study. It aims to explore the mechanisms of response of gastro-oesophageal cancer to treatment with so-called <strong>&#8220;targeted&#8221; drugs<\/strong>. After the patient has provided informed consent, unused surgical material after histologic analysis is used to generate molecularly characterized preclinical models (<strong>xenopatients<\/strong>) on which to validate drug combinations. The aim is to gain new insights into the interaction between the tumor genome and the efficacy of the therapy patients are subjected to, so as to understand what mechanisms may underlie different drug response and tumor progression.<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span  id=\"why-choose-us\" class=\"h2_anchor\"><\/span>Why Choose Us<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>At Candiolo Cancer Institute, every patient with esophageal cancer is treated in a highly specialized manner, thanks to the synergistic work of the dedicated <a href=\"#multi-disciplinary-team\"><strong>Interdisciplinary Care Group (CIG)<\/strong><\/a>. This team is composed of <strong>oncologists, surgeons, gastroenterologists, radiation oncologists, nutritionists, physical therapists, and psycho-oncologists<\/strong>, who work together to build a personalized, effective, and humane course of care.<\/p>\n\n\n\t<div id=\"block_69cfb26eaa208\" class=\"accordion-block acf-block\">\n\t\t<div class=\"my-4 lg:my-6\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"accordion group border-b border-white\/5\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"flex items-center cursor-pointer group-hover:text-blue-light group-[.accordion--open]:text-red transition-colors\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"rotate-90 text-blue-lighter group-[.accordion--open]:rotate-180 group-[.accordion--open]:text-red transition-all\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"18\" viewbox=\"0 0 500 500\" fill=\"currentColor\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<polygon points=\"250,60 100,400 400,400\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"font-bold ml-5\">Clinical Experience and Tailored Approach<\/h3>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"accordion-content max-h-0 overflow-hidden transition-all\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"pb-5 pl-[38px] pt-1\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<p>Due to the high number of cases treated each year, the Candiolo Cancer Institute is a <strong>national reference center\u00a0 for the care of esophageal cancer. <\/strong>This extensive experience allows us to manage even the most complex cases, always using a personalized approach, tailored to the clinical and individual profile of each patient.<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"accordion group border-b border-white\/5\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"flex items-center cursor-pointer group-hover:text-blue-light group-[.accordion--open]:text-red transition-colors\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"rotate-90 text-blue-lighter group-[.accordion--open]:rotate-180 group-[.accordion--open]:text-red transition-all\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"18\" viewbox=\"0 0 500 500\" fill=\"currentColor\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<polygon points=\"250,60 100,400 400,400\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"font-bold ml-5\">Imaging Technologies and Advanced Diagnostics<\/h3>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"accordion-content max-h-0 overflow-hidden transition-all\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"pb-5 pl-[38px] pt-1\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<p>Establishing a treatment plan always begins with an accurate and timely diagnosis. Patients have access to state-of-the-art imaging technologies that enable precise assessment of disease extent.<\/p>\n<p>Additionally, the Institute provides advanced\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/irccs.com\/aree-mediche\/laboratorio-analisi\/\">laboratory investigations<\/a>, including molecular and genomic analyses, which are essential for identifying the biological characteristics of the cancer and guiding therapeutic decisions.<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"accordion group border-b border-white\/5\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"flex items-center cursor-pointer group-hover:text-blue-light group-[.accordion--open]:text-red transition-colors\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"rotate-90 text-blue-lighter group-[.accordion--open]:rotate-180 group-[.accordion--open]:text-red transition-all\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"18\" viewbox=\"0 0 500 500\" fill=\"currentColor\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<polygon points=\"250,60 100,400 400,400\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"font-bold ml-5\">Minimally Invasive Surgical Techniques and Multidisciplinarity<\/h3>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"accordion-content max-h-0 overflow-hidden transition-all\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"pb-5 pl-[38px] pt-1\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<p>When appropriate, surgery is performed using minimally invasive techniques (laparoscopic or thoracoscopic), which minimize operative trauma, promote faster recovery, and enhance postoperative quality of life. All treatment decisions are made within the GIC (MDT), ensuring a coordinated and integrated approach.<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"accordion group border-b border-white\/5\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"flex items-center cursor-pointer group-hover:text-blue-light group-[.accordion--open]:text-red transition-colors\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"rotate-90 text-blue-lighter group-[.accordion--open]:rotate-180 group-[.accordion--open]:text-red transition-all\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"18\" viewbox=\"0 0 500 500\" fill=\"currentColor\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<polygon points=\"250,60 100,400 400,400\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"font-bold ml-5\">Clinical Research and Access to Trials<\/h3>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"accordion-content max-h-0 overflow-hidden transition-all\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"pb-5 pl-[38px] pt-1\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><\/h3>\n<p><!-- \/wp:heading --><\/p>\n<p>As an IRCCS (Scientific Institute for Research, Hospitalization, and Healthcare), the Candiolo Cancer Institute combines clinical care with a strong focus on scientific research. Patients can be considered for <a href=\"https:\/\/irccs.com\/en\/patologie\/colorectal-cancers\/#studi-clinici\">participation in active clinical trials<\/a>, offering access to innovative therapies not yet available in standard practice. This integration of care and research is a distinctive strength that translates into tangible benefits for patients.<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"accordion group border-b border-white\/5\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"flex items-center cursor-pointer group-hover:text-blue-light group-[.accordion--open]:text-red transition-colors\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"rotate-90 text-blue-lighter group-[.accordion--open]:rotate-180 group-[.accordion--open]:text-red transition-all\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"18\" viewbox=\"0 0 500 500\" fill=\"currentColor\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<polygon points=\"250,60 100,400 400,400\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"font-bold ml-5\">Care and Support Every Step of the Way<\/h3>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"accordion-content max-h-0 overflow-hidden transition-all\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"pb-5 pl-[38px] pt-1\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<p>The Multi Disciplinary Team (GIC or MDT) supports the patient at every stage, from diagnosis to treatment and follow-up, addressing <strong>nutritional needs<\/strong>,\u00a0<strong>psychological well-being<\/strong>, and\u00a0<strong>reintegration into daily life<\/strong>. The scheduling of checkups, visits, and treatments is organized to ensure continuity and\u00a0<strong>peace of mind<\/strong>, always prioritizing the human dimension of care.<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\t<\/div>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":0,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-5336","pathology","type-pathology","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.2 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Esophageal Cancer - Istituto di Candiolo<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Guide to esophageal cancer: learn about characteristics, symptoms, diagnosis, and advanced treatment options at the Candiolo Institute (Turin, Italy)\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/irccs.com\/en\/patologie\/esophageal-cancer\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Esophageal Cancer - 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