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Recent Advances in Screening for Barrett's Esophagus
Sarmed S Sami1, Prasad G Iyer2
1Barrett's Esophagus Unit, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, 200 1st St SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA.
Current Treatment Options in Gastroenterology
|January 14, 2018
Summary
Screening for Barrett's esophagus (BE) is crucial for preventing esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC). Promising biotechnological advances like the capsule sponge show potential for feasible and accurate BE detection, though further validation is needed.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Oncology
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) incidence and mortality are rising.
- Barrett's esophagus (BE) is the sole known precursor to EAC.
- Effective screening strategies for BE are urgently needed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the rationale for BE screening.
- To explore recent biotechnological advances for BE screening feasibility.
- To highlight challenges in implementing BE screening.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on BE screening.
- Evaluation of emerging biotechnologies for BE detection.
- Analysis of risk prediction models and imaging techniques.
Main Results:
- Portable transnasal endoscopy offers immediate diagnosis but requires larger population studies.
- The capsule sponge shows promising feasibility, accuracy, and cost-effectiveness.
- Several risk prediction scores exist with variable accuracy; further validation is necessary.
Conclusions:
- Minimally invasive and non-invasive techniques show promise for BE screening.
- Further validation of risk assessment models in diverse populations is essential.
- Defining clear cut-offs for screening recommendations is a critical next step.