Tom Vaughan

Eradication therapy for Barrett's

An evidence-based compendium of recommended treatments

AI in the assessment of Barrett's neoplasia

Accurate and timely identification of Barrett’s-related (BE) dysplasia is critical to providing the timely surveillance and treatment needed to prevent progression to esophageal adenocarcinoma. Unfortunately, significant observer variability in the assessment of BE-related dysplasia by pathologists continues to be a challenge. This report discusses the development and application of

Using the Cytosponge for targeted screening of Barrett's

Using data from the previously published BEST3 clinical trial (1), the authors estimated the potential for improving the detection of Barrett's esophagus (BE) and early esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) among individuals aged 50 and above with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). They calculated that the current referral strategies identify only

Asbestos exposure and esophageal cancer

Exposure to asbestos, whether through occupational or environmental routes, can cause several cancers, including mesothelioma and lung. It’s role in increasing risk of esophageal cancer (EC) has long been suspected, but not yet confirmed. In this thorough meta-analysis, 48 independent cohort and case-control studies were analyzed using random-effects models

Unrelated mortality after endoscopic eradication of Barrett's neoplasia

This study provides valuable context for patients and their physicians concerned about future health implications of their diagnosis and treatment for Barrett's neoplasia (dysplasia or early cancer.) It investigates the risk of mortality unrelated to esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) in patients who have undergone endoscopic eradication therapy (EET) for

New cancer screening network announced

In exciting news on the prevention/screening front, The Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center is leading a new clinical trials consortium called the Cancer Screening Research Network (CSRN), established by the National Cancer Institute, with the aim of advancing President Biden’s Cancer Moonshot initiative. The CSRN will focus on improving

Update on Barrett's screening

While not breaking new ground, this manuscript from Mayo Clinic nicely reviews state of the art approaches to screening (and surveillance) for Barrett's esophagus and esophageal adenocarcinoma. These newer techniques including: three different swallowable cell sampling devices combined with biomarkers (now approved in society guidelines), capsule-based imaging, and

Bariatric surgery vs medications in Barrett's

Does bariatric surgery influence subsequent risk of esophageal adenocarcinoma? Depending on whom and when you ask, what population or subpopulation you study, and which surgical procedures are considered, studies variously suggest no effect, increased risk and reduced risk. Moreover, some of the apparently discrepant results originate from the same author

AI in screening and diagnosis of upper GI cancers and precursors

There is currently a great deal of interest in the role of Artifical Intelligence (AI) in medicine, particularly in specialties involving visualization. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, employed in the screening, surveillance and diagnosis of esophageal and gastric cancer and their precursors, is one such area that is especially promising in increasing

Gastric bypass surgery associated with reduced risk of esophageal adenocarcinoma

This large multinational observational study investigated whether bariatric surgery was associated with reduced risk of esophageal and cardia adenocarcinoma (ECA) in individuals diagnosed with “morbid” obesity. The study involved a cohort of almost 750,000 persons from Sweden, Finland, and Denmark, grouped based on whether they underwent bariatric surgery (n=

Fine particulates and risk of esophageal cancer

This prospective cohort study conducted in China aimed to assess the association between long-term exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and risk of esophageal cancer. The study included over 510,000 participants without esophageal cancer at the beginning of the study and used a high-resolution satellite-based model to estimate

Advances in management of esophageal cancer

While the ESOCAN website and blog focus on the epidemiology and prevention of esophageal cancer, this review gives insight into recent and developing approaches to  the management of esophageal squamous cell and adenocarcinoma. Key points that the authors highlight include: • With advances in molecular profiling technologies, the diferential mechanistic underpinnings