Open AccessPhotodynamic therapy for Barrett's esophagus: a review
Author(s) -
Kelty C. J.,
Marcus S. L.,
Ackroyd R.
Publication year - 2002
Publication title -
diseases of the esophagus
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.115
H-Index - 63
eISSN - 1442-2050
pISSN - 1120-8694
DOI - 10.1046/j.1442-2050.2002.00243.x
Subject(s) - medicine , photodynamic therapy , esophagus , dysplasia , barrett's esophagus , esophageal cancer , malignant transformation , cancer , ablative case , lesion , adenocarcinoma , radiology , gastroenterology , surgery , pathology , radiation therapy , chemistry , organic chemistry
SUMMARY. Barrett's esophagus is the major risk factor for the development of esophageal adenocarcinoma, which is increasing in incidence faster than any other cancer in the Western world. Barrett's esophagus has previously been considered an irreversible lesion that required life‐long surveillance to detect malignant transformation. However, endoscopic ablative techniques to destroy the abnormal mucosa and allow squamous regeneration have now been developed. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a non‐thermal technique where the interaction of a photosensitizer in the tissues and light of a known wavelength results in tissue destruction. It appears to be an effective tool for ablating dysplasia and superficial cancers in Barrett's esophagus. The status of PDT for this disease is reviewed.