Advances in Barrett’s Esophagus: Screening, Surveillance, and Endoscopic Eradication Strategies

Abstract

Barrett's esophagus (BE) is a precursor to esophageal adenocarcinoma, which is associated with poor survival when diagnosed at advanced stages. Early detection and treatment of dysplasia improve outcomes. This review summarizes current strategies for BE screening, surveillance, and management, emphasizing advances in endoscopic diagnosis and therapy. Risk-based screening with esophagogastroduodenoscopy and systematic biopsies remains the diagnostic standard, while emerging nonendoscopic cell collection devices with biomarker assays may expand screening. Management is guided by histologic grade, with surveillance recommended for nondysplastic BE and endoscopic eradication therapy recommended for dysplasia and early neoplasia. Endoscopic resection combined with ablation achieves durable eradication with esophageal preservation.