Epithelial Cell Sheet for Esophageal Regeneration

• This cell sheet was developed for the promotion of wound healing and the prevention of inflammation and esophageal stricture*after resection of cancer cells from the esophageal mucosa. Clinical research conducted at Tokyo Women’s Medical University has shown positive results for the promotion of wound healing, the control of an inflammatory reaction and the prevention of esophageal stricture.

  * Esophageal Stricture: partial narrowing of the esophagus caused by cancer or ulcer scars, presenting with such symptoms as difficulty swallowing food and vomiting.

Product Concept and Features

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• Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection (ESD) is presently used to treat superficial esophageal cancer by removing disease-affected areas endoscopically. Although ESD decreases the physical burden, ulceration and strictures often occur in the treated area after ESD. Balloon dilation is used to widen stricture of the esophagus, but such a procedure is painful to the patient. The procedure also has to be repeated every time stricture occurs, which may happen frequently, thus decreasing the patient’s QOL. To address such issues involved in superficial esophageal cancer therapy, Tokyo Women’s Medical University developed treatment with cell sheets. Tissue is collected from the patient’s own mouth (oral mucosa tissue) to create cell sheets that are transplanted back onto the treated area. Not only does this promote healing of the area affected by cancer, but it can also control the frequency of esophageal strictures, thereby reducing the postoperative physical burden.

Current Status of Epithelial Sheets for Esophageal Regeneration in Japan