Improving clinical outcomes of Barrett's esophagus with high dose proton pump inhibitors and cryoablation

Key Messages Endoscopic surveillance of Barrett's esophagus (BE) has not made any clear impact on incidence of or mortality from esophageal adenocarcinoma. After cost-effective, safe cryoablation of BE, continued effective acid-reflux control with high-dose proton pump inhibitors is critical to minimize recurrence or progression. Risk factors and costs will define methods and frequency of limited surveillance after ablation of BE. Introduction Esophageal adenocarcinoma incidence has increased significantly despite surveillance endoscopy for Barrett's esophagus (BE) and gastric acid supression medications. This prospective, cohort study's aims were to determine the long-term efficacy of proton-pump inhibitors twice daily (PPI-BID) with cryotherapy (CRYO) for complete ablation of BE. Materials and Methods Consecutive BE patients were managed with a PPI-BID, CRYO ablation, follow-up protocol. Primary outcomes were to determine complete ablation rate of intestinal metaplasia (IM) or dysplasia/carcinoma, and factors affecting recurrence. Results Sixty-two patients were enrolled: advanced disease (11%), low-grade or indefinite dysplasia (26%), non-dysplastic BE (63%). In 58 completing CRYO, eradication was confirmed in 100% on surveillance endoscopy. Adverse events (5%) were minor (mild pain 4%). IM recurred in 9% after a mean of 52 months, all successfully re-ablated. No second recurrence occurred. The primary predictor of recurrence was noncompliance with PPI-BID. BE or cardia IM recurred in 35% of those taking proton pump inhibitors once daily or less compared with 0% in those on PPI-BID or dexlansoprazole daily (p<.001). Conclusions Minimizing acid reflux with at least PPI-BID combined with CRYO ablation appears to be the optimal cost-effective and safe BE treatment for any stage to minimize progression to adenocarcinoma by addressing both the stimulus that causes BE and the presence of goblet cells.