Radiofrequency Ablation for Dysplastic Barrett Esophagus: Do Results Last?

An ongoing trial suggests long-term effectiveness of the procedure, although further evidence might be needed for treatment of low-grade dysplasia.

Although Barrett esophagus (BE) is typically a metaplasia of the epithelium, it can progress to low-grade dysplasia (LGD), high-grade dysplasia (HGD), and cancer. For patients with HGD or early esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC), radiofrequency ablation (RFA) has emerged as an alternative treatment to radical esophagectomy. However, for RFA to be effective, its results must be durable for eradication of both dysplasia and the predisposing metaplasia. One-year outcomes of an industry-sponsored, multicenter trial showed that RFA completely eradicated dysplasia in 91% and 81% of patients with HGD and LGD, respectively, and eradicated intestinal metaplasia in 77% of all patients (JW Gastroenterol May 27 2009). Now, extended follow-up results of th…

Reviewing Author

David A. Johnson, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory boardMedscape/WebMD; Pfizer; CRH Medical Corporation; Aries

EquityCRH Medical Corporation

Editorial boardsMedscape Gastroenterology

Leadership positions in professional societiesAmerican College of Gastroenterology Research Institute Board of Directors

David A. Johnson, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory boardMedscape/WebMD; Pfizer; CRH Medical Corporation; Aries

EquityCRH Medical Corporation

Editorial boardsMedscape Gastroenterology

Leadership positions in professional societiesAmerican College of Gastroenterology Research Institute Board of Directors

Radiofrequency Ablation for Dysplastic Barrett Esophagus: Do Results Last?

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Reviewing Author