A diagnostic and prognostic tool supporting accurate early diagnosis of esophageal adenocarcinoma and providing prognostic information on Barrett’s esophagus

Esophageal adenocarcinoma

Esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) is a malignancy with increasingly alarming statistics, particularly in high-income countries where it represents approximately two-thirds of all esophageal cancers1. In 2020, the number of new cases of EAC worldwide was estimated to be 85,700, with projections of a 60% increase over the next 20 years, which translates to approximately 55,600 new cases per year2. EAC originates from Barrett’s esophagus (BE), a condition in which normal esophageal cells undergo metaplastic transformation into a columnar, intestinal-like epithelium3-6. BE is the only known precursor to EAC, underscoring the critical need for effective BE screening strategies. Early detection of BE and subsequent monitoring for dysplasia can significantly improve patient outcomes, but it is currently hampered by the need for troublesome screening (endoscopic) in all patients, independently of their individual risk, as well as low diagnostic accuracy.

EsoDetect

EsoDetect is a groundbreaking in vitro diagnostic medical device that supports early and accurate pathological diagnosis of dysplasia while also providing prognostic information in the absence of non-malignant tissue. It was developed to address the diagnostic uncertainties in the screening of Barrett’s Esophagus patients.

How it works

EsoDetect is based on a gene expression signature that is used by pathology labs to analyze formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) biopsy samples obtained during endoscopic screening of patients diagnosed with Barrett’s Esophagus (BE). Proprietary machine learning algorithm integrates the data on the gene expression biomarkers providing a sensitive and specific diagnosis of early dysplasia and assessment of risk of progression to EAC, even in the absence of histologic or imaging evidence.

Who is it for?

EsoDetect was developed to empower gastroenterologists, pathologists and multidisciplinary medical teams involved in the care of patients with Barrett’s esophagus. By providing clear and accurate prognostic information, EsoDetect helps to make informed decisions regarding the management of patients with Barrett’s esophagus. This includes determining appropriate surveillance intervals, considering active treatment options such as ablation, and ultimately improving patient outcomes. EsoDetect is a testament to the importance of early detection and personalized care in the management of BE and offers a new horizon in the prevention of EAC.

Availability

EsoDetect is not commercially available yet. If you want to participate in the validation of EsoDetect, get in touch

References

1 Sung H, Ferlay J, Siegel RL, Laversanne M, Soerjomataram I, Jemal A, et al. Global Cancer Statistics 2020: GLOBOCAN Estimates of Incidence and Mortality Worldwide for 36 Cancers in 185 Countries. CA Cancer J Clin. 2021;71:209–49.

2 Morgan E, Soerjomataram I, Rumgay H, Coleman HG, Thrift AP, Vignat J, et al. The Global Landscape of Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Esophageal.

3 Spechler SJ, Souza RF. Barrett’s Esophagus. New England Journal of Medicine. 2014;371:836–45.

4 Choi KKH, Sanagapalli S. Barrett’s esophagus: Review of natural history and comparative efficacy of endoscopic and surgical therapies. World J Gastrointest Oncol. 2022;14:568–86.

5 Klavan H, Russell MB, Macklin J, Lee E, Aslanian HR, Muniraj T. Barrett’s esophagus: A comprehensive review for the internist. Disease-a-Month. 2018;64:471–87.

6 Killcoyne S, Fitzgerald RC. Evolution and progression of Barrett’s oesophagus to oesophageal cancer. Nat Rev Cancer. 2021;21:731–41.