Clinical features of superficial esophagus squamous cell carcinoma according to alcohol-degrading enzyme ADH1B and ALDH2 genotypes

Background Inactivated alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) and aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) are related to esophageal carcinogenesis. We aimed to clarify the clinical features associated with the alcohol-degrading enzyme genotypes, ADH1B and ALDH2 . We also investigated the risk factors for metachronous esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and head and neck SCC (HNSCC). Methods We conducted a single-center, retrospective study including patients with ESCC treated by endoscopic resection. Patients were recruited between October 2020 and September 2021. Buccal mucosal swabs were obtained from them to analyze the genetic polymorphisms affecting ADH ( ADH1B ) and ALDH ( ALDH2 ) activity. Patients were categorized into three groups: both inactivated = double-inactivated group; inactivated ADH1B or ALDH2 = single-inactivated group; and both activated = activated group. Results Among the 297 enrolled patients, patients in the double-inactivated group were significantly younger ( P