Go Ad-Free
logoThe People's Perspective on Medicine

New Treatment for Barrett’s Esophagus Reverses Cancer Risk

People with serious heartburn, also known as GERD or gastroesophageal reflux disease, are often at higher risk for a condition called Barrett’s esophagus. The cells lining the lower part of the esophagus become abnormal and physicians worry that they could progress to esophageal cancer. This type of cancer has become increasingly common in the past few decades.

Several years ago a study demonstrated that treating these precancerous cells with radio frequency ablation could reverse the process. In this procedure a gastroenterologist uses an endoscope to place an instrument in the lower esophagus. Radio waves are then used to heat the tissue. In the healing process the cells return to a normal state in most cases. (You can listen to our interview with the lead researcher,)

A new study published in JAMA included 136 patients randomly assigned to radiofrequency ablation or endoscopic surveillance. During the follow-up period, only 1.5 percent of the patients getting ablation ended up with abnormal cells or cancer. This compared to 26.5 percent of those in the control group. The results were so impressive that the study was stopped early. This study combined with earlier research will probably change the treatment of Barrett’s esophagus.

[JAMA, March 26, 2014]

Rate this article
star-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-empty
4- 4 ratings
About the Author
Terry Graedon, PhD, is a medical anthropologist and co-host of The People’s Pharmacy radio show, co-author of The People’s Pharmacy syndicated newspaper columns and numerous books, and co-founder of The People’s Pharmacy website. Terry taught in the Duke University School of Nursing and was an adjunct assistant professor in the Department of Anthropology. She is a Fellow of the Society of Applied Anthropology. Terry is one of the country's leading authorities on the science behind folk remedies..
Tired of the ads on our website?

Now you can browse our website completely ad-free for just $5 / month. Stay up to date on breaking health news and support our work without the distraction of advertisements.

Browse our website ad-free
Join over 150,000 Subscribers at The People's Pharmacy

We're empowering you to make wise decisions about your own health, by providing you with essential health information about both medical and alternative treatment options.