Profiling of circulating microRNAs in patients with Barrett's esophagus and esophageal adenocarcinoma.

Background: Circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) have been suggested as novel markers for various diseases. The goal of this pilot study was to identify circulating miRNAs differentially expressed comparing Barrett's esophagus (BE), esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC), and controls.

Methods: MicroRNA expression profiling was performed by qPCR array using plasma from six controls and eight BE and eight EAC patients.

Prognostic factors for medium- and long-term survival of esophageal cancer patients in the Netherlands.

Background And Objectives: Medium- and long-term survival is low in esophageal cancer (EC) patients, which is thought to be due to tumor characteristics. Our aim was to determine both tumor- and non-tumor-related characteristics affecting survival in these patients.

Methods: Patients with primary EC between 1990 and 2008 in the southern part of the Netherlands were identified.

Toll-like receptor 4 activation in Barrett's esophagus results in a strong increase in COX-2 expression.

Background: Barrett's esophagus (BE) is known to progress to esophageal adenocarcinoma in a setting of chronic inflammation. Toll-like receptor (TLR) 4 has been linked to inflammation-associated carcinogenesis. We aimed to determine the expression and functional activity of TLR4 in the esophagus and whether TLR4 activation in BE could promote carcinogenesis by inducing COX-2 expression.

microRNA-145 in Barrett's oesophagus: regulating BMP4 signalling via GATA6.

Objective: Barrett's oesophagus (BE) is a metaplastic condition of the distal oesophagus which predisposes to oesophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC). It has been suggested that microRNAs (miRNAs) are involved in the process of development of BE and EAC; however, few functional miRNA data are available. The aim of the study was to perform a tissue-specific miRNA profile and, based on this, to examine the function of miRNA-145 in the oesophagus.

The effect of socioeconomic status on staging and treatment decisions in esophageal cancer.

Background: Optimal treatment choice for patients with esophageal cancer (EC) is complex and largely determined by tumor characteristics, comorbidity, and age.

Goals: This study describes the role of patient characteristics, among which is socioeconomic status (SES), in EC treatment.

Study: Patients diagnosed with primary EC between 1990 and 2008 in the southern part of the Netherlands were identified using the Eindhoven Cancer Registry.