What have we learned from Linxian esophageal cancer etiological studies?

Abstract

Esophageal cancer is the sixth leading cause of cancer death in the world. Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) accounts for 90% of esophageal cancer cases, over half of which occur in China. Linxian, a county located in the North Central Taihang Mountain range, has the highest ESCC mortality rate, which may be the leading cause of death in this area. In a decades‐long research program in Linxian, Chinese and international scientists have exerted great efforts to describe the epidemiological characteristics and elucidate the etiology of ESCC. A systematic review and summary of the current knowledge gained from previous research is informative for future ESCC prevention and control in similar populations, and may be translated to other high‐incidence countries, such as Brazil, Iran, Malawi, and South Africa. As ESCC is a major cause of cancer death, more research is required in China and in other high‐incidence countries to deepen our understanding of the etiology of ESCC and develop preventative strategies.

The global, regional, and national burden of oesophageal cancer and its attributable risk factors in 195 countries and territories, 1990–2017: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2017

“…19,21,22 More than 90% of oesophageal cancer cases in this part of the world are of the squamous cell type (oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma). [22][23][24] However, tobacco and alcohol consumption, which are the major risk factors for oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma in many parts of the world, are not strong risk factors in the Asian oesophageal cancer belt. 22,23,25,26 Case-control and cohort studies have found that opium use, consumption of hot tea, low intake of fresh fruits and vegetables, indoor air pollution, exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, lack of access to piped water, poor oral health, and low socioeconomic status are also associated with a higher risk of oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma.…”

Long non‑coding RNA MEG3 suppresses epithelial‑to‑mesenchymal transition by inhibiting the PSAT1‑dependent GSK‑3β/Snail signaling pathway in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

“…There are two types of EC, namely esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and esophageal adenocarcinoma. In China and other East Asian countries, up to 90% of cases are ESCCs (2). Shantou, in particular, is a high-risk area for ESCC.…”

Correlation between MDM2 T309G single nucleotide polymorphism and esophageal cancer susceptibility: An updated meta‐analysis

“…2 As is already known, the development of esophageal cancer is the result of the interaction of genes and environmental factors, but the specific pathogenesis of both have not as yet been fully elucidated, and need further exploration. 3 In recent years, studies have confirmed that gene single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) was closely correlated with the cancer susceptibility. 4 Murine double minute 2 (MDM2) locating in chromosome 12q15 encodes a nuclear-localized E3 ubiquitin ligase.…”

“…In year 2018, there were approximately 307 000 new cases of esophageal cancer and 283 000 deaths in China, ranking fifth in the incidence of malignant tumors and fourth in the mortality rate . As is already known, the development of esophageal cancer is the result of the interaction of genes and environmental factors, but the specific pathogenesis of both have not as yet been fully elucidated, and need further exploration . In recent years, studies have confirmed that gene single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) was closely correlated with the cancer susceptibility …”