Transcriptomic Changes and Biomarkers in Barrett’s Metaplasia, Dysplasia and Cancer

Abstract B039: Genomic and epigenomic complexity underlies barrett’s esophagus progression to adenocarcinoma

This study defines the role of epigenetic reprogramming in BE-to-EAC progression by integrating spatial transcriptomics, single-cell analyses, and functional modeling, and demonstrates that enhancer activation correlates with transitions from stable epithelial identity to highly plastic, dysplastic, and malignant phenotypes.

P1.108. Molecular Determinants of Tumor Morphology in Esophageal Adenocarcinoma

The first validated morpho-molecular classification of Esophageal adenocarcinoma is reported, with the transitional and signet ring signatures associated with worse prognosis compared to tumors with a glandular signature.

Histopathological and Molecular Characterization of Potentially Malignant Oral Disorders for Early Diagnosis and Prognostic Assessment

Potentially malignant oral disorders (PMODs) represent a critical group of lesions with a well-documented risk of transformation into oral squamous cell carcinoma, necessitating early and precise diagnostic approaches to improve patient outcomes. This study aims to integrate histopathological evaluation with molecular characterization to enhance the early detection and prognostic assessment of PMODs. A cohort of clinically diagnosed cases, including leukoplakia, erythroplakia, and oral submucous fibrosis, was systematically examined using conventional histopathological techniques alongside advanced molecular assays. Histological grading of epithelial dysplasia was performed to assess architectural and cytological alterations, while molecular analysis focused on the expression patterns of key biomarkers associated with cell proliferation, apoptosis, and genetic instability, such as p53, Ki-67, and cyclin D1. The findings reveal a significant correlation between the severity of dysplasia and the upregulation of these molecular markers, indicating their potential utility in identifying high-risk lesions at an early stage. Furthermore, molecular profiling provided additional insights into the biological behavior of lesions that appeared histologically ambiguous, thereby improving diagnostic accuracy and risk stratification. The combined approach demonstrated enhanced sensitivity in predicting malignant transformation compared to histopathology alone, emphasizing the importance of incorporating molecular diagnostics into routine clinical practice. This study also highlights the heterogeneity of PMODs and underscores the need for personalized diagnostic frameworks that consider both morphological and molecular parameters. The integration of these methodologies not only facilitates early intervention but also aids clinicians in tailoring appropriate therapeutic strategies, ultimately contributing to better prognostic outcomes. The results support the growing paradigm shift toward precision medicine in oral pathology, where multidisciplinary diagnostic tools are employed to refine disease characterization and management. Overall, this research provides a comprehensive evaluation of PMODs, reinforcing the clinical significance of combined histopathological and molecular analysis in improving early diagnosis and prognostic prediction.

analysis of microsatellites on multiple chromosome regions in dysplasia and squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus

BBS5 as a robust prognostic biomarker in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma: validation in two independent cohorts.

Early esophageal squamous neoplasia and the microbiome: evidence, mechanisms, and early-detection potential

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) remains a major cause of cancer mortality, largely because most patients are diagnosed at an advanced stage. High-grade intraepithelial neoplasia (HGIN) represents an important and clinically actionable precancerous stage in the ESCC pathway, during which timely detection and endoscopic therapy can be curative. However, population screening with endoscopy is resource-intensive and has limited acceptability. Accumulating observational evidence suggests that ESCC and its precancerous stages are accompanied by alterations in the esophageal, oral, and tumor-associated microbiome, although the reproducibility and clinical significance of these findings vary across cohorts, sample types, and analytical methods. These microbial changes are shaped by shared risk factors, including smoking, alcohol consumption, hot beverages, poor oral hygiene, local mucosal injury and host immunity. Dysbiosis involves not only bacteria but also fungi and cross-kingdom interactions, which may be associated with barrier disruption, chronic inflammation, and malignant transformation. In this review, we summarize current evidence on the bacteriome and mycobiome across the normal squamous mucosa-HGIN-ESCC, focusing on microbial candidates, potential host–microbe mechanisms, and early-detection relevance. We also discuss saliva-based testing, non-endoscopic esophageal sampling, blood-derived microbial signals, and AI-assisted risk models. At present, microbiome-based biomarkers should be regarded as promising but not yet clinically implementation-ready tools. Further longitudinal validation, standardized methodology, and external cohort testing are required before they can be integrated into routine ESCC early-detection or risk-stratification pathways.