Chemoprevention in Barrett's Esophagus: An Updated Review

Barrett's esophagus is a premalignant condition that significantly increases the risk of esophageal Adenocarcinoma (EAC), a rapidly rising cancer in developed countries. Given the limitations of surveillance in preventing EAC-related mortality, chemoprevention has emerged as a potential strategy to reduce disease progression. Proton pump inhibitors are the cornerstone of chemoprevention, reducing acid reflux, and inflammation, with studies like the Aspirin and Esomeprazole Chemoprevention in Barrett's metaplasia trial suggesting added benefits when combined with aspirin. nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs, particularly aspirin, inhibit COX-2, a key enzyme in carcinogenesis, showing promise in reducing EAC risk despite concerns about gastrointestinal bleeding.