Radiofrequency Ablation of Barrett ’s Esophagus: Have We Gone Too Far, or Not Far Enough?

This report reviews clinically relevant evidence p ublished over the last 3 years regarding RFA for BE.Recent findingsOur use of this technology has simultaneously gone too far, in that many patients who may not derive a benefit from these treatments are receiving them, and not far enough, in that many patients who would be eligible for ablative therapy never undergo screening exams to assess them for dysplastic BE, or do not have endoscopic therapy considered part of the treatment of superficial invasive cancer.SummaryResearch to better identify patients with BE, risk stratify those patients, improve the quality of RFA treatment, and inform surveillance practices has the potential to optimize the benefit of RFA, and minimize the harms, costs, and risks.
Source: Current Gastroenterology Reports - Category: Gastroenterology Source Type: research