A Brief overview of Genetics of Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Esophageal Cancer (EC) is the eighth most common incident cancer in the world because of its extremely aggressive nature and poor survival rate. Cancer of the esophagus typically occur in one of two forms, squamous cell carcinomas arising from the stratified squamous epithelial lining of the organ, and adenocarcinomas affecting columnar glandular cells that replace the squamous epithelium. Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) is the predominant histologic type of esophageal cancer worldwide. Esophageal cancer occurs at a rate 20 to 30 times higher in China than in the United States. An esophageal “cancer belt,” primarily squamous cell cancers, extends from northeast China to the Middle East. Population-based and hospital ?based cancer registries in India, have reported the highest incidence of esophageal cancer in Assam in the north east region of the country, followed by Bangalore and Bombay. Evidence of an association between environment and diet and esophageal cancer comes from the profound differences in incidence observed in various parts of the world. The genetic and molecular changes underlying the development of ESCC remain poorly understood. In the past decade, efforts have been made to use candidate gene approaches to identify genetic susceptibility factors for ESCC. The identification of signature gene mutations in ESCC was recognized as a valuable starting point, providing a conceptual framework to guide the future analysis of complex aspects of this disease. How these genetic changes translate into the classical biological features of ESCC cells stands as a key area for increased active investigation. So how can information and technological advances are integrated to create a ‘roadmap’ for an improved understanding of ESCC biology, and how might such systems lead to more effective treatments?