Clinical trials

* The use of high resolution endoscopy (HRE), narrow band imaging (NBI) and chromoendoscopy increases the detection rates of Barrett's esophagus (BE) and early neoplasia. * Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) will improve the accuracy for detection of dysplasia/early neoplasia. Specific Aim 1 - To create a video-atlas of non-dysplastic and dysplastic/early neoplastic lesions in patients with BE. This will be used for training purposes and to assess learning curve associated with these new technologies. Specific Aim 2 - To create a standardized classification system for the mucosal and vascular patterns observed in patients with BE. Specific Aim 3 - To determine the interobserver agreement using the video-atlas for the mucosal and vascular patterns classification agreed upon. Specific Aim 4 - To determine the endoscopic detection rate of esophageal cancer or precancerous lesions removed during endoscopy. Specific Aim 5 - To determine the pathologic and clinical outcomes of patients undergoing EMR/ablation; including morbidity, mortality and complications of the procedure. Results to date (June 2008) : this study is active and open to enrollment. Currently 26 patients have enrolled in this study at the Kansas City VA medical center. In order to participate, patients must be eligible for care at the KCVA hospital.

The purpose of this study is to determine or evaluate the risk factors such as smoking, family history etc. that cause esophageal cancer and to determine the genetic changes that lead to esophageal cancer. The investigators hypothesis is that systematic collection of data on the natural history of GERD and BE patients and risk factors for development of BE in patients with chronic GERD and progression of BE to dysplasia and adenocarcinoma will provide useful information to develop a decision model for risk stratification and risk reduction strategies in these patients. As of March 17, 2011, 585 patients have consented at the Kansas City VA Medical Center.