Causal relationships between esophageal squamous cell carcinoma and nephrotic syndrome

Intern Med. 2009;48(1):65-9. doi: 10.2169/internalmedicine.48.1292. Epub 2009 Jan 1.

Abstract

We present a case of membranous nephropathy (MN) associated with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) with a high serum level of squamous cell carcinoma antigen (SCC). ESCC reached complete response (CR) for radiotherapy, with a partial remission of the proteinuria and decreased serum SCC levels. Six months after radiotherapy, the ESCC recurred, and the patient was treated with endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR), achieving a pathologic CR and disappearance of proteinuria and normalized serum SCC levels. The correlation of proteinuria and the serum level of SCC indicates that SCC could be a pathogenic antigen, responsible for the pathogenesis of MN in this patient.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Antigens, Neoplasm / blood
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / blood
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / complications
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / diagnosis*
  • Esophageal Neoplasms / blood
  • Esophageal Neoplasms / complications
  • Esophageal Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Nephrotic Syndrome / blood
  • Nephrotic Syndrome / complications
  • Nephrotic Syndrome / diagnosis*
  • Serpins / blood

Substances

  • Antigens, Neoplasm
  • Serpins
  • squamous cell carcinoma-related antigen