A substantial advance for screening of oesophageal cancer

Oesophageal cancer is the sixth most common cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, causing 544 000 deaths in 2020. 1 Sung H Ferlay J Siegel RL et al. Global cancer statistics 2020: GLOBOCAN estimates of incidence and mortality worldwide for 36 cancers in 185 countries. CA Cancer J Clin. 2021; 71: 209-249 Crossref PubMed Scopus (42932) Google Scholar The majority (85%) of these deaths occur in low-income and middle-income countries, especially in two large bands across central Asia and along the eastern coast of Africa; more than 50% of global deaths from oesophageal cancer occur in China alone. 2 Arnold M Abnet CC Neale RE et al. Global burden of 5 major types of gastrointestinal cancer. Gastroenterology. 2020; 159: 335-349 Summary Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (720) Google Scholar In these high-risk regions, oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma comprises 90% of cases. 2 Arnold M Abnet CC Neale RE et al. Global burden of 5 major types of gastrointestinal cancer. Gastroenterology. 2020; 159: 335-349 Summary Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (720) Google Scholar Machine learning-based automated sponge cytology for screening of oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma of the oesophagogastric junction: a nationwide, multicohort, prospective studyWe developed a prediction tool with favourable performance for screening of oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma of the oesophagogastric junction. This approach could prevent the need for endoscopy screening in many low-risk individuals and ensure resource optimisation by prioritising high-risk individuals. Full-Text PDF