Elevation of circulating big endothelin-1: an independent prognostic factor for tumor recurrence and survival in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
2008

Big Endothelin-1 Levels and Esophageal Cancer

Sample size: 108 publication Evidence: high

Author Information

Author(s): Jiao Wenjie, Xu Jing, Zheng Jinsheng, Shen Yi, Lin Lesheng, Li Jian

Primary Institution: Peking University First Hospital

Hypothesis

Can plasma big ET-1 levels predict tumor recurrence and survival in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma patients?

Conclusion

Higher plasma big ET-1 levels in ESCC patients may indicate worse survival and higher risk of tumor recurrence.

Supporting Evidence

  • Preoperative plasma big ET-1 levels were significantly higher in ESCC patients compared to controls.
  • Patients with postoperative recurrence had significantly higher plasma big ET-1 levels.
  • The survival rate was significantly lower for patients with higher plasma big ET-1 concentrations.

Takeaway

Doctors found that higher levels of a substance called big ET-1 in the blood can mean that esophageal cancer might come back or be more serious.

Methodology

Plasma big ET-1 levels were measured in 108 ESCC patients before and after surgery using ELISA.

Limitations

The study excluded patients with certain co-morbid conditions and those who had prior chemotherapy or radiotherapy.

Participant Demographics

78 men and 30 women with a median age of 64.5 years.

Statistical Information

P-Value

<0.001

Statistical Significance

p<0.001

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1471-2407-8-334

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