Screening and Surveillance of Barrett Esophagus Might Not Be Justifiable

A large, population-based study adds to a growing body of evidence that the incidence of cancer or dysplasia in patients with BE is lower than previously suggested.

Barrett esophagus (BE) is a precancerous condition, and endoscopic biopsies to screen for high-grade dysplasia (HGD) or esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) are recommended based on previously reported incidence rates of HGD and EAC of 0.5% and 0.9%, respectively. However, recent study findings suggest that incidence rates are lower than previously reported, thereby questioning the need for surveillance.

To estimate the incidence of HGD or EAC in patients with BE in a population-based cohort, researchers analyzed data from pathology and cancer registries on 11,028 patients in Denmark who had been diagnosed with BE through endoscopic biopsy. Patients were excluded from the analysis if HGD or EAC was identified at the index exam or if EAC was diagn…

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