Oesophageal cancer is a common global disease with a poor prognosis.
The author of this E-learning module elaborates, in a systematic way, the epidemiology data, prognosis, risk factors and pathogenesis of Barrett's oesophagus; differences in the biology of oesophageal squamous carcinoma and adenocarcinoma, diagnostic and staging procedures, as well as treatment options for patients with different stages of oesophageal cancer, with an emphasis on clinical practice guidelines.
As a rare example of such teaching material, this E-Learning module combines the recommendations from the ESMO clinical practice guidelines in this disease, together with the statements from Pan-Asian adapted ESMO guidelines, giving practice components relevant to the Asian colleagues as well as addressing the topics from a Western medicine perspective.
The author describes different issues in a didactic way and summarises the evidence from the clinical studies supporting the management of oesophageal cancer by elaborating the rules for the treatment of early and locally advanced stages and management of advanced disease.
This module highlights the advantages of a multidisciplinary approach and the necessity for collaboration, especially in the setting of locally advanced disease. Aspects from different medical disciplines important for diagnosis, staging and management, are presented and an emphasis is put on frequently neglected areas, such as nutrition support and prehabilitation.
This E-learning module provides very useful, sophisticated material supported by evidence from the published literature, illustrations and figures to enhance the understanding and knowledge in areas which are important for the optimal care of patients with oesophageal cancer.
Besides covering the current evidence and practice approaches, the author opens up the perspective for precision medicine and immunotherapy by summarising findings from recent studies.
