Prognostication and prediction using gene expression profiling in oesophageal cancer

Abstract

Aim: To evaluate current literature on gene expression profiling in oesophageal cancer.

Methods: We performed a review of the literature (2000-2010) on prognostication and prediction using gene expression analysis in oesophageal cancer.

Results: Seventeen papers comprising 638 patients were included. Gene expression profiles studied in relation to survival, lymph node metastasis and response to neoadjuvant therapy. Most studies included a limited number of patients. Several prognostic and predictive gene signatures were identified with different accuracies. In only one study, the gene signature was validated in a large, independent patient cohort.

Conclusion: Gene expression profiling has potential clinical applications in oesophageal cancer. Especially a signature which is predictive for response to neoadjuvant treatment could be of great clinical value. To date, most published studies suffer from an underpowered training cohort or lack adequate validation. Clinicians should put effort in the collection of high quality tissue samples and should participate in biobank initiatives, considering the increasing availability and possibilities of sequencing technology.