Associate Editor, Dr. Fauze Maluf-Filho, highlights this article from the September issue “Screening for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma: recent advances” by Don C. Codipilly, MD, et al. 

This study provides a thorough review of the current technologies (endoscopic and non-endoscopic) to screen for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). It also points out future directions for the detection of early ESCC.

This article increases our awareness that the detection of ESCC at early stages may be in our hands, while we are performing an endoscopic examination in a patient at risk for that neoplasia. By pushing a button and activating the electronic chromoendoscopy followed by the use of Lugol’s solution, it is possible to detect a superficial ESCC and give a 90% chance of a cure for a disease that has a less than 5% survival rate at 5 years when detected at advanced stages.

ESCC is a prevalent disease worldwide. Chromoendoscopy with Lugol’s solution is the standard method for screening ESCC in high-risk individuals, and it should be incorporated in our daily practice. The detection of molecular biomarkers in samples obtained by swallowed brushing sponges or in blood samples are some of the future directions for the non-endoscopic methods of ESCC screening.

Read the article abstract here.

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