Good Results with Ablation of Barrett Esophagus with Low-Grade Dysplasia

A 25% lower progression rate to high-grade dysplasia or adenocarcinoma with RFA halted a small, novel trial.

For high-grade dysplasia and intramucosal esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC), endoscopic resection of visible lesions followed by radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of Barrett esophagus (BE) has emerged as a new standard of care. For low-grade dysplasia, the data have been less clear.

The current industry-funded study is the first to evaluate the effect of RFA specifically in patients with BE with low-grade dysplasia. Investigators randomized 136 patients from multiple centers in Europe to receive RFA or endoscopic surveillance. Low-grade dysplasia was confirmed by an independent expert pathologist. Ablation was conducted every 3 months until endoscopic and histologic eradication was achieved.

Progression to high-grade dysplasia or EAC occurred in 1 …

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