A minimally invasive endoscopic procedure may be as effective as esophagectomy for early stage, superficial esophageal cancer, according to new research from the Mayo Clinic in Florida.
The endoscopic therapy showed similar long-term survival rates as those for the procedure that takes out and rebuilds the esophagus.
Researchers looked at 1,619 patients with early-stage adenocarcinoma from 1998 to 2009, of which 19 percent had endoscopic therapy and 81 percent had surgery. They found similar survival rates, as well as a 3 percent increase in the use of endoscopic therapy, especially in older patients.
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The endoscopic therapy showed similar long-term survival rates as those for the procedure that takes out and rebuilds the esophagus.
Researchers looked at 1,619 patients with early-stage adenocarcinoma from 1998 to 2009, of which 19 percent had endoscopic therapy and 81 percent had surgery. They found similar survival rates, as well as a 3 percent increase in the use of endoscopic therapy, especially in older patients.
More Articles on Gastroenterology:
'Free' Colonoscopy Requirement Still Confusing, Up for Interpretation
Salix Pharmaceuticals Buys Santarus for $32 Per Share
6 Vital Points on Gastroenterology Patient Engagement & Satisfaction From Dr. Gilbert Simoni