Innovations in Screening Options for Barrett’s Esophagus

According to recent studies, chronic heartburn affects almost 60 million Americans, and if left untreated and becomes severe, has been linked with a condition that may lead to esophageal cancer.

About one in 10 patients who have chronic uncontrolled reflux disease can develop Barrett’s esophagus after as early as about five years. Barrett’s esophagus is a condition in which the flat pink lining of the esophagus becomes damaged by acid reflux, which causes the lining to thicken and become red, often resulting in cellular changes that can lead to dysplasia.

EsoGuard is an esophageal DNA test for Barrett’s esophagus and other known precursors to Esophageal cancer. Doctors perform a non-invasive, office-based procedure to safely and simply sample cells from the esophagus in order to be sent for analysis. Studies have found that it is well tolerated in patients and provides greater than 90% sensitivity and specificity compared to endoscopy.