Methods in molecular biology
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Technological advances in the form of next-generation sequencing allow sequencing of large numbers of different DNA sequences in a single/parallel reaction compared to conventional sequencing. It is a powerful tool which has enabled comprehensive characterization of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Whole-genome sequencing is the most comprehensive but expensive, whereas whole-exome sequencing is cost-effective, but it only works for the known genes. Thus, second-generation sequencing methods can provide a complete picture of the esophageal squamous cell carcinoma genome by detecting and discovering different type of alterations in the cancer which may lead to the development of effective diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.
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Surgery is the mainstay treatment for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). A major development in surgical therapy for esophageal cancer in the past two or three decades has been the marked reduction in surgical mortality rates as a result of improvement in staging technologies, patient selection, perioperative support systems, and surgical experience. Minimally invasive techniques are also becoming widely adopted. Protocol for surgical management of squamous cell cancer of the esophagus is described herein.
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Whole-slide imaging (WSI) contributes to medical education, collaboration, quality assurance, examination, and consultation in pathology. The images obtained from WSI are of high quality and could be stored indefinitely. ⋯ The operation and basic principles of whole-slide imaging of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma are also presented. Common use of WSI will occur with modifications of the whole-slide imaging scanners to adapt to the workflows in diagnostic and research laboratories.
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Orthotopic xenograft model recapitulates the faithful organ-specific microenvironment and facilitates analyses involving tumor-stromal interactions that are crucial for developing new-generation cancer therapy. Herein, we describe the detailed rationales and protocols of a versatile orthotopic xenograft model for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.
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Macroscopic examination of the surgical specimen of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma by pathologist is important for quality clinical management, research, as well as education purposes. The process includes dissection of the specimen, identification of the lesion, measurements, and taking appropriate samples for histopathological examination. ⋯ In addition, examination of proximal resection margin and circumferential resection margin are important in the cancer. A standardized approach for macroscopic examination by professionals is needed for accurate diagnosis and to optimize the use of the surgical specimen with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.