3-D model of esophageal cancer
Key points
- In the November 1st issue of G&D, a team of scientists led by Dr.
- “This model allows us to dissect the specific genetic alterations that are important in the initiation and progression of esophageal squamous cell cancer, which holds promise for sqamous cell cancers arising in other sites, such as the skin, lung, head and neck,” explains Dr.
- There are 2 main types of esophageal cancer: squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma.
- Rustigi and colleagues developed a tissue-engineered, organotypic 3D culture system of esophageal squamous cell cancer.
In the November 1st issue of G&D, a team of scientists led by Dr. Anil Rustgi (UPENN) presents an innovative new model of esophageal cancer, which holds great promise as an experimental platform to investigate the etiology and possible treatment of this devastating disease.
“This model allows us to dissect the specific genetic alterations that are important in the initiation and progression of esophageal squamous cell cancer, which holds promise for sqamous cell cancers arising in other sites, such as the skin, lung, head and neck,” explains Dr. Rustgi.
There are 2 main types of esophageal cancer: squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma. Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is the third most common cancer of the digestive tract and the seventh leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. It is a highly malignant cancer and generally carries a poor prognosis, owing to its predominantly late detection.
Dr. Rustigi and colleagues developed a tissue-engineered, organotypic 3D culture system of esophageal squamous cell cancer. They found that ESCC results from a combination of genetic mutations (namely, EGFR overexpression, hTERT activation and p53 mutation) as well as changes in the tumor microenvironment.
Dr. Rustgi emphasizes that “we have found that altering the stromal fibroblasts can influence the extent of tumor cell migration and invasion. Thus, previously underappreciated, it is the interplay of tumor cells and fibroblasts that has great meaning on how cancer arises and progresses.”
###
Contact: Heather Cosel
[email protected]
Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
Written and revised by
Andrey Nailor, M.D.
Our doctors write and review articles for accuracy and keep them up to date.
health.am provides general information, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified health professional about your own health.
Explore health topics
More in this topic
Cancer →
NewsModel confirms active surveillance as viable option for men with low-risk prostate cancer
A new research model has estimated that the difference in prostate cancer mortality among men with low-risk disease who choose active surveillance versus those who choose immediate treatment with radical prostatectomy…
25 September 2012
NewsEffects of stopping alcohol consumption on subsequent risk of esophageal cancer
Cancer of the oesophagus is becoming more common in Europe and North America. Around 7,800 people in the UK are diagnosed each year. The exact causes of this cancer aren't fully understood. It appears to be more common…
14 September 2012
NewsBreast Cancer Slowed By Plant-Based Compound In Mouse Model
The natural plant compound phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC) hinders the development of mammary tumors in a mouse model with similarities to human breast cancer progression, according to a study published in the Journal…
