Endoscopic removal of precancerous cells in patients with confirmed, high-risk Barrett's esophagus is recommended over surveillance, according to a medical position statement by the American Gastroenterological Institute.
The AGA recommends endoscopic eradication therapy with radiofrequency ablation, photodynamic therapy or endoscopic mucosal resection, as follows for various patient groups:
• Patients with confirmed high-grade dysplasia (advanced precancerous cells): endoscopic eradication therapy is recommended.
• Patients with confirmed low-grade dysplasia (beginning precancerous cells): endoscopic eradication therapy is a treatment option and should be discussed with patients as such.
• Patients with Barrett's esophagus without abnormal cells: endoscopic eradication therapy is not recommended.
If eradication therapy is not indicated, is not available or is declined by a patient with Barrett's esophagus, surveillance by endoscopy should be performed every three months in patients with high-grade dysplasia; every six to 12 months in patients with low-grade dysplasia; and every three to five years in patients with no dysplasia.
Read the AGA news release about endoscopic removal of pre-cancerous cells in patients with high-risk Barrett's esophagus.
Read other coverage about Barrett's esophagus:
- Light and Sensors Can Help Detect Esophageal Cancer
- RFA and Endoscopy Treatment May Prevent Barrett's Esophagus Patients From Surgery
- GI Studies Focus on Barrett's Esophagus, Endoscopic Ultrasound
The AGA recommends endoscopic eradication therapy with radiofrequency ablation, photodynamic therapy or endoscopic mucosal resection, as follows for various patient groups:
• Patients with confirmed high-grade dysplasia (advanced precancerous cells): endoscopic eradication therapy is recommended.
• Patients with confirmed low-grade dysplasia (beginning precancerous cells): endoscopic eradication therapy is a treatment option and should be discussed with patients as such.
• Patients with Barrett's esophagus without abnormal cells: endoscopic eradication therapy is not recommended.
If eradication therapy is not indicated, is not available or is declined by a patient with Barrett's esophagus, surveillance by endoscopy should be performed every three months in patients with high-grade dysplasia; every six to 12 months in patients with low-grade dysplasia; and every three to five years in patients with no dysplasia.
Read the AGA news release about endoscopic removal of pre-cancerous cells in patients with high-risk Barrett's esophagus.
Read other coverage about Barrett's esophagus:
- Light and Sensors Can Help Detect Esophageal Cancer
- RFA and Endoscopy Treatment May Prevent Barrett's Esophagus Patients From Surgery
- GI Studies Focus on Barrett's Esophagus, Endoscopic Ultrasound