Role of Infectious Agents on Development of Esophageal Carcinomas

Kelly A. Whelan, Hiroshi Nakagawa

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterpeer-review

Abstract

Comprising two primary histological subtypes, esophageal squamous cell carcinoma and esophageal adenocarcinoma, esophageal cancer remains among the most aggressive forms of human malignancy. Despite advances in our understanding of the genetic landscape of esophageal cancer, patient outcomes remain poor, suggesting that cell extrinsic factors may influence disease pathogenesis. Interest in defining roles for infectious agents in esophageal carcinogenesis is rapidly emerging as an increasing number of clinical studies have linked various pathogens with esophageal cancer. Here, we review the current literature characterizing bacterial, viral, fungal and parasitic pathogens in the esophagus in the context of homeostasis and carcinogenesis. We discuss global changes in the microbial composition of the esophagus and adjacent organs as they relate to esophageal cancer. We further provide a comprehensive overview of the relationship between specific pathogens, including Helicobacter pylori, Herpesviridae and Human Immunodeficiency Virus, and esophageal cancer.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationCurrent Cancer Research
PublisherSpringer Nature
Pages39-65
Number of pages27
DOIs
StatePublished - 2019
Externally publishedYes

Publication series

NameCurrent Cancer Research
ISSN (Print)2199-2584
ISSN (Electronic)2199-2592

Keywords

  • Barrett’s esophagus
  • Candida
  • Chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis
  • Cytomegalovirus
  • Epstein-Barr virus
  • Esophageal adenocarcinoma
  • Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
  • H. pylori
  • Helicobacter pylori
  • Herpes simplex virus
  • Human immunodeficiency virus
  • Human papilloma viruses
  • Microbiome
  • Trypanosoma cruzi
  • Varicella-zoster virus

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