Practice guidelines on the diagnosis, surveillance, and therapy of Barrett's esophagus. The Practice Parameters Committee of the American College of Gastroenterology

The use of a real-time computer-aided detection system for visible lesions in the Barrett's esophagus during live endoscopic procedures: a pilot study (video)

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

This pilot study evaluated the performance of a recently developed computer-aided detection (CADe) system for Barrett's neoplasia during live endoscopic procedures.

METHODS

Fifteen patients with a visible lesion and 15 without were included in this study. A CAD-assisted workflow was used that included a slow pullback video recording of the entire Barrett's segment with live CADe assistance, followed by CADe-assisted level-based video recordings every 2 cm of the Barrett's segment. Outcomes were per-patient and per-level diagnostic accuracy of the CAD-assisted workflow, in which the primary outcome was per-patient in vivo CADe sensitivity.

RESULTS

In the per-patient analyses, the CADe system detected all visible lesions (sensitivity 100%). Per-patient CADe specificity was 53%. Per-level sensitivity and specificity of the CADe assisted workflow were 100% and 73%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

In this pilot study, detection by the CADe system of all potentially neoplastic lesions in Barrett's esophagus was comparable to that of an expert endoscopist. Continued refinement of the system may improve specificity. External validation in larger multicenter studies is planned. (Clinical trial registration number: NCT05628441.).

Ensembled CNN with artificial bee colony optimization method for esophageal cancer stage classification using SVM classifier

BACKGROUND

Esophageal cancer (EC) is aggressive cancer with a high fatality rate and a rapid rise of the incidence globally. However, early diagnosis of EC remains a challenging task for clinicians.

OBJECTIVE

To help address and overcome this challenge, this study aims to develop and test a new computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) network that combines several machine learning models and optimization methods to detect EC and classify cancer stages.

METHODS

The study develops a new deep learning network for the classification of the various stages of EC and the premalignant stage, Barrett's Esophagus from endoscopic images. The proposed model uses a multi-convolution neural network (CNN) model combined with Xception, Mobilenetv2, GoogLeNet, and Darknet53 for feature extraction. The extracted features are blended and are then applied on to wrapper based Artificial Bee Colony (ABC) optimization technique to grade the most accurate and relevant attributes. A multi-class support vector machine (SVM) classifies the selected feature set into the various stages. A study dataset involving 523 Barrett's Esophagus images, 217 ESCC images and 288 EAC images is used to train the proposed network and test its classification performance.

RESULTS

The proposed network combining Xception, mobilenetv2, GoogLeNet, and Darknet53 outperforms all the existing methods with an overall classification accuracy of 97.76% using a 3-fold cross-validation method.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates that a new deep learning network that combines a multi-CNN model with ABC and a multi-SVM is more efficient than those with individual pre-trained networks for the EC analysis and stage classification.

Revisiting the Mucosa of the Gastric Cardia: A Scope to Modify an Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy

Introduction The mucosa in the cardiac region of the stomach has been less understood. Cardiac mucosa (CM) with less parietal and oxyntic cells has been defined as a normal mucosa. Studies have shown that CM can be the result of occult reflux. Oxyntic mucosa (OM) is normal, and it changes to CM with age. In advancing age, it is more common to find CM instead of OM and oxyntocardiac mucosa (OCM). This study is an attempt to examine the distribution of the three different types of mucosa in various age groups. Materials and methods The study was conducted in the Department of Anatomy and Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology of Gauhati Medical College, Guwahati, Assam, India, from 2017 to 2019. Once the stomach was opened, histological specimens were prepared, and the type of mucosa was observed and recorded. Then, the distribution of the types of mucosa in various age groups was analyzed. Results The distribution of mucosa varies significantly across different age groups, and CM increases with age. Conclusion Our present study suggests that CM frequency increases with age. This is in accordance with studies that suggest that CM is a result of occult reflux with age. This observation creates a scope to revise the approaches for upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy.

Prognostic Significance of Esophagogastric Junction Invasion in Patients with Adenocarcinoma of the Cardia or Subcardia

BACKGROUND

There has been no comparison of the prognoses of Korean patients who underwent curative surgery for cancer located at the cardia or subcardia of the stomach. We performed this comparison and further investigated the prognostic significance of esophagogastric junction (EGJ) invasion in patients.

METHODS

The medical records of patients (n = 511) who were diagnosed with cardia or subcardia cancer and underwent surgery between January 2010 and May 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were further categorized into four groups for analysis: subcardia gastric cancer (sGC; subcardia cancer without EGJ invasion; n = 97), AEG (adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction) type III (subcardia cancer with EGJ invasion, n = 54), AEG type II without EGJ invasion (n = 158), and AEG type II with EGJ invasion (n = 202). We compared the overall survival of the four groups using a gastric cancer staging system and evaluated the prognostic significance of EGJ invasion with multivariate analysis.

RESULTS

The median follow-up of patients was 46.0 months (range: 0-124 months). There was significant difference in overall survival curves among the four groups (p < 0.001). Subgroup analysis showed a significant difference in overall survival between the groups with and without EGJ invasion (p < 0.001). Cancers with EGJ invasion were more frequently in the cardia (p < 0.001), had a larger size (p < 0.001), and showed a more advanced pathologic stage (stages II and III; 67.6% versus 33.7%, p < 0.001) than those without EGJ invasion. EGJ invasion and the pathologic stage were significant independent prognostic factors of overall survival in cardia and subcardia cancer patients (hazard ratio 2.24, 95% confidence interval 1.32-3.81, p = 0.003).

CONCLUSION

The overall survival between patients with cardia or subcardia cancer was significantly different according to EGJ invasion. EGJ invasion was an independent prognostic factor and should be considered for staging. Additional research is needed to apply this feature to gastric and esophageal cancer classification.

Impact of expert center endoscopic assessment of confirmed low grade dysplasia in Barrett's esophagus diagnosed in community hospitals

BACKGROUND : The optimal management for patients with low grade dysplasia (LGD) in Barrett's esophagus (BE) is unclear. According to the Dutch national guideline, all patients with LGD with histological confirmation of the diagnosis by an expert pathologist (i. e. "confirmed LGD"), are referred for a dedicated re-staging endoscopy at an expert center. We aimed to assess the diagnostic value of re-staging endoscopy by an expert endoscopist for patients with confirmed LGD. METHODS : This retrospective cohort study included all patients with flat BE diagnosed in a community hospital who had confirmed LGD and were referred to one of the nine Barrett Expert Centers (BECs) in the Netherlands. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients with prevalent high grade dysplasia (HGD) or cancer during re-staging in a BEC. RESULTS : Of the 248 patients with confirmed LGD, re-staging in the BEC revealed HGD or cancer in 23 % (57/248). In 79 % (45/57), HGD or cancer in a newly detected visible lesion was diagnosed. Of the remaining patients, re-staging in the BEC showed a second diagnosis of confirmed LGD in 68 % (168/248), while the remaining 9 % (23/248) had nondysplastic BE. CONCLUSION : One quarter of patients with apparent flat BE with confirmed LGD diagnosed in a community hospital had prevalent HGD or cancer after re-staging at an expert center. This endorses the advice to refer patients with confirmed LGD, including in the absence of visible lesions, to an expert center for re-staging endoscopy.

A microRNA Signature Identifies Patients at Risk of Barrett Esophagus Progression to Dysplasia and Cancer

BACKGROUND

Progression of Barrett esophagus (BE) to esophageal adenocarcinoma occurs among a minority of BE patients. To date, BE behavior cannot be predicted on the basis of histologic features.

AIMS

We compared BE samples that did not develop dysplasia or carcinoma upon follow-up of ≥ 7 years (BE nonprogressed [BEN]) with BE samples that developed carcinoma upon follow-up of 3 to 4 years (BE progressed [BEP]).

METHODS

The NanoString nCounter miRNA assay was used to profile 24 biopsy samples of BE, including 13 BENs and 11 BEPs. Fifteen samples were randomly selected for miRNA prediction model training; nine were randomly selected for miRNA validation.

RESULTS

Unpaired t tests with Welch's correction were performed on 800 measured miRNAs to identify the most differentially expressed miRNAs for cases of BEN and BEP. The top 12 miRNAs (P < .003) were selected for principal component analyses: miR-1278, miR-1301, miR-1304-5p, miR-517b-3p, miR-584-5p, miR-599, miR-103a-3p, miR-1197, miR-1256, miR-509-3-5p, miR-544b, miR-802. The 12-miRNA signature was first self-validated on the training dataset, resulting in 7 out of the 7 BEP samples being classified as BEP (100% sensitivity) and 7 out of the 8 BEN samples being classified as BEN (87.5% specificity). Upon validation, 4 out of the 4 BEP samples were classified as BEP (100% sensitivity) and 4 out of the 5 BEN samples were classified as BEN (80% specificity). Twenty-four samples were evaluated, and 22 cases were correctly classified. Overall accuracy was 91.67%.

CONCLUSION

Using miRNA profiling, we have identified a 12-miRNA signature able to reliably differentiate cases of BEN from BEP.

Barrett's Esophagus: Diagnosis, Management, and Key Updates

Barrett's esophagus (BE) is the precursor lesion for esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) development. Unfortunately, BE screening/surveillance has not provided the anticipated EAC reduction benefit. Noninvasive techniques are increasingly available or undergoing testing to screen for BE among those with/without known risk factors, and the use of artificial intelligence platforms to aid endoscopic screening and surveillance will likely become routine, minimizing missed cases or lesions. Management of high-grade dysplasia and intramucosal EAC is clear with endoscopic eradication therapy preferred to surgery. BE with low-grade dysplasia can be managed with removal of visible lesions combined with endoscopic eradication therapy or endoscopic surveillance at present.

Predictors of recurrence of dysplasia or cancer in patients with dysplastic Barrett's esophagus following complete eradication of dysplasia: a single-center retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for Barrett's esophagus (BE)-related high-grade dysplasia (HGD) and early esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) are considered effective treatments for eradication of BE. Little is known about the impact of achieving complete eradication of intestinal metaplasia (CE-IM) following the complete eradication of neoplasia (CE-N), specifically if CE-IM reduces the risk of recurrent dysplasia.

METHODS

Retrospective cohort study of consecutive patients with BE and HGD or intramucosal cancer (IMC)-treated endoscopically at a tertiary referral center between 2001 and 2019. Association between CE-IM and recurrent dysplasia after CE-N was evaluated.

RESULTS

A total of 433 patients treated with EMR and/or RFA were included. Of these, 381 (88%) achieved CE-N, of which 345 (80%) had adequate follow-up for inclusion in the analysis. A total of 266 (77%) patients achieved CE-IM; with a median follow-up since initial treatment for HGD/IMC of 45.9 months (IQR 25.9, 93.1); 20 patients (5.8%) had recurrent dysplasia after achieving CE-N. Kaplan Meier survival curves revealed that time free of recurrence in those who achieved CE-IM was significantly higher (p = 0.002). In the multivariable analysis, CE-IM was associated with a significant lower hazard of recurrence (HR 0.2, 95% CI 0.1, 0.6), whereas the number of endoscopic treatments to achieve CE-N was associated with a significant higher hazard of recurrence (HR 1.1, 95% CI 1.0, 1.2).

CONCLUSION

Achieving CE-IM following CE-N reduces the risk of recurrent dysplasia and should be considered a treatment target among patients with BE undergoing endoscopic therapies for HGD or EAC.

Barrett's esophagus surveillance in a prospective Dutch multi-center community-based cohort of 985 patients demonstrates low risk of neoplastic progression

Background and Aims

Barrett's esophagus (BE) is accompanied by an increased risk of developing esophageal cancer. Accurate risk‐stratification is warranted to improve endoscopic surveillance. Most data available on risk factors is derived from tertiary care centers or from cohorts with limited surveillance time or surveillance quality. The aim of this study was to assess endoscopic and clinical risk factors for progression to high‐grade dysplasia (HGD) or esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) in a large prospective cohort of BE patients from community hospitals supported by an overarching infrastructure to ensure optimal surveillance quality.

Methods

A well‐defined prospective multicenter cohort study was initiated in six community hospitals in the Amsterdam region in 2003. BE patients were identified by PALGA search and included in a prospective surveillance program with a single endoscopist performing all endoscopies at each hospital. Planning and data collection was performed by experienced research nurses who attended all endoscopies. Endpoint was progression to HGD/EAC.

Results

Nine hundred eighty‐five patients were included for analysis. During median follow‐up of 7.9 years (IQR 4.1–12.5) 67 patients were diagnosed with HGD (n = 28) or EAC (n = 39), progression rate 0.78% per patient‐year. As a clinical risk factor age at time of endoscopy was associated with neoplastic progression (HR 1.05; 95% CI 1.03–1.08). Maximum Barrett length and low‐grade dysplasia (LGD) at baseline were endoscopic predictors of progression (HR 1.15; 95% CI 1.09–1.21 and HR 2.36; 95% CI 1.29–4.33).

Conclusion

Risk of progression to HGD/EAC in a large, prospective, community‐based Barrett's cohort was low. Barrett's length, LGD and age were important risk factors for progression.

(www.trialregister.nl NTR1789)

Neoplasia Detection Rate in Barrett's Esophagus and Its Impact on Missed Dysplasia: Results from a Large Population-Based Database

BACKGROUND & AIMS

It is a challenge to detect dysplasia in Barrett's esophagus (BE) and esophageal adenocarcinomas (EACs) are missed in 25%-33% of cases. The neoplasia detection rate (NDR), defined as the rate of high-grade dysplasia (HGD) or EAC detection during initial surveillance endoscopy, has been proposed as a quality metric for endoscopic evaluation of patients with BE. However, current estimates are from referral center cohorts, which might overestimate NDR. Effects on rates of missed dysplasia are also unknown. We analyzed data from a large cohort of patients with BE to estimate the NDR and factors associated with it, and assess the effects of the NDR on the rate of missed dysplasia.

METHODS

We analyzed data from 1066 patients in the Rochester Epidemiology Project-linked medical record system, a population-based cohort of patients with BE (confirmed by review of the endoscopic and histologic reports) from 11 southeastern Minnesota counties from 1991 through 2019. Biopsies reported to contain dysplasia were confirmed by expert gastrointestinal pathologists. The NDR was calculated as the rate of HGD or EAC detected by histologic analyses of biopsies collected during the first surveillance endoscopy. Patients without HGD or EAC at their initial endoscopy (n = 391) underwent repeat endoscopy within 12 months; HGD or EAC detected at the repeat endoscopy were considered to be missed on index endoscopy. Factors associated with NDR and missed dysplasia were identified using univariate and multivariate logistic regression models.

RESULTS

The NDR was 4.9% (95% CI, 3.8-6.4); 3.1% of patients had HGD, 1.8% had EAC, and 10.6% had low-grade dysplasia. Factors associated with higher rates of detection of neoplasia included older age, male sex, smoking, increasing length of BE, and surveillance endoscopies by gastroenterologists. This NDR was associated with a substantially lower rate of missed dysplasia (13%).

CONCLUSIONS

In an analysis of 1066 patients with BE in a population-based cohort, we found a lower NDR and lower rate of missed dysplasia than previously reported. NDR may have value as a quality metric in BE surveillance if validated in other cohorts.

Towards screening Barrett's oesophagus: current guidelines, imaging modalities and future developments

Barrett's oesophagus is the only known precursor to oesophageal adenocarcinoma (OAC). Although guidelines on the screening and surveillance exist in Barrett's oesophagus, the current strategies are inadequate. Oesophagogastroduodenoscopy (OGD) is the gold standard method in screening for Barrett's oesophagus. This invasive method is expensive with associated risks negating its use as a current screening tool for Barrett's oesophagus. This review explores current definitions, epidemiology, biomarkers, surveillance, and screening in Barrett's oesophagus. Imaging modalities applicable to this condition are discussed, in addition to future developments. There is an urgent need for an alternative non-invasive method of screening and/or surveillance which could be highly beneficial towards reducing waiting times, alleviating patient fears and reducing future costs in current healthcare services. Vibrational spectroscopy has been shown to be promising in categorising Barrett's oesophagus through to high-grade dysplasia (HGD) and OAC. These techniques need further validation through multicentre trials.

Systematic review with meta-analysis: prevalence of prior and concurrent Barrett's oesophagus in oesophageal adenocarcinoma patients

BACKGROUND

The proportions of patients with oesophageal adenocarcinoma (OAC) diagnosed by Barrett's oesophagus surveillance or with pre-existing Barrett's oesophagus are unclear.

AIM

To estimate the prevalence of prior and concurrent Barrett's oesophagus diagnosis among patients with OAC or oesophagogastric junction adenocarcinomas (OGJAC).

METHODS

We searched PubMed and Embase to identify studies published 1966-1/8/2020 that examined the prevalence of prior (≥6 months) or concurrent Barrett's diagnosis (at cancer diagnosis) among OAC and OGJAC patients. Random effects models estimated overall and stratified pooled prevalence rates.

RESULTS

A total of 69 studies, including 33 002 OAC patients (53 studies) and 2712 patients with OGJAC (28 studies) were included. The pooled prevalence of prior Barrett's oesophagus diagnosis in OAC was 11.8% (95% confidence interval [CI] 8.4%-15.6%). The prevalence of prior Barrett's oesophagus diagnosis was higher in single-centre resection studies (16.0%, 95% CI 8.7%-24.9%) than population-based cancer registry studies (8.4%, 95% CI 5.5%-11.9%). The prevalence of concurrent Barrett's oesophagus in OAC was 56.6% (95% CI 48.5%-64.6%). Studies with 100% early stage OAC had higher prevalence of concurrent Barrett's oesophagus (91.3%, 95% CI 82.4%-97.6%) than studies with <50% early OAC (39.7%, 95% CI 33.7%-45.9%). In OGJAC, the prevalence of prior and concurrent Barrett's oesophagus was 23.2% (95% CI 7.5%-44.0%) and 26.3% (95% CI 17.8%-35.7%), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Most patients with OAC have Barrett's oesophagus. Our meta-analysis found ~12% of OAC patients had prior Barrett's diagnosis, but concurrent Barrett's oesophagus was found in ~57% at the time of OAC diagnosis. This represents a considerable missed opportunity for Barrett's oesophagus screening.

A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Effect of Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass on Barrett's Esophagus

BACKGROUND

Obesity is associated with a twofold risk of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and thrice the risk of Barrett's esophagus (BE). Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) leads to weight loss and improvement of GERD in population with obesity, but its effect on BE is less clear.

METHODS

Bibliographic databases were searched systematically for relevant articles till January 31, 2019. Studies evaluating the effect of RYGB on BE with preoperative and postoperative endoscopy and biopsy were included. Study quality was assessed using the Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies (MINORS) tool. Meta-analysis was conducted using Mantel-Haenszel, random effects model and presented as risk difference (RD) or odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals.

RESULTS

Eight studies with 10,779 patients undergoing RYGB reported on 117 patients with BE with follow-up of > 1 year. Significant regression of BE after RYGB was observed (RD - 0.56.95% c.i. - 0.69 to - 0.43; P < 0.001). Subgroup analysis showed regression of both short-segment BE [ssBE] (RD - 0.51.95% c.i. - 0.68 to - 0.33; P < 0.001) and long-segment BE [lsBE] (RD - 0.46.95% c.i. - 0.71 to - 0.21; P < 0.001). RYGB also caused improvement in GERD in patients of BE (RD - 0.93, 95% c.i. - 1.04 to - 0.81; P < 0.001). RYGB was strongly associated with regression of BE compared with progression (OR 31.2.95% c.i. 11.37 to 85.63; P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

RYGB leads to significant improvement of BE at > 1 year after surgery in terms of regression and resolution of the associated GERD. Both ssBE and lsBE improve after RYGB significantly.

Esophagus and Gastrointestinal Junction Tumors

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma account for 95% of all esophageal malignancies. The rates of esophageal adenocarcinoma have increased in Western countries, making it the predominant type of esophageal cancer. Treatment of both types of cancer has transformed to a more minimally invasive approach, with endoscopic methods being used for superficial cancers and more frequent use of video-assisted and laparoscopic modalities for locally advanced tumors. The current National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines advocate a trimodal approach to treatment, with neoadjuvant chemoradiation and surgery for locally advanced cancers.

Barrett oesophagus

Barrett oesophagus (BE), the only known histological precursor of oesophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC), is a condition in which the squamous epithelium of the oesophagus is replaced by columnar epithelium as an adaptive response to gastro-oesophageal reflux. EAC has one of the fastest rising incidences of cancers in Western countries and has a dismal prognosis. BE is usually detected during endoscopic examination, and diagnosis is confirmed by the histological presence of intestinal metaplasia. Advances in genomics and transcriptomics have improved our understanding of the pathogenesis and malignant progression of intestinal metaplasia. As the majority of EAC cases are diagnosed in individuals without a known history of BE, screening for BE could potentially decrease disease-related mortality. Owing to the pre-malignant nature of BE, endoscopic surveillance of patients with BE is imperative for early detection and treatment of dysplasia to prevent further progression to invasive EAC. Developments in endoscopic therapy have resulted in a major shift in the treatment of patients with BE who have dysplasia or early EAC, from surgical resection to endoscopic resection and ablation. In addition to symptom control by optimization of lifestyle and pharmacological therapy with proton pump inhibitors, chemopreventive strategies based on NSAIDs and statins are currently being investigated for BE management.

The Effect of Endoscopic Surveillance in Patients With Barrett's Esophagus: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Guidelines recommend endoscopic surveillance of patients with Barrett's esophagus (BE) to identify those with dysplasia (a precursor of carcinoma) or early-stage esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) who can be treated endoscopically. However, it is unclear whether surveillance increases survival times of patients with BE. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to qualitatively and quantitatively examine evidence for the association of endoscopic surveillance in patients with BE with survival and other outcomes.

METHODS

We searched publication databases for studies reporting the effects of endoscopic surveillance on mortality and other EAC-related outcomes. We reviewed randomized controlled trials, case-control studies, studies comparing patients with BE who received regular surveillance with those who did not receive regular surveillance, and studies comparing outcomes of patients with surveillance-detected EAC vs symptom-detected EACs. We performed a meta-analysis of surveillance studies to generate summary estimates using a random effects model. The primary aim was to examine the association of BE surveillance on EAC-related mortality. Secondary aims were to examine the association of BE surveillance with all-cause mortality and EAC stage at time of diagnosis.

RESULTS

A single case-control study did not show any association between surveillance and EAC-related mortality. A meta-analysis of 4 cohort studies found that lower EAC-related and all-cause mortality were associated with regular surveillance (relative risk, 0.60; 95% CI, 0.50-0.71; hazard ratio, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.59-0.94). Meta-analysis of 12 cohort studies showed lower EAC-related and all-cause mortality among patients with surveillance-detected EAC vs symptom-detected EAC (relative risk, 0.73; 95% CI, 0.57-0.94; hazard ratio, 0.59; 95% CI, 0.45-0.76). Lead- and length-time bias adjustment substantially attenuated/eliminated the observed benefits. Surveillance was associated with detection of EAC at earlier stages. A randomized trial is underway to evaluate the effects of endoscopic surveillance on mortality in patients with BE.

CONCLUSIONS

In a systematic review and meta-analysis of the effects of surveillance in patients with BE, surveillance as currently performed was associated with detection of earlier-stage EAC and may provide a small survival benefit. However, the effects of confounding biases on these estimates are not fully defined and may completely or partially explain the observed differences between surveyed and unsurveyed patients.

Use of Appropriate Surveillance for Patients With Nondysplastic Barrett's Esophagus

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Barrett's esophagus (BE) is a precursor to esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC). Guidelines recommend that patients with nondysplastic BE (NDBE) undergo surveillance endoscopy every 3-5 years. We aimed to identify factors associated with surveillance endoscopy of patients with NDBE and identify trends in appropriate surveillance endoscopy of NDBE at a large tertiary care center.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective analysis of data from a Barrett's Esophagus Registry, identifying patients with NDBE who underwent endoscopy in 2002 or later. We identified patients with NDBE and collected data on length of BE segment, esophageal lesions, demographic features, medications, histology findings, comorbidities, development of EAC, and dates of follow-up endoscopies. We defined appropriate surveillance as 3-5 years between 2nd and 3rd endoscopies, over-utilizers as patients who had less than 3 years between their 2nd and 3rd endoscopies, under-utilizers as patients who had more than 5 years between their 2nd and 3rd endoscopies; and never-surveilled as patients who never received a 2nd endoscopy. The primary outcomes were effects of patient factors, year, and referring providers on appropriateness of surveillance intervals.

RESULTS

We identified 477 patients with NDBE. Only 15.9% had appropriate surveillance; 37.9% were over-utilizers 15.7% were under-utilizers and 30.4% were never surveilled. Patients were less likely to be over-surveilled if their primary care physician referred them for their 3rd endoscopy instead of a gastroenterologist (adjusted odds ratio, 0.51; 95% CI, 0.27-0.95). Male patients or those with an increased number of comorbidities were more likely to be under-surveilled or never-surveilled, whereas patients with long BE segment were more likely to be over-surveilled.

CONCLUSIONS

In a retrospective analysis of data from a registry of patients with BE, we found that less than 16% receive appropriate surveillance for NDBE. A primary care provider in the same health system as the endoscopy clinic reduced risk of over-surveillance. This could reflect better coordination of care between specialists and primary care providers.

Determining Risk of Barrett's Esophagus and Esophageal Adenocarcinoma Based on Epidemiologic Factors and Genetic Variants

BACKGROUND & AIMS

We developed comprehensive models to determine risk of Barrett's esophagus (BE) or esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) based on genetic and non-genetic factors.

METHODS

We used pooled data from 3288 patients with BE, 2511 patients with EAC, and 2177 individuals without either (controls) from participants in the international Barrett's and EAC consortium as well as the United Kingdom's BE gene study and stomach and esophageal cancer study. We collected data on 23 genetic variants associated with risk for BE or EAC, and constructed a polygenic risk score (PRS) for cases and controls by summing the risk allele counts for the variants weighted by their natural log-transformed effect estimates (odds ratios) extracted from genome-wide association studies. We also collected data on demographic and lifestyle factors (age, sex, smoking, body mass index, use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) and symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Risk models with various combinations of non-genetic factors and the PRS were compared for their accuracy in identifying patients with BE or EAC using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) analysis.

RESULTS

Individuals in the highest quartile of risk, based on genetic factors (PRS), had a 2-fold higher risk of BE (odds ratio, 2.22; 95% confidence interval, 1.89-2.60) or EAC (odds ratio, 2.46; 95% confidence interval, 2.07-2.92) than individual in the lowest quartile of risk based on PRS. Risk models developed based on only demographic or lifestyle factors or GERD symptoms identified patients with BE or EAC with AUC values ranging from 0.637 to 0.667. Combining data on demographic or lifestyle factors with data on GERD symptoms identified patients with BE with an AUC of 0.793 and patients with EAC with an AUC of 0.745. Including PRSs with these data only minimally increased the AUC values for BE (to 0.799) and EAC (to 0.754). Including the PRSs in the model developed based on non-genetic factors resulted in a net reclassification improvement for BE of 3.0% and for EAC of 5.6%.

CONCLUSIONS

We used data from 3 large databases of patients from studies of BE or EAC to develop a risk prediction model based on genetic, clinical, and demographic/lifestyle factors. We identified a PRS that increases discrimination and net reclassification of individuals with vs without BE and EAC. However, the absolute magnitude of improvement is not sufficient to justify its clinical use.

p53 protein accumulation predicts malignant progression in Barrett's metaplasia: a prospective study of 275 patients

AIMS

The purpose of this study was to determine prospectively whether p53 protein accumulation in biopsies of Barrett's metaplasia (BM) is a predictor of malignant progression, without relying on dysplasia grading.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Sections of formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue from the initial biopsies of 275 patients with BM, who had no high-grade dysplasia (HGD) or oesophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC), were stained for p53 by immunohistochemistry. The mean follow-up was 41 months. p53-positive biopsies were divided into four groups: scattered positive cells, multifocal scattered positive cells, aggregates of positive cells, and multifocal aggregates of positive cells. Kaplan-Meier analysis with the log-rank test was used to determine the rate of progression to HGD/EAC. Of the 275 patients, 227 had initial biopsies that were completely negative for p53, and, of these, one (0.4%) progressed to HGD/EAC; none of 24 (0%) patients with scattered positive cells and none of four (0%) of patients with multifocal scattered positive cells progressed. In contrast, five of 16 (31.25%) patients with aggregates of positive cells and three of four (75%) of those with multifocal aggregates of positive cells progressed to HGD/EAC. Kaplan-Meier analysis with log-rank statistics showed the difference in progression rate between the five groups to be highly significant (P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that p53 protein accumulation, detected by immunohistochemistry in aggregates of cells, is a significant predictor of malignant progression in patients with BM.

Considering the esophagogastric junction as a 'zone'

Siewert's classification of adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction (EGJ) classifies tumors anatomically for determining the appropriate surgical technique. According to this classification, a type II tumor, true carcinoma of the cardia, is defined as a cancer within 1 cm proximal to 2 cm distal of the EGJ. Histological analysis indicates that the cardiac gland is present with a high degree of frequency between 1-2 cm to the gastric side and 1-2 cm to the esophageal side of the EGJ, which means that this zone can be considered as neither the stomach nor the esophagus but rather as a third zone known as the 'EGJ zone'. It has been suggested that there are multiple causes for development of adenocarcinoma in the EGJ zone. The TNM Classification of Malignant Tumours 7th Edition considers EGJ adenocarcinoma (EGJAC) occurring in the EGJ zone to be a part of esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC). However, recent studies have indicated that EGJAC behaves differently from EAC and gastric carcinoma. Barrett's esophagus is now considered an important factor in the etiology of EGJAC, but, as yet, no studies have elucidated the differences between cancer arising from short-segment Barrett's esophagus and cancer of the gastric cardia. Thus, there is currently no clinical relevance to subdivision of adenocarcinoma in the EGJ zone into above or below the EGJ line.

Pathology of esophageal cancer and Barrett's esophagus

Esophageal cancer is a serious malignancy with high mortality. The two common distinctive pathologic subtypes of esophageal cancer are squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma. These differ with regards to etiology, ethnic distribution, pathogenesis, and location in the esophagus. The precursor lesions are also unique to each subtype. Squamous cell carcinoma is more common in East Asia, is linked to smoking and tobacco use, more commonly involves the middle esophagus, and the precursor lesion is squamous dysplasia. Adenocarcinoma is more common in the United States and certain European countries, associated with obesity and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), more commonly involves the distal esophagus, and the precursor lesion is Barrett's esophagus. Endoscopic surveillance with biopsy evaluation is the standard of care in high-risk groups. Endoscopic ablative therapies for early cancers have lower morbidity than surgery. Despite increased awareness, identification of high-risk groups and endoscopic surveillance, a large proportion of patients present with advanced cancers. Surgery and chemoradiation, either in neo-adjuvant or adjuvant setting, is the usual treatment for patients with advanced but resectable esophageal cancers. The prognosis and further management largely depends upon the pathologic tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) staging provided by the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) and the International Union against Cancer. Currently, the 7th edition of TNM staging system is being applied for prognostication and this is more focused on pathologic evaluation. Eighth edition of AJCC/UICC TNM staging has been introduced and will be implemented for clinical use in 2018.

Yesterday and today of Barrett's esophagus: Historical evolution and research hotspots

It has been more than 60 years since the concept of Barrett's esophagus (BE) was put forward, and over these a few decades, we have made great progress in the diagnosis and treatment of BE. BE does not cause clinical symptoms, but it attracts wide attention, because it is an important precursor lesion of esophageal adenocarcinoma. The purpose of this article is to review the process of the recognition of BE and the current research hotspots as well as to discuss the current status of esophageal adenocarcinoma screening in BE patients. We aim to provide clinicians with an overview of the ins and outs of the disease, which will help them improve the diagnosis and treatment of BE in clinical practice and provide patients with beneficial treatment.

Radiofrequency ablation coupled with Roux-en-Y gastric bypass: a treatment option for morbidly obese patients with Barrett's esophagus

Barrett's esophagus (BE) is a premalignant condition that is associated with the development of esophageal adenocarcinoma. Risk factors that have been associated with the development of BE include male gender, Caucasian race, chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease, smoking, age >50 and obesity. The current management of BE is dependent on underlying pathological changes and treatment can range from surveillance endoscopy with daily proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy in the setting of intestinal metaplasia or low-grade dysplasia (LGD) to radiofrequency ablation (RFA), endoscopic mucosal resection or surgical resection in the setting of high-grade dysplasia. We report the case of a morbidly obese patient who was found to have long-segment BE with LGD during preoperative work-up for weight loss surgery with Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGBP). The patient underwent successful RFA for the treatment of her BE before and after her RYGBP procedure. At 5-year follow-up, there was minimal progression of BE after treatment.

Bile acids induce Delta-like 1 expression via Cdx2-dependent pathway in the development of Barrett's esophagus

Crosstalk between the Notch signaling pathway and Caudal-related homeobox 2 (Cdx2) has important roles in the development of Barrett's esophagus (BE). We investigated the expression and function of the Notch signaling ligand Delta-like 1 (Dll1) during the development of BE. We determined the expression levels of Dll1 and intracellular signaling molecules related to Notch signaling ((Notch1, Hairy/enhancer of split 1 (Hes1), and Atonal homolog 1 (ATOH1)) in human esophageal squamous and Barrett's epithelium samples. Next, those expression levels in esophageal squamous cells (Het-1A) and Barrett's esophageal cells (CP-A and BAR-T) following stimulation with either bile acids or gamma-secretase inhibitor were investigated. Finally, changes in those expression levels following transfection of a Cdx2 or Dll1 expression vector into Het-1A cells were examined. In addition, changes in those expression levels following knockdown of Cdx2 or Dll1 in CP-A cells were also examined. Dll1 was found to be upregulated and localized in the cell membrane and cytoplasm in BE. Bile acids enhanced cytoplasmic expression of Dll1 in CP-A cells, while cleaved Notch1 expression did not change, suggesting lack of a Dll1 agonistic effect on Notch signaling. Cells transfected with Cdx2 revealed significantly enhanced Dll1, while forced expression of Dll1 enhanced ATOH1, Cdx2, and MUC2 expression levels. Nevertheless, enhanced Dll1 did not induce Hes1 expression, suggesting that Dll1 may primarily function as an intracellular signaling molecule and not a Notch agonistic ligand in the canonical pathway. In addition, knockdown of Cdx2 completely abrogated any increase in Dll1 expression upon treatment with bile acids. Our results revealed a novel function of Dll1: facilitation of intestinal metaplasia in conjunction with Cdx2 expression. Furthermore, they suggest that intracellular induction of Dll1 expression in esophageal epithelial cells due to Cdx2 induction in response to bile acids has important roles in BE development.

Yield of Repeat Endoscopy in Barrett's Esophagus with No Dysplasia and Low-Grade Dysplasia: A Population-Based Study

BACKGROUND

The yield of early repeat endoscopy in patients with Barrett's esophagus (BE) is not well established.

AIMS

To determine how often early repeat endoscopy detected missed dysplasia or esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) in a population-based cohort of patients with BE. Secondary aims were to identify risk factors for missed dysplasia/EAC and compare detection of prevalent versus incident HGD/EAC.

METHODS

A population-based cohort of BE subjects in Olmsted County, MN, was studied. Patients with initial non-dysplastic BE or low-grade dysplasia (LGD) who underwent repeat endoscopy within 24 months were included. Those with a worse histologic diagnosis on repeat endoscopy were considered to have missed dysplasia/EAC. Baseline characteristics among patients with and without missed dysplasia/EAC were compared. The absolute numbers of asymptomatic prevalent or missed, and incident HGD/EAC in the entire cohort were ascertained.

RESULTS

Of 488 BE cases, 210 were included for the primary aim of this study. Repeat endoscopy revealed four HGD/EAC (1.9 %) and 16 LGD (8.8 %) for a combined miss rate of 9.5 %. Long-segment BE (LSBE) and lack of PPI use were predictors of missed dysplasia/EAC (P = 0.008), but adherence to biopsy protocol was not. Increased prevalent HGD/EAC (n = 30) rather than incident HGD/EAC (n = 22) was identified during a median 4.8 years of follow-up in this cohort.

CONCLUSIONS

Dysplasia/EAC is commonly missed at initial BE diagnosis, particularly in patients with LSBE and no PPI use. Efforts should be made to enhance the sensitivity of detecting dysplasia/neoplasia around the time of initial BE diagnosis.

Genetic Insights in Barrett's Esophagus and Esophageal Adenocarcinoma

Beginning in the 1980s, an alarming rise in the incidence of esophageal adenocarcinoma (EA) led to screening of patients with reflux to detect Barrett's esophagus (BE) and surveillance of BE to detect early EA. This strategy, based on linear progression disease models, resulted in selective detection of BE that does not progress to EA over a lifetime (overdiagnosis) and missed BE that rapidly progresses to EA (underdiagnosis). Here we review the historical thought processes that resulted in this undesired outcome and the transformation in our understanding of genetic and evolutionary principles governing neoplastic progression that has come from application of modern genomic technologies to cancers and their precursors. This new synthesis provides improved strategies for prevention and early detection of EA by addressing the environmental and mutational processes that can determine "windows of opportunity" in time to detect rapidly progressing BE and distinguish it from slowly or nonprogressing BE.

Unmet Needs in the Treatment of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a highly prevalent gastrointestinal disorder. Proton pump inhibitors have profoundly revolutionized the treatment of GERD. However, several areas of unmet need persist despite marked improvements in the ther-apeutic management of GERD. These include the advanced grades of erosive esophagitis, nonerosive reflux disease, main-tenance treatment of erosive esophagitis, refractory GERD, postprandial heartburn, atypical and extraesophageal manifestations of GERD, Barrett's esophagus, chronic protein pump inhibitor treatment, and post-bariatric surgery GERD. Consequently, any fu-ture development of novel therapeutic modalities for GERD (medical, endoscopic, or surgical), would likely focus on the afore-mentioned areas of unmet need.

Chemoprevention in Barrett's Esophagus: Current Status

Chemoprevention in Barrett's esophagus is currently applied only in research settings. Identifying pathways that can be targeted by safe, pharmaceutical or natural compounds is key to expanding the scope of chemoprevention. Defining meaningful surrogate markers of cancer progression is critical to test the efficacy of chemopreventive approaches. Combinatorial chemoprevention that targets multiple components of the same pathway or parallel pathways could reduce the risk and improve the efficacy of chemoprevention. Here we discuss the role of chemoprevention as an independent or an adjuvant management option in BE-associated esophageal adenocarcinoma.

Surveillance in Barrett's Esophagus: Utility and Current Recommendations

Surveillance of Barrett's esophagus for preventing death from esophageal adenocarcinoma is attractive and widely practiced. However, empirical evidence supporting its effectiveness is weak. Longer intervals between surveillance examinations are being recommended, supported by computer simulation analyses. If surveillance is performed, an adequate number of biopsies should be performed or the effect of surveillance would be squandered.

Risk factors and populations at risk: selection of patients for screening for Barrett's oesophagus

Screening for Barrett's oesophagus is an attractive notion due to the rising incidence of oesophageal adenocarcinoma, the relative ease of acquiring tissue from the oesophagus, and the availability of endoscopic therapy for early neoplastic lesions. If screening is recommended, the question remains: which patients should be screened? Endoscopy is frequently performed in patients with symptoms of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, but the vast majority of patients diagnosed with oesophageal adenocarcinoma have never undergone a prior endoscopy. The efficiency of screening needs to be improved. A number of tools for predicting the presence of Barrett's oesophagus or future risk of developing oesophageal adenocarcinoma are available. More research is needed to validate these tools and to identify the thresholds at which screening should be offered.

Chemoprevention in Barrett's oesophagus

Increasing incidence of oesophageal adenocarcinoma along with poor survival entails novel preventive strategies. Agents that target pro-oncogenic pathways in Barrett's mucosa could halt this neoplastic transformation. In this review, we will use epidemiological associations and molecular mechanisms to identify novel chemoprevention targets in Barrett's oesophagus. We will also discuss recent chemoprevention trials.

The Barrett's Gland in Phenotype Space

Barrett's esophagus is characterized by the erosive replacement of esophageal squamous epithelium by a range of metaplastic glandular phenotypes. These glandular phenotypes likely change over time, and their distribution varies along the Barrett's segment. Although much recent work has addressed Barrett's esophagus from the genomic viewpoint-its genotype space-the fact that the phenotype of Barrett's esophagus is nonstatic points to conversion between phenotypes and suggests that Barrett's esophagus also exists in phenotype space. Here we explore this latter concept, investigating the scope of glandular phenotypes in Barrett's esophagus and how they exist in physical and temporal space as well as their evolution and their life history. We conclude that individual Barrett's glands are clonal units; because of this important fact, we propose that it is the Barrett's gland that is the unit of selection in phenotypic and indeed neoplastic progression. Transition between metaplastic phenotypes may be governed by neutral drift akin to niche turnover in normal and dysplastic niches. In consequence, the phenotype of Barrett's glands assumes considerable importance, and we make a strong plea for the integration of the Barrett's gland in both genotype and phenotype space in future work.

Simplified classification of capillary pattern in Barrett esophagus using magnifying endoscopy with narrow band imaging: implications for malignant potential and interobserver agreement

The classification of Barrett esophagus (BE) using magnifying endoscopy with narrow band imaging (ME-NBI) is not widely used in clinical settings because of its complexity. To establish a new simplified available classification using ME-NBI.We conducted a cross-sectional study in a single-referral center. One hundred eight consecutive patients with BE using ME-NBI and crystal violet (CV) chromoendoscopy, and histological findings were enrolled. BE areas observed by ME-NBI were classified as type I or II on the basis of capillary pattern (CP), and as closed or open type on the basis of a mucosal pit pattern using CV chromoendoscopy; then, biopsy samples were obtained. We evaluated the relation between CP and pit pattern, expression of the factors with malignant potential, percentage of microvascular density, and interobserver agreement.One hundred thirty lesions from 91 patients were analyzed. Type II CP had more open type pit pattern areas and significantly greater microvascular density than type I. The presence of dysplasia, specialized intestinal metaplasia, expressions of COX-2, CDX2, and CD34, and PCNA index were significantly higher in type II, whereas the multivariate analysis showed that type II was the best predictor for the presence of dysplasia (OR 11.14), CD34 expression (OR 3.60), and PCNA (OR 3.29). Interobserver agreement for this classification was substantial (κ = 0.66).A simplified CP classification based on observation with ME-NBI is presented. Our results indicate that the classification may be useful for surveillance of BE with high malignant potential.

Barrett oesophagus: lessons on its origins from the lesion itself

Barrett oesophagus develops when the lower oesophageal squamous epithelium is replaced with columnar epithelium, which shows both intestinal and gastric differentiation. No consensus has been reached on the origin of Barrett oesophagus. Theories include a direct origin from the oesophageal-stratified squamous epithelium, or by proximal migration of the gastric cardiac epithelium with subsequent intestinalization. Variations of this theory suggest the origin is a distinctive cell at the squamocolumnar junction, the oesophageal gland ducts, or circulating bone-marrow-derived cells. Much of the supporting evidence comes from experimental models and not from studies of Barrett mucosa. In this Perspectives article, we look at the Barrett lesion itself: at its phenotype, its complexity, its clonal architecture and its stem cell organization. We conclude that Barrett glands are unique structures, but share many similarities with gastric glands undergoing the process of intestinal metaplasia. We conclude that current evidence most strongly supports an origin from stem cells in the cardia.

Aberrant TP53 detected by combining immunohistochemistry and DNA-FISH improves Barrett's esophagus progression prediction: a prospective follow-up study

Barrett's esophagus (BE) goes through a sequence of low grade dysplasia (LGD) and high grade dysplasia (HGD) to esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC). The current gold standard for BE outcome prediction, histopathological staging, can be unreliable. TP53 abnormalities may serve as prognostic biomarkers. TP53 protein accumulation detected by immunohistochemistry (IHC) indirectly assesses TP53 mutations. DNA fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) on brush cytology specimens directly evaluates gene locus loss. We evaluated if IHC and FISH are complementary tools to assess TP53 abnormalities and tested their prognostic value in a long-term prospective follow-up of a BE cohort. TP53 IHC on tissue sections and FISH on brush cytology specimens were evaluated for 116 BE patients with respect to the different histological stages. The TP53 abnormalities were further studied in a panel of cell lines representative of the Barrett's carcinogenic sequence. For 91patients, the predictive value of TP53 abnormalities with respect to progression to HGD/EAC was tested after long term follow-up. The frequency of IHC and FISH TP53 abnormalities increased significantly with increasing histological stage (P < 0.001, Chi(2) -test). Combining the techniques detected TP53 abnormalities in 100% of patients with LGD, HGD, and EAC. Multivariate analysis showed that IHC (hazard ratio: 17, 95% CI: 3.2-96, P = 0.001) and FISH (hazard ratio: 7.3, 95% CI: 1.3-41, P = 0.02) were both independent significant predictors of progression. Combining FISH and IHC in assessing TP53 abnormalities leads to an increased detection rate of TP53 aberrations and improved accuracy for predicting BE progression.

Evaluation of a 4-protein serum biomarker panel-biglycan, annexin-A6, myeloperoxidase, and protein S100-A9 (B-AMP)-for the detection of esophageal adenocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

Esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) is associated with a dismal prognosis. The identification of cancer biomarkers can advance the possibility for early detection and better monitoring of tumor progression and/or response to therapy. The authors present results from the development of a serum-based, 4-protein (biglycan, myeloperoxidase, annexin-A6, and protein S100-A9) biomarker panel for EAC.

METHODS

A vertically integrated, proteomics-based biomarker discovery approach was used to identify candidate serum biomarkers for the detection of EAC. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry analysis was performed on formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue samples that were collected from across the Barrett esophagus (BE)-EAC disease spectrum. The mass spectrometry-based spectral count data were used to guide the selection of candidate serum biomarkers. Then, the serum enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay data were validated in an independent cohort and were used to develop a multiparametric risk-assessment model to predict the presence of disease.

RESULTS

With a minimum threshold of 10 spectral counts, 351 proteins were identified as differentially abundant along the spectrum of Barrett esophagus, high-grade dysplasia, and EAC (P<.05). Eleven proteins from this data set were then tested using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays in serum samples, of which 5 proteins were significantly elevated in abundance among patients who had EAC compared with normal controls, which mirrored trends across the disease spectrum present in the tissue data. By using serum data, a Bayesian rule-learning predictive model with 4 biomarkers was developed to accurately classify disease class; the cross-validation results for the merged data set yielded accuracy of 87% and an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 93%.

CONCLUSIONS

Serum biomarkers hold significant promise for the early, noninvasive detection of EAC.

Clinical outcomes of endoscopic submucosal dissection for superficial Barrett's adenocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

Advances in diagnostic techniques have allowed early stage detection of superficial Barrett's adenocarcinoma (SBA) as well as resection by endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD). Few reports exist, however, on the safety and efficacy of ESD for SBA.

OBJECTIVE

To analyze outcomes of ESD for SBA in relation to clinicopathological features of the lesions.

DESIGN

Retrospective study.

SETTING

University hospital.

PATIENTS

Twenty-three patients (21 men, 2 women; mean age, 63 years) with 26 SBAs.

INTERVENTION ESD MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS

We examined outcomes of ESD in relation to the clinicopathological features of SBAs. The main outcomes assessed were en bloc resection rate, operation time, adverse event rates, additional resection rate, and time between ESD and any recurrence.

RESULTS

Twenty lesions (87%) derived from short-segment Barrett's esophagus, and 3 lesions (13%) derived from long-segment Barrett's esophagus. The majority of SBAs (54%) were located in the 0 to 3 o'clock circumferential quadrant. Median tumor size was 15 mm (range 5-60 mm). Macroscopic types were flat elevated (n = 13, 50%), depressed (n = 12, 46%), and protruded (n = 1, 4%). The SBAs appeared red (n = 23, 88%) or normally pale (n = 3, 12%). Under magnifying narrow-band imaging, all SBAs showed an irregular mucosal pattern and an irregular vascular pattern. The endoscopic en bloc resection rate was 100% (26/26), and the pathological en bloc resection rate was 85% (22/26). The median procedure time was 95 minutes (range, 30-210 minutes). Delayed bleeding occurred in 1 case, but there was no perforation. The SBAs were of the differentiated type (n = 25, 96%) or poorly differentiated type (n = 1, 4%). The tumor had invaded the superficial muscularis mucosa (n = 3, 12%), lamina propria mucosa (n = 5, 19%, deep muscularis mucosa (n = 9, 34%), SM1 (n = 3, 12%), and SM2 (n = 6, 23%). Additional surgical resection after ESD was performed in 9 cases, and there were no residual tumors, but 1 lymph node metastasis was found. There were no recurrent tumors; however, 1 metachronous adenocarcinoma was diagnosed 42 months after ESD.

LIMITATIONS

Single-center, retrospective study.

CONCLUSIONS

ESD appears to be a safe and effective treatment strategy for early stage SBA.

The protective role of interleukin-11 against neutron radiation injury in mouse intestines via MEK/ERK and PI3K/Akt dependent pathways

BACKGROUND

Neutron irradiation (IR) has been proven to cause more serious damage than gamma IR. Preventing and curing neutron IR damage remains an urgent issue.

AIMS

The objective of this study was to investigate the radioprotective effects of IL-11 against neutron IR-induced damage in small intestine of mice.

METHODS

Mice were exposed to 3-Gy neutron IR whole body and then treated with 500 μg/kg interleukin-11 (IL-11) intraperitoneally every day. Mice were observed at various time-points over 1-5 days after IR. IEC-6 cells were exposed to 4 Gy neutron IR, and 100 ng/mL rhIL-11 was added to culture medium. Cell proliferation activity was estimated by MTT assay and rates of apoptosis were estimated by flow cytometry.

RESULTS

IL-11 slightly alleviated the incidence of diarrhea in the mice and promoted intestinal epithelia regeneration. In the in vitro study, neutron IR activated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2 phosphorylation in intestinal epithelial cells constitutively, which was initially suppressed and then activated later by IL-11. The MEK-specific inhibitor U0126 could antagonize the positive effect of IL-11 on cell growth. Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt pathway activation was suppressed after neutron IR, but could be triggered by IL-11 to protect the cells. The PI3K inhibitor LY294002 suppressed the positive effect of IL-11 on cell growth, and antagonized the protective effect of IL-11 against cell death after neutron IR.

CONCLUSION

IL-11 increases cell proliferation after neutron IR in MEK and PI3K-dependent signaling pathways, but protects cells against death only in the PI3K-dependent signaling pathway.

The Natural Antimicrobial Enzyme Lysozyme is Up-Regulated in Gastrointestinal Inflammatory Conditions

The cells that line the mucosa of the human gastrointestinal tract (GI, that is, oral cavity, oesophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, and rectum) are constantly challenged by adverse micro-environmental factors, such as different pH, enzymes, and bacterial flora. With exception of the oral cavity, these microenvironments also contain remnant cocktails of secreted enzymes and bacteria from upper organs along the tract. The density of the GI bacteria varies, from 103/mL near the gastric outlet, to 1010/mL at the ileocecal valve, to 1011 to 1012/mL in the colon. The total microbial population (ca. 1014) exceeds the total number of cells in the tract. It is, therefore, remarkable that despite the prima facie inauspicious mixture of harmful secretions and bacteria, the normal GI mucosa retains a healthy state of cell renewal. To counteract the hostile microenvironment, the GI epithelia react by speeding cell exfoliation (the GI mucosa has a turnover time of two to three days), by increasing peristalsis, by eliminating bacteria through secretion of plasma cell-immunoglobulins and by increasing production of natural antibacterial compounds, such as defensin-5 and lysozyme. Only recently, lysozyme was found up-regulated in Barrett's oesophagitis, chronic gastritis, gluten-induced atrophic duodenitis (coeliac disease), collagenous colitis, lymphocytic colitis, and Crohn's colitis. This up-regulation is a response directed to the special types of bacteria recently detected in these diseases. The aim of lysozyme up-regulation is to protect individual mucosal segments to chronic inflammation. The molecular mechanisms connected to the crosstalk between the intraluminal bacterial flora and the production of lysozyme released by the GI mucosae, are discussed. Bacterial resistance continues to exhaust our supply of commercial antibiotics. The potential use of lysozyme to treat infectious diseases is receiving much attention.

Extraesophageal malignancies among patients with Barrett esophagus

GOALS

To evaluate the incidence of extraesophageal malignancies among patients with Barrett esophagus (BE).

BACKGROUND

Gastroesophageal reflux disease has been reported to be associated with upper aerodigestive malignancies. BE is considered a consequence of long-standing gastroesophageal reflux disease; however, the association of BE with extraesophageal malignancies is controversial.

STUDY

The database of the largest health service provider in Israel was queried for all patients diagnosed with BE between 2000 and 2010. Data regarding medical background and diagnosis of malignancy were recorded. Malignancy rates were compared with subjects without BE or malignancy and matched for age, sex, and smoking status (1:4 ratio). Patients in whom a malignancy was diagnosed within 1 year of BE diagnosis were excluded.

RESULTS

A total of 3669 patients with BE and 14,676 controls were included. Several nonesophageal malignancies were significantly more prevalent among BE patients: colorectal cancer (relative risk 1.98, P<0.001) and prostate cancer (relative risk 1.99, P<0.001), but not cancer of the upper aerodigestive tract. Multivariate analysis revealed that Jewish origin and the presence of BE were associated with higher malignancy risk [hazard ratio (HR) 1.83, HR 1.41, respectively; P<0.001]; body mass index was inversely associated with malignancy risk (HR 0.98; P<0.005).

CONCLUSIONS

BE seems to be associated with colorectal and prostate cancer. Further research is necessary to determine whether this is a causative relationship and, consequently, whether a change in the screening policy for colorectal cancer in patients with BE is warranted.

Endoscopic management of Barrett's esophagus with high-grade dysplasia and early-stage esophageal adenocarcinoma

Several endoscopic procedures have been recently developed for the treatment of Barrett's esophagus and early esophageal cancer, including endoscopic resection, radiofrequency ablation, and cryoablation. This review article discusses ideal candidates for endoscopic therapies, current treatment modalities, clinical and safety outcomes, and specific management recommendations.

Practice patterns among U.S. gastroenterologists regarding endoscopic management of Barrett's esophagus

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic management of Barrett's esophagus (BE) has evolved over the past decade; however, the practice patterns for managing BE among gastroenterologists remain unclear.

OBJECTIVE

To assess practice patterns for management of BE among gastroenterologists working in various practice settings.

DESIGN

A random questionnaire-based survey of practicing gastroenterologists in the United States. The questionnaire contained a total of 10 questions pertaining to practice setting, physician demographics, and strategies used for managing BE.

SETTING

Survey of gastroenterologists working in various practice settings.

INTERVENTION

Questionnaire.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS

Practice patterns for endoscopic imaging and management of BE.

RESULTS

The response rate was 45% (236/530). The majority (85%) were gastroenterologists in community practice, 72% were aged 41 to 60 years, 80% had >10 years of experience, and 81% had attended postgraduate courses and/or seminars on BE management. A total of 78% did not use the Prague C & M classification, and about a third used advanced endoscopic imaging routinely (37%) or in selected cases (31%). For nondysplastic BE, 86% practiced surveillance, 12% performed ablation, and 3% did no intervention. For BE with low-grade dysplasia, 56% practiced surveillance, 26% performed endoscopic ablation in all low-grade dysplasia cases, and 18% performed endoscopic ablation in only selected patients with low-grade dysplasia. The majority of respondents (58%) referred their patients with high-grade dysplasia to centers with BE expertise, 13% performed endoscopic ablation in all patients with high-grade dysplasia, 25% performed endoscopic ablation in selected cases only, and 3% referred these patients for surgery. The most frequently used endoscopic eradication therapy was radiofrequency ablation (39%) followed by EMR (17%).

LIMITATIONS

The sample may be unrepresentative, participation in the study was voluntary, and responses may be skewed toward following the guidelines.

CONCLUSION

Results from this survey show that the majority of practicing gastroenterologists in the United States practice surveillance endoscopy in patients with nondysplastic BE and provide endoscopic therapy for those with high-grade dysplasia. The Prague C & M classification and advanced imaging techniques are used by less than a third of gastroenterologists. Practice patterns did not appear to be affected by respondent age or duration of clinical practice.

Columnar metaplasia in a surgical mouse model of gastro-esophageal reflux disease is not derived from bone marrow-derived cell

The incidence of esophageal adenocarcinoma has increased in the last 25 years. Columnar metaplasia in Barrett's mucosa is assumed to be a precancerous lesion for esophageal adenocarcinoma. However, the induction process of Barrett's mucosa is still unknown. To analyze the induction of esophageal columnar metaplasia, we established a mouse gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) model with associated development of columnar metaplasia in the esophagus. C57BL/6 mice received side-to-side anastomosis of the esophagogastric junction with the jejunum, and mice were killed 10, 20, and 40 weeks after operation. To analyze the contribution of bone marrow-derived cells to columnar metaplasia in this surgical GERD model, some mice were transplanted with GFP-marked bone marrow after the operation. Seventy-three percent of the mice (16/22) showed thickened mucosa in esophagus and 41% of mice (9/22) developed columnar metaplasia 40 weeks after the operation with a mortality rate of 4%. Bone marrow-derived cells were not detected in columnar metaplastic epithelia. However, scattered epithelial cells in the thickened squamous epithelia in regions of esophagitis did show bone marrow derivation. The results demonstrate that reflux induced by esophago-jejunostomy in mice leads to the development of columnar metaplasia in the esophagus. However, bone marrow-derived cells do not contribute directly to columnar metaplasia in this mouse model.

Paucity of synaptophysin-expressing cells in Barrett's mucosa

AIMS

To assess synaptophysin expression in columnar-lined oesophageal mucosa showing either goblet cells, known as intestinal metaplasia, or with accompanying oxyntic glands or pyloric glands.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Of 159 biopsies, 53 were oesophageal (19 had intestinal metaplasia, 13 oxyntic glands, and 21 pyloric glands), 77 gastric (12 had goblet cells and 27 no goblet cells) and 29 duodenal. Synaptophysin-positive goblet cells were found in all biopsies from the normal duodenum, in 53% of the oesophageal biopsies showing intestinal metaplasia, but only in 8% of gastric biopsies showing intestinal metaplasia. Synaptophysin-positive Paneth cells occurred in all duodenal biopsies, and in nine of the gastric biopsies showing intestinal metaplasia, but in only one of the oesophageal biopsies showing intestinal metaplasia. A continuous synaptophysin-positive neck cell zone was found in all biopsies from the normal antrum, but in none of the oesophageal biopsies with pyloric glands or with chronic antritis.

CONCLUSIONS

The paucity or absence of synaptophysin-positive cells in all three phenotypes of Barrett's mucosa might mirror a sequela of chronic inflammation caused by the particular pathogenic bacteria present in the immediate oesophageal microenvironment.

Comparative evaluation of esophageal Barrett's epithelium through esophageal capsule endoscopy and methylene blue chromoendoscopy

BACKGROUND

Patients presenting with Barrett's esophagus (BE) should be under life-long surveillance in an attempt to detect cancer in its early stages. Esophageal capsule endoscopy (ECE) is a new technique that enables a noninvasive evaluation of the esophagus.

AIMS

To evaluate ECE effectiveness compared with methylene blue (MB) chromoendoscopy for the detection of esophageal lesions in which there was suspicion of cancer, the length and pattern of BE, and the presence of hiatal hernia.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Twenty-one patients with BE who underwent Nissen fundoplication and had a follow-up period of more than five years were prospectively enrolled in the study. The patients underwent ECE and chromoendoscopy with MB performed by different physicians who were blinded to each of the procedures.

RESULTS

ECE sensitivity, negative predictive value, and accuracy were 100%, 100%, and 79%, respectively, for the detection of esophageal lesions suspected of cancer. ECE accuracy in assessing BE length was 89% and in the evaluation of finger-like projections, circumferential BE, and mixed BE was 74%, 79%, and 74%, respectively. In relation to hiatal hernia detection, ECE sensitivity was 43% and its accuracy was 74%.

CONCLUSIONS

ECE appears to be a good method for detecting lesions in which there is suspicion of esophageal cancer and it had modest results in regard to the accurate identification of BE length and pattern. ECE is not a good method for detecting hiatal hernia. Further studies are needed in order to define the definitive role of ECE in BE monitoring.