This impressive randomized trial observed an approximately 10-fold increase in detection of Barrett's with use of the Cytosponge non-endoscopic test. Nine persons in the Cytosponge group were found to have treatable dysplasia or early stage cancer vs. none in the usual care group.
Barrett's in children does occur, but is rare. This cases series demonstrates a very strong preponderance in males. Among a very few children followed over time, several developed low grade dysplasia, but non were observed to progress to high grade dysplasia or cancer.
This study evaluated some known and suspected novel risk factors, including a history of colonic adenomas, caffeine usage, histology, and use of statins and SSRIs as predictors of progression in Barrett's.
This article summarizes published reports on circulating biomarkers and risk of BE/EAC, finding that higher circulating levels of leptin, glucose, insulin, CRP, IL6, and sTNFR-2 may be associated with an increased risk of esophageal adenocarcinoma or Barrett esophagus.
Dr. Bill Grady and colleagues review the status of chemopreventatives for progression of Barrett's to esophageal adenocarcinoma
Joel Rubenstein and colleagues report increased risk of Barrett's associated with a family history of esophageal or colorectal cancer, supporting previous research.