Challenges in early detection and endoscopic resection of esophageal cancer: There is a long way to go

Abstract

The publication by Qu et al provided a comprehensive discussion about the epidemiology, etiology, histopathology, early detection, and endoscopic treatment of esophageal carcinoma (EC) and summarized the progress in the advanced technologies for screening and endoscopic resection for EC. In this editorial, we will provide deeper insight into the challenges that hinder practical application of these advanced technologies along with the role of these technologies in upper endoscopy quality. More efforts need to be made to overcome the challenges and add the value of these technologies in upper endoscopy quality. Clinical outcomes of management strategies after noncurative endoscopic dissection for early EC patients need further investigation. The experiences with noncurative endoscopic resection of other organs may have certain implications for noncurative resection of early EC.

Keywords: Esophageal cancer; Early detection; Endoscopic submucosal dissection; Noncurative endoscopic submucosal dissection

Core Tip: Challenges remain in practical application of advanced technologies in the detection of esophageal carcinoma (EC), and it is also important to add the value of these technologies in upper endoscopy quality. For early EC patients, the clinical outcomes of management strategies after noncurative endoscopic resection need to be further studied and the clinical experiences with noncurative endoscopic resection of other organs are helpful.