Research into Barrett’s oesophagus

Barrett’s oesophagus means that some cells in the lining of your food pipe (oesophagus) have started to change. In a small number of people, these changes can develop into oesophageal cancer.

Researchers are looking at the causes, diagnosis and treatment of Barrett's oesophagus.

Go to Cancer Research UK’s clinical trials database if you are looking for a trial for Barrett's oesophagus in the UK. You need to talk to your specialist if there are any trials that you think you might be able to take part in.

When you go into the trials database, search for Barrett’s oesophagus. 

Research into the causes of Barrett’s oesophagus

Genes

Researchers have identified some gene changes that they think are important in the development of Barret’s oesophagus and oesophageal cancer. It may be possible to inherit some of these gene changes which increase a person’s risk of developing Barrett’s oesophagus. But researchers think this may only be the case in a small percentage of people. 

Obesity

Researchers have looked at whether being very overweight increases your risk of Barrett’s oesophagus.

They found that some people with Barrett’s oesophagus were of normal weight. But more people who had the condition were overweight. This was highest in the people whose fat was mainly around their waist (abdominal obesity). 

The team concluded that abdominal obesity is a high risk factor for developing Barrett’s oesophagus. This adds to the importance of programmes which help people to lose weight and manage their diet. 

Research into diagnosing and monitoring Barrett's oesophagus

Capsule sponge test such as Cytosponge or EndoSign

Doctors are looking at a test called a capsule sponge test. A capsule sponge test is a small capsule which you swallow, along with a drink of water. The capsule contains a sponge that is attached to a string. The sponge is covered in gelatine which takes about 5 minutes to dissolve in your stomach. The nurse then gently removes the sponge by pulling the string. As they pull the sponge up and out of your mouth, it collects cells from the lining of your oesophagus. The nurse sends the sponge to the laboratory.

There are different capsule sponge products, these include Cytosponge and EndoSign.

Researchers want to find out how well this test works as a screening tool for Barrett's oesophagus. They also want to find out if it is a reliable way to monitor people who have Barrett’s oesophagus.

The capsule sponge test is now available in Scotland to diagnose and monitor some people with Barrett’s oesophagus. There are trials and projects taking place in different parts of England and Wales. They are looking at the use of this test in people with symptoms and those with a diagnosis of Barrett’s oesophagus. If these are successful, the capsule sponge test might be used more widely in the NHS for people with Barrett’s oesophagus. Meanwhile, ongoing trials aim to improve our understanding of this test.

This video shows you what happens during the test. The video is 1 minute 19 seconds long.

Gastroscopy

People with Barrett's might have regular gastroscopies to check inside the oesophagus for growths or abnormal looking areas. Your doctor might also take a sample (biopsy) of any abnormal looking tissues.

Doctors are looking at:

• using a spray during gastroscopy to show up abnormal areas
• a new type of biopsy called an optical biopsy
• tests to predict the risk of Barrett’s oesophagus coming back
• using the capsule sponge test instead of a gastroscopy

Research into treatment for Barrett's oesophagus

Treatment through an endoscope (endoscopic treatment)

Researchers are looking at different types of endoscopic treatment for Barrett’s oesophagus. For example, researchers are:

• collecting long term records of people who are having radiofrequency ablation , a standard treatment for Barrett’s oesophagus
• looking at a new endoscopy tool, which uses suction to pull in and remove abnormal areas