ISDE News

As part of ongoing efforts to raise awareness for Esophageal Cancer, a recent educational webinar brought together leading international experts to discuss the evolving landscape of esophageal cancer, with a strong focus on awareness, early detection, multidisciplinary management, and advances in treatment. The session emphasized how collaboration across specialties—and across borders—will be essential to improving outcomes for patients worldwide. 

 Dr. Ania Lipowska of the University of Illinois (United States) opened the program with a presentation on patient awareness, provider education, and epidemiologic trends in esophageal cancer. She highlighted the concerning delays many patients experience before seeking medical attention, often because symptoms such as dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) are not widely recognized by the public as a potential warning sign of cancer. Dr. Lipowska reviewed current screening paradigms and their limitations, particularly their inability to consistently identify younger patients or individuals without chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). She called for broader public education campaigns, stronger collaboration with primary care providers, lower referral thresholds for concerning symptoms, and policy initiatives to improve screening access, reimbursement, and healthcare infrastructure.

Dr. Anthony Gamboa of Vanderbilt University Medical Center (United States) then addressed screening, early detection, quality endoscopy, and endoscopic treatment of early malignancy. His presentation focused on Barrett’s esophagus as a key precancerous condition associated with esophageal adenocarcinoma. Dr. Gamboa reviewed current screening approaches, including high-quality endoscopic protocols and emerging non-endoscopic technologies designed to expand access and improve early diagnosis. He also outlined treatment strategies for dysplastic Barrett’s esophagus, including radiofrequency ablation and cryotherapy. For early esophageal cancer, he compared endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) and endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD), noting that ESD is often preferred for larger or more complex lesions due to its ability to achieve en bloc resection.

The webinar also featured a multidisciplinary discussion on staging and treatment planning for esophageal cancer. Dr. Michael Gibson of Vanderbilt University Medical Center (United States) explained the role of medical oncology in managing locally advanced disease, emphasizing that combining systemic therapy with surgery has significantly improved curative outcomes. The discussion reinforced the importance of coordinated care pathways involving gastroenterology, oncology, radiology, pathology, and surgery to optimize patient management.

Dr. Sabita Jiwnani of Tata Memorial Centre (India) concluded the clinical presentations with an overview of surgical management. She discussed the decision-making process for selecting operative candidates and highlighted the growing benefits of minimally invasive esophagectomy when performed in experienced centers. Her remarks underscored the importance of patient selection, institutional expertise, and multidisciplinary planning in achieving the best surgical outcomes. 

Looking ahead, panelists agreed that the next five years are likely to bring meaningful progress through computer-aided detection systems, non-endoscopic screening tools, and increasingly personalized oncology therapies. These innovations, combined with stronger awareness efforts and integrated care models, have the potential to transform the future of esophageal cancer management worldwide. 

The session concluded with an invitation to continue the conversation at the upcoming ISDE World Congress in Kyoto, Japan.

The International Society for Diseases of the Esophagus (ISDE) was proud to host the inaugural ISDE India Edition 2026 in Hyderabad, India, on April 10–11, marking the first time an ISDE meeting has been held in the country. The landmark event brought together more than 150 specialists and clinicians from around the world to advance collaboration and share the latest developments in the treatment and research of esophageal cancer.  

Held in partnership with the Basavatarakam Indo-American Cancer Hospital & Research Institute (BIACH&RI), the conference highlighted India’s growing leadership in oncology, innovation, and surgical excellence. The meeting also coincided with the hospital’s Silver Jubilee celebrations, recognizing 25 years of dedication to cancer care, research, and education.  

The conference was inaugurated by Nandamuri Balakrishna, who described the occasion as a historic milestone for both India and the global esophageal disease community. ISDE President Lorenzo Ferri welcomed delegates and emphasized the importance of international cooperation in improving outcomes for patients facing one of the world’s most aggressive malignancies.  

Faculty from Canada, Japan, Singapore, Australia, United States and across India presented on key topics including minimally invasive and robotic esophagectomy, organ-preserving endoscopic therapies, multimodal treatment strategies, and translational research aimed at more precise and personalized care. ISDE was represented by: 

• Lorenzo Ferri, Montreal General Hospital, Canada  
• Ken Kato, National Cancer Center Hospital, Japan  
• Steven Lin, MD Anderson Cancer Center, USA  
• Hiroyuki Daiko, National Cancer Center Hospital, Japan  
• Edward Cheong, Panasia Surgery, Singapore 
• Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Australia 

The success of ISDE India Edition 2026 reflects the Society’s commitment to expanding global engagement, fostering regional collaboration, and improving care for patients with esophageal diseases worldwide. 

ISDE extends its sincere thanks to the organizing committee, faculty, delegates, and our hosts at BIACH&RI for making this inaugural India meeting such an outstanding success. 

Organising Committee 

• T. Subramanveshwar Rao, Basavatarakam Indo-American Cancer Hospital & Research Institute, India 
• C.S. Pramesh, Tata Memorial Hospital, India 
• Senthil Rajappa, Basavatarakam Indo-American Cancer Hospital & Research Institute, India 
• Sujit Patnaik, Basavatarakam Indo-American Cancer Hospital & Research Institute, India 
• Srijan Shukla, Basavatarakam Indo-American Cancer Hospital & Research Institute, India 
• Sabita Jiwnani, Tata Memorial Hospital, India 

                   

Read More  

Shri Nandamuri Balakrishna inaugurates the prestigious ISDE India Edition 2026, on Esophageal Cancer, being held for the first time in India (Business News This Week) 

Basavatarakam Indo-American Cancer Hospital & Research Institute  
LinkedIn 

In Memoriam: Professor Mario Costantini

The International Society for Diseases of the Esophagus (ISDE) and the European Society for Diseases of the Esophagus (ESDE) share with great sadness the passing of Professor Mario Costantini on April 9.

Professor Costantini was a highly respected leader in both the national and international surgical communities. He was widely recognized for his exceptional contributions to research, clinical practice, and the education and mentorship of generations of surgeons and physicians. His work played a pivotal role in advancing the understanding and management of functional esophageal disorders and rare gastrointestinal diseases.

A distinguished alumnus of the Esophageal Surgery group at the University of Padova, Professor Costantini further developed his expertise during a formative fellowship in the United States under Professor Tom DeMeester at the University of Southern California, Los Angeles. He remained deeply engaged in the global community, including his role on the organizing committee of the ISDE World Congress in Venice in 2012.

He will be remembered not only for his scientific and clinical achievements but also for his integrity, generosity, and commitment to advancing the field.

ISDE and ESDE extend their heartfelt condolences to his wife, Donatella, his son, Andrea who continues his father’s legacy in medicine and to his colleagues, friends, and all those whose lives he touched.

ISDE has released a new guideline on the management of clinically staged cT2N0M0 esophageal cancer, an area where treatment decisions have often lacked clear direction.

Following a systematic review and expert panel process using the GRADE methodology, the guideline gives a conditional recommendation for neoadjuvant therapy followed by surgery over primary surgical resection for most adult patients.

The guideline also notes that surgery alone may remain appropriate for selected patients, particularly those unable to tolerate neoadjuvant treatment or those at low risk of lymph node metastasis.

This new guidance is intended to support multidisciplinary teams and patients in making evidence-based treatment decisions.

ISDE also recognizes the outstanding work of the ISDE Guidelines Committee chaired by Bas Wijnhoven (Erasmus MC - University Medical Center Rotterdam, The Netherlands) and Ewen Griffiths (Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, UK). Members of this committee continue to assess emerging evidence and develop important guidelines and consensus statements that advance global standards in esophageal disease care.

On March 25, 2026, International Society for Diseases of the Esophagus hosted an expert-led webinar exploring the evolving role of lymphadenectomy in esophageal cancer management, bringing together leading surgeons from across Asia and Europe.

The session highlighted regional variations in surgical practice and emphasized the ongoing need for high-quality data to inform optimal approaches.

• Dr. C.S. Pramesh (India) shared insights from Tata Memorial Center, outlining current practices and underscoring gaps in long-term outcomes data.
• Dr. Suzanne Gisbertz (Europe) presented findings from a systematic review and survey, illustrating variability in lymphadenectomy techniques across European centers.
• Dr. Hiroya Takeuchi (Japan) detailed the Eastern approach, focusing on technical precision and advancements in minimally invasive and robotic-assisted surgery.
• Dr. Subramanyeshwar Rao Thammineedi (India) addressed the complexities of lymphadenectomy in salvage esophageal cancer, including operative challenges following prior treatments.

The webinar concluded with an engaging Q&A session, where participants discussed key clinical considerations such as extent of dissection, management of recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy, and thoracic duct preservation.

Missed the session or want to revisit key insights?
Explore this webinar and more in the ISDE Video Library.

Welcome & Context Setting: 2 Field vs 3 Field Lymphadenectomy - CS Pramesh

Lymphadenectomy in Esophageal Cancer – European Perspective – Suzanne Gisbertz

Lymphadenectomy in Esophageal Cancer – Eastern Perspective – Hiroya Takeuchi

Lymphadenectomy in Salvage Esophagectomy + Q&A – T.S. Rao and Panel

We are pleased to announce the call for applications for the 2026 Young ISDE Research Dragon's Den, to be held during the 22nd ISDE World Congress in Kyoto, Japan on September 16, 2026.

Hosted by the Young ISDE Committee, the Research Dragon’s Den is designed to support early- and mid-career investigators by providing a unique opportunity to pitch innovative, multicenter research ideas to an international panel of expert reviewers. Selected applicants will present their projects live and receive constructive feedback aimed at strengthening scientific rigor, feasibility, and impact. 

The winning project will receive a dedicated incentive package, including: 

• Complimentary registration for the 2027 ISDE World Congress 
• USD $2,500 in travel support to attend the Congress in Utrecht, The Netherlands (September 21–23, 2027) 
• Visibility and promotion through ISDE’s international networks 
• Support in establishing multicenter and international collaborations 

Key dates include: 

• Call opens: January 26, 2026 
• Application deadline: March 18, 2026 
• Notification of acceptance: April 8, 2026 

Applications are open to ISDE Individual Members who are early- to mid-career researchers, with a strong emphasis on international, multidisciplinary, and collaborative research projects. 

We encourage eligible members to take advantage of this opportunity to advance their research, build global collaborations, and contribute to the future of esophageal science. 

Full application details and submission instructions are available online. 

As President of both the International Society for Diseases of the Esophagus (ISDE) and the International Society for Digestive Surgery (ISDS), I am very pleased to personally highlight an important collaborative session taking place at International Surgical Week (ISW) 2026, from 19–23 April 2026 in Mexico City.

One of the great strengths of our societies is the shared commitment to advancing high-quality, evidence-based care for patients with esophageal and upper gastrointestinal disease. That commitment is reflected in our joint session, “Updates in Upper GI Surgery,” co-sponsored by ISDE and ISDS.

This session brings together several outstanding colleagues and leaders in the field, many of whom are long-standing and active members of ISDE. The programme has been designed to be concise, practical, and clinically relevant, with focused presentations followed by discussion to encourage interaction and exchange of perspectives.

Updates in Upper GI Surgery (ISDE–ISDS Joint Session)

• Current Paradigm in Management of Locally Advanced Esophageal Cancer - Lorenzo Ferri (Canada)

• T4B Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Practical Approaches to Borderline Resectable Disease - Hirotoshi Kukichi (Japan)

• Modern Management of Gastro-Esophageal Junctional Cancers: Multimodal Therapy and Surgical Approach - Suzanne Gisbertz (The Netherlands)

• Limited Metastases from Gastro-Esophageal Cancer: A Surgical Disease? - Sheraz Markar (United Kingdom)

• Optimising Peri-operative Outcomes for the Esophageal Cancer Patient - Wayne Hofstetter (United States)

It is a pleasure to see so many respected ISDE members contributing to this session, alongside international colleagues, and I believe it will be of great value to surgeons, trainees, and multidisciplinary teams involved in upper GI cancer care.

I warmly encourage ISDE members who are planning to attend International Surgical Week 2026 to join us for this session, support this collaboration, and take part in what I expect will be a lively and informative discussion.

I look forward to seeing many of you in Mexico City.

Lorenzo Ferri
President, International Society for Diseases of the Esophagus

The International Society for Diseases of the Esophagus (ISDE) is delighted to announce that Montreal, Canada, has been selected as the host city for the 2028 ISDE World Congress, to be held September 4–7, 2028. 

The ISDE World Congress is the Society’s flagship scientific meeting, bringing together clinicians, surgeons, researchers, and allied health professionals from around the world to advance the prevention, diagnosis, and management of esophageal diseases. Montreal was selected following a competitive bidding process, recognizing its strong academic and clinical community, international connectivity, and reputation as a world-class conference destination. 

With its unique blend of North American energy and European charm, Montreal offers an inspiring environment for scientific exchange, interdisciplinary collaboration, and networking. The 2028 Congress will feature a comprehensive scientific program, cutting-edge research, and opportunities to engage with global leaders in the field. 

ISDE looks forward to welcoming the international esophageal community to Montreal in 2028. Additional information regarding the Congress theme, program highlights, and registration will be announced in the coming years. 

For more information visit isde-congress.net  

The Diseases of the Esophagus Journal is pleased to announce two new article types now being accepted by the Diseases of the Esophagus Journal — designed to broaden opportunities for authors and highlight valuable contributions to the esophageal community. 

Lessons Learned 

Share your unique perspective on a technique, disease entity, proposed classification system, or training pathway. These brief commentaries (up to 2,000 words) offer practical insights and experiences that can benefit the esophageal community, particularly early-career physicians and clinicians seeking to expand their expertise. 

Research Tools and Protocols 

Highlight validated questionnaires, data collection instruments, or multicenter research protocols that foster collaboration and advance multidisciplinary esophageal research. 

Both article types allow: 

• Up to 2,000 words and 6 references 
• 1 figure or table 
• An unstructured abstract of up to 250 words 

View Current Articles in Lessons Learned

We invite you to submit your work and help strengthen knowledge-sharing across our global community.

Learn More & Submit Your Manuscript

The International Society for Diseases of the Esophagus (ISDE) is pleased to announce Dr. Adam Frankel of the Princess Alexandra Hospital Clinical School, Australia, as the winner of the 2025 Young ISDE Sharks Tank, held during the ISDE World Congress in Brisbane. His winning proposal, “Minimum Dataset for Surgical Management of Gastro-Oesophageal Reflux Disease,” aims to establish a standardized data collection framework to improve clinical practice, streamline research, and support global collaboration in the surgical management of GERD.

The Young ISDE Sharks Tank—formerly the Dragon’s Den—is designed to empower early-career clinicians and researchers by providing a platform to present innovative research ideas to senior experts. The competition continues to highlight the next generation of leaders advancing esophageal science and care.

2025 Finalist Proposals

This year’s competition featured five high-quality and forward-thinking proposals:

1. Minimum Dataset for Surgical Management of Gastro-Oesophageal Reflux Disease – Adam Frankel, Princess Alexandra Hospital Clinical School, Australia
2. Oligometastatic Disease for Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma – Motoo Nomura, Kyoto University Hospital, Japan
3. Neoadjuvant Chemoradiotherapy vs. Perioperative Chemotherapy for Gastro-Esophageal Cancer: An International Multidisciplinary Delphi Consensus Study – Hidde Overtoom, Amsterdam UMC, Netherlands
4. Deep-IO-Eso: A Deep Learning Model for Predicting Pathological Response to Neoadjuvant Immuno-Chemotherapy in Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Using Pre- and Post-Treatment H&E Images – Chunji Chen, Shanghai Chest Hospital, China
5. A Prospective Randomised Study Comparing Prophylactic Endolumenal Vacuum Therapy with a Sponge vs. Prophylactic Endolumenal Vacuum Therapy with a Fenestrated Drain for Oesophageal Anastomoses – Scott Whiting, Townsville University Hospital, Queensland Health, Australia

Sharks Panel 2025

The expert Sharks who evaluated the proposals this year included Yin-Kai Chao (Taiwan), Daniela Molena (USA), Anh Nguyen (USA), and Kongjia Luo (China).

The judges commended all finalists for their creativity, scientific rigor, and commitment to advancing patient care.

About the Winning Proposal

Dr. Frankel’s proposal stood out for its clarity, feasibility, and potential global utility. Establishing a minimum dataset for GERD surgery will help harmonize outcomes reporting, enable more robust multicenter studies, and support the development of evidence-based guidelines.

ISDE congratulates Dr. Frankel and extends appreciation to all finalists for contributing to another outstanding edition of the Young ISDE Sharks Tank. Learn more about the program at the ISDE research projects page.