Research Report
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World J Med Genet. May 27, 2014; 4(2): 39-45
Published online May 27, 2014. doi: 10.5496/wjmg.v4.i2.39
Earlier onset and multiple primaries in familial as opposed to sporadic esophageal cancer
Xiao-Duo Wen, Deng-Gui Wen, Yi Yang, Bao-En Shan, Shi-Jie Wang
Xiao-Duo Wen, Yi Yang, Department of Diagnosis and Image, 4th Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050011, Hebei Province, China
Deng-Gui Wen, Bao-En Shan, Shi-Jie Wang, Cancer Center, 4th Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050011, Hebei Province, China
Author contributions: Wen XD and Wen DG performed data collection, analysis, and drafting the manuscript; Yang Y, Shan BE and Wang SJ established the cohort and designed the study.
Correspondence to: Dr. Shi-Jie Wang, MD, Cancer Center, 4th Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Jiankanglu 12, Shijiazhuang 050011, Hebei Province, China. wshjw136@aliyun.com
Telephone: +86-311-86095337 Fax: +86-311-86077634
Received: July 30, 2013
Revised: October 17, 2013
Accepted: November 15, 2013
Published online: May 27, 2014
Core Tip

Core tip: Patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and a positive family history had a significantly younger onset age and more multiple primary cancers than those without a positive family history (51.83 ± 8.39 vs 53.49 ± 8.23 years old, P = 0.000; 5.50% vs 1.70%, P = 0.000). Both of these differences were evident in sub-group analyses, however, no correlations were observed. While age at onset differed significantly by family history in males, smokers, and drinkers, the difference in multiple primary cancers by family history was significant in nonsmoking, nondrinking, and younger onset patients. These results suggest a genetic component in ESCC. Furthermore, a younger onset age may be due to the interaction of genetic predisposition and environmental hazards, and multiple primary cancers may only be due to genetic predisposition.