Detecting Early Esophageal Cancer and Pre-Cancer in Barretts Esophagus Using Advanced Endoscopy Techniques

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying Barretts Esophagus BE, a condition caused by chronic acid reflux that increases the risk of esophageal cancer. This study evaluates advanced endoscopic techniques such as high resolution endoscopy HRE, narrow band imaging NBI, and chromoendoscopy to improve the detection of early neoplastic changes in BE. The study also aims to develop a video atlas and classification system to help recognize these changes and assess their accuracy and agreement among observers. The study involves performing standard endoscopy followed by HRE, NBI, and chromoendoscopy on patients with BE. Abnormal lesions identified during endoscopy will be removed using endoscopic mucosal resection EMR or mucosal ablation. Digital video recordings of these procedures will be collected for analysis. This is part of a multicenter study with patients recruited from various locations. Patients will also complete questionnaires about their reflux symptoms and medication use. Participants will undergo physical exams, complete questionnaires, and have their endoscopic procedures recorded and analyzed. Researchers will track the detection rates of early esophageal cancer or precancerous lesions and review pathologic and clinical outcomes including any complications from EMR or ablation. The study will also assess agreement between observers using the video atlas and classification system. Participation may last several years, with ongoing monitoring of outcomes from 2007 through 2016.

Barrett's Esophagus Related Neoplasia (BERN) Project