Esophageal Cancer - Current and Emerging therapy Modalities

Health & FitnessCancer / Illness

  • Author Ian Eallard
  • Published October 24, 2010
  • Word count 587

There are some treatment methods such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery and so on. There are also some current and emerging techniques available in the treatment of esophageal cancer such as laser therapy, photo dynamic therapy, argon plasma coagulation, pain management, radio frequency ablation, cryoablation, multi polar electro coagulation and endoscopic mucosal resection.

Various types of lasers have been used in gastroenterology for the mucosal ablation including the neodymium, potassium titanyl phosphate (KTP laser), yttrium aluminum garnet (YAG laser), YAG laser and the argon laser. The laser (Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation) will generate an intense beam of light which is directed at the abnormal mucosa and used to heat it until the cancerous cells are destroyed. The ablative injury depth depends on the type of laser and it ranges from 3-4 mm with the Nd: YAG laser to 1mm with the KTP or argon lasers.

Photo dynamic therapy involves the administration of a chemical photo sensitizer, some of which becomes concentrated in the abnormal esophageal mucosa (5- aminolvulinic acid) and some in the stroma (porfimer sodium). The destruction of the abnormal esophageal mucosa is done by the activation of the photo sensitizer by endoscopically applied light source at appropriate wavelength and results in the generation of cytotoxic species and singlet oxygen.

The high frequency monopolar current is conducted to the tissues via the ionized argon gas which flows through the catheter placed in the accessory channel of an endoscope. The complications due to this may include pneumatosis, subcutaneous emphysema, pain, bleeding, stricture, ulceration and even death.

Pain management can be aimed at easing the pain which is caused by the esophageal cancer. The pain can be either acute or chronic. Acute pain is caused due to damaging of tissues and it can be limited for a period of time. While chronic pain is persistent for more months and will cause anxiety, insomnia and depression. Pain management either controls the pain or changes the sufferer’s perception of it. The assessment of pain can be based on the location of pain, intensity of pain, pain effects, behaviors observed and so on.

Balloon- based bipolar radio frequency ablation is a new technique involved. This technique requires the use of sizing balloons which determines the inner diameter of the targeted portion of the esophagus. It is followed by placing a balloon based electrode with a 3cm long placement area which incorporates tightly spaced, bipolar electrodes that alternate in polarity. The electrode is attached to a radio frequency generator and some selected amount of energy is delivered in less than 1sec at 350W.

In this newer technique low pressure spray cryoablation, liquid nitrogen is used. The components of the cryoablation device includes a nitrogen tank, a dual foot pedal for controlling cryogen release, electronic console for monitoring and control of oxygen release and a multi layer open tipped catheter for spraying super cold nitrogen gas through an upper endoscope. Cryoablation includes apoptosis and causes cryonecrosis at super cold temperatures (-76 degree C to -158 degree C) which may result in transient ischemia at cryoablation site and causes immune stimulation.

Natural Remedies:

There are certain natural remedies that offer a promising cure for esophageal cancer. Along with the natural remedies and a well-researched different diet pattern, a few simple adjustments to your lifestyle can make a huge difference to your efforts for prolonging the life for several years. You can increase your chances of surviving esophagus cancer now by trying these proven natural remedies discussed in http://cancernaturalremedies.com

Improve your survival chances to a great extent. Beat the deadly disease with the help of natural remedies. Visit the promising natural cure for esophageal cancer to get rid of the killer disease completely.

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