Screening for upper gastrointestinal cancers with magnetically controlled capsule gastroscopy: a feasibility study

Background The medical consortium is an intensive and disease-specific association that integrates tertiary public hospitals and medical examination centers in China. We aimed to evaluate the feasibility of the medical consortium for screening upper gastrointestinal (GI) cancers (MCSC) by magnetically controlled capsule gastroscopy (MCCG). Methods 6627 asymptomatic subjects underwent MCCG as part of health check-ups in the MCSC between March and November 2018.Relevant clinical data were collected and analyzed. Results The MCSC detected 32 patients with upper GI cancer (0.48%) confirmed by pathology. The detection rate of early gastric cancer was 16.67% (4/24). Gastric polyps, ulcers, and submucosal tumors were found in 15.54%, 3.76%, and 3.17% of subjects, respectively. The whole GI preparation and operation process were well tolerated. Conclusions The MCSC was a feasible model for upper GI cancer screening, especially for asymptomatic subjects. Further prospective studies with better operational quality control are warranted.

Automated summary

The medical consortium successfully detected upper GI cancers through MCCG screening, with a high detection rate of early gastric cancer. Various gastric abnormalities were also identified in asymptomatic subjects, demonstrating the feasibility and tolerability of the screening process. Further studies are needed to improve operational quality control.