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Updated: Jun 16, 2026
08:54
An Immunofluorescent Method for Characterization of Barrett’s Esophagus Cells
Published on: July 20, 2014
Treatment for Barrett's oesophagus
Jonathan Re Rees1, Pierre Lao-Sirieix, Angela Wong
1MRC Cancer Cell Unit, Hutchison/MRC Research Centre, Hills Road, Cambridge, UK, CB22 2XZ.
The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
|January 22, 2010
Summary
Endoscopic therapies like radiofrequency ablation (RFA) can eradicate Barrett's oesophagus and dysplasia, potentially preventing cancer. However, long-term data and further trials are needed to confirm RFA's efficacy and safety for routine clinical use.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Oncology
- Endoscopic Therapeutics
Background:
- Barrett's oesophagus is a precursor to esophageal adenocarcinoma.
- Current treatments exist, but their effectiveness in preventing cancer and eradicating Barrett's oesophagus is unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the efficacy of pharmacological, surgical, and endoscopic treatments for Barrett's oesophagus.
- To assess the prevention of progression to adenocarcinoma.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs).
- Searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, and EMBASE databases.
- Primary outcomes: eradication of Barrett's and dysplasia, cancer progression at 5 years.
Main Results:
- 16 studies with 1074 patients were included; most studies had small sample sizes.
- Medical and surgical treatments did not significantly eradicate Barrett's oesophagus or dysplasia.
- Endoscopic therapies (PDT, APC, RFA) showed regression of Barrett's and dysplasia.
- RFA demonstrated high eradication rates (82% for Barrett's, 94% for dysplasia) with fewer complications than PDT.
Conclusions:
- RFA is effective in eradicating Barrett's oesophagus and dysplasia with a favorable safety profile compared to PDT.
- Long-term data and further RCTs are necessary to establish RFA in routine clinical practice and confirm cancer risk reduction.
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