Radiofrequency ablation in the management of Barrett’s esophagus: present role and future perspective

Abstract

Esophageal adenocarcinoma is the most rapidly increasing gastrointestinal cancer. Barrett’s esophagus has been identified as a precancerous condition and major risk factor for esophageal cancer. Radiofrequency ablation has been shown to be a highly efficient in promoting remission of intestinal metaplasia. This technology has seen widespread clinical use since 2005. Radiofrequency ablation is common with all other ablative techniques; the concern that sound oncological principles are not being adhered to, that is, appropriate pathological staging, followed by appropriate definitive therapy. Endoscopic mucosal excision techniques are technically demanding; however, they are more attractive from an oncological perspective. Future research endeavors focusing on facilitation of large population screening, the identification of high risk phenotypes, endoscopic mucosal resection techniques will combat the esophageal adenocarcinoma epidemic.

Keywords::

• Barrett’s esophagus
• cardiac mucosa
• endoscopic resection
• esophageal cancer
• intestinal metaplasia
• radiofrequency ablation

Financial & competing interests disclosure

The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.

No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.