Retrospective cohort study of association of esophageal Candida infection and esophageal cancer risk in achalasia patients

Patients with achalasia face an increased risk of developing esophageal cancer. A retrospective cohort study at Erasmus Medical Center (Rotterdam, The Netherlands) evaluated the association of esophageal Candida infection with risk of esophageal cancer among patients with achalasia. In this study of 234 patients with achalasia, esophageal candidiasis was identified in 12% of patients. Prior esophageal Candida infection was associated with an increased esophageal cancer risk among these patients. The authors conclude that these findings highlight a need for improved reporting on esophageal Candida infection during monitoring of patients with achalasia, whereas regular surveillance endoscopy should be considered for patients with achalasia and Candida infection.