Gastroesophageal junction and gastroesophageal junction carcinoma : a short update

Cancer of the gastroesophageal junction (GEJ), although rare, is now considered a separate entity with a distinct pathophysiological and molecular profile. Although much progress has been made over the past decades in delineating the multiple environmental and genetic pathways involved GEJ carcinoma, the exact molecular mechanisms underlying disease initiation and progression are still poorly understood. This is of paramount importance for the treating physician as the disease bears a poor therapeutic response. This review defines the GEJ and types of GEJ carcinoma, and provides useful insight in its pathophysiology. Future aspects include better understanding of GEJ oncogenesis, early detection of precursor lesions, the use of biomarkers and targeted therapy (through molecular profiling) so as to increase overall survival. (Acta gastroenterol. belg., 2016, 79, 471-479).