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Highlights from this issue

Luminal GI Alcohol intake and oesophageal cancer Oesophageal squamous cell cancer (OSCC), oesophageal adenocarcinoma (OA) and oesophago-gastric junction adenocarcinoma (OGJA) are leading causes of death worldwide. While alcohol is an established cause of OSCC, its relationship to the other two subtypes is still unclear. In this landmark multi-national study, Freedman et al provide definitive answers. Pooling data from nine case control studies and two cohort studies of the Barrett’s Oesophagus and Oesophageal Adenocarcinoma Consortium (BEACON), they were able to examine 1016 OSCC, 1821 OA, 1837 OGJA cases and 10 854 controls. Heavy alcohol consumption (seven or more drinks per day) was not associated with increased risk of OA or OGJA. Modest alcohol consumption appeared to be associated with reduced risk for both types of cancer. In contrast, alcohol intake was strongly associated with increased risk of OSCC (OR for $7 drinks per day 9.62, 95% CI 4.26 to 21.71). The findings highlight the difference in aetiology between the subtypes of oesophageal cancer and will aid clinicians in offering appropriate advice about the causes of cancer to their patients (see page 1029).