The rationale for screening and surveillance of Barrettʹs metaplasia

Oesophageal adenocarcinoma is a rare cancer; however, it is the most rapidly increasing cancer in the western world. Barrettʹs oesophagus is the only recognised precursor and is associated with the majority of cases of adenocarcinoma. The role of screening and surveillance in patients with Barrettʹs oesophagus remains controversial. There is insufficient evidence to show that screening improves survival and is cost-effective. Indirect evidence suggests that patients diagnosed with cancer while undergoing surveillance endoscopy are diagnosed at an earlier stage and have an improved survival. The problems with current surveillance techniques include lack of data on natural history of Barrettʹs oesophagus, test invasiveness, costs, lack of standardisation and validation of biopsy and treatment protocols, and endoscopy intervals. The use of novel endoscopic techniques and biomarkers combined with better identification of high-risk groups could make screening and surveillance a cost-effective practice in the future.