Advances in the diagnosis and surveillance of Barrett’s esophagus (with videos)

Background and Aims Most patients diagnosed with esophageal adenocarcinoma do not carry a known diagnosis of Barrett's esophagus (BE), suggesting that an improved approach to screening may potentially be of benefit. The use of dysplasia as a biomarker and random biopsy protocols for its detection has limitations. In addition, detecting and appropriately classifying dysplasia in patients with known BE can be difficult. Methods This document reviews several technologies with a recently established or potential role in the diagnosis and/or surveillance of BE as well as risk stratification for progression to esophageal adenocarcinoma. Results Two technologies were reviewed for imaging or tissue sampling: (1) wide-area transepithelial sampling and (2) volumetric laser endomicroscopy. Four technologies were reviewed for molecular and biomarker technologies for diagnosis and risk stratification: (1) Cytosponge, (2) mutational load, (3) fluorescence in situ hybridization, and (4) immunohistochemistry. Conclusion Several technologies discussed in this document may improve dysplasia detection in BE in a wide-field manner. Moreover, the addition of different biomarkers may aid in enhanced risk stratification to optimize approaches to surveillance or treatment for patients with BE.