Oesophageal Cancer Has New Genetic Clues

A new genetic study by US scientists has found some of the key underlying faults that cause oesophageal cancer, which is also known as adenocarcinoma. The cells which cause this particular type of cancer often feature in a particular pattern of genetic differences which could be targeted through specific therapies. Oesophageal adenocarcinoma accounts for over half of all forms of oesophageal cancer, but there are very few new treatments available to cure it. Generally, this form of cancer begins at the base of the oesophagus with damaged cells which are exposed to acid which rises from the stomach.

Scientists are baffled as to why the numbers of oesophageal adenocarcinoma are on the rise, but obesity is the blame for much of this increase. As excess weight puts unnecessary pressure on the stomach, excess acid rises up more than it normally would which is thought to be the cause of this increase in cancer diagnoses. Just forty years ago, this form of cancer was very rare but now 15,000 new cases are diagnoses every year in the United States alone. Only 15 percent of patients survive on average, after just five years from their initial diagnosis.

It’s thought that with further studies into the types of genetic abnormalities attributed to this type of cancer, scientists can better understand the tumours and how to treat them. The changes which have been found are not often seen in other forms of cancer, but researchers have found evidence to suggest that such changes are caused by oxidative damage, which happens when the cells in the body cannot neutralise the products of the reaction from oxygen and other molecules. Stomach acid is one of the primary causes of such a reaction. If you’re concerned about your risk of this form of cancer, speak to your GP who can advise you.