Management of nondysplastic Barrett's esophagus: When to survey? When to ablate?

Barrett's esophagus (BE), a precursor for esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC), is defined as salmon-colored mucosa extending more than 1 cm proximal to the gastroesophageal junction with histological evidence of intestinal metaplasia. The actual risk of EAC in nondysplastic Barrett's esophagus (NDBE) is low with an annual incidence of 0.3%. The mainstay in the management of NDBE is control of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) along with enrollment in surveillance programs. The current recommendation for surveillance is four-quadrant biopsies every 2 cm (or 1 cm in known or suspected dysplasia) followed by biopsy of mucosal irregularity (nodules, ulcers, or other visible lesions) performed at 3- to 5-year intervals. Challenges to surveillance include missed cancers, suboptimal adherence to surveillance guidelines, and lack of strong evidence for efficacy. There is minimal role for endoscopic eradication therapy in NDBE. The role for enhanced imaging techniques, artificial intelligence, and risk prediction models using clinical data and molecular markers is evolving.

Automated summary

Barrett's esophagus (BE) is a precursor to esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC), but the actual risk of EAC in non-dysplastic Barrett's esophagus (NDBE) is low. The main management approach is to control gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and participate in surveillance programs. Surveillance methods include regular biopsies and biopsies of mucosal irregularities. Challenges in surveillance include missed diagnoses, non-compliance with guidelines, and lack of strong evidence. Emerging imaging techniques, artificial intelligence, and risk prediction models have the potential to improve surveillance methods.