We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies. Cookie Policy.

Features Partner Sites Information LinkXpress hp
Sign In
Advertise with Us
GLOBE SCIENTIFIC, LLC

Download Mobile App




AI-Powered Diagnostic Platform Improves Early Detection of Esophageal Cancer in Patients with Barrett’s Esophagus

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 09 Feb 2022

A new study will test the effectiveness of a novel diagnostic tool to improve detection of early esophageal cancer. More...

Researchers at the University of Colorado (CU) Cancer Center (Aurora, CO, USA) are leading a study to see if a novel diagnostic platform from CDx Diagnostics Inc. (Suffern, NY, USA) can help endoscopists better identify the disease in patients with a condition called Barrett’s esophagus. Barrett’s esophagus, a premalignant condition for esophageal adenocarcinoma, occurs when the flat lining of the esophagus becomes damaged by acid reflux. The condition is diagnosed in 7% to 10% of individuals with chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and is estimated to be present in 1% to 2% of the general adult population.

As Barrett’s esophagus is associated with an increased risk of developing esophageal cancer, those with the condition should get regular biopsies to check for precancerous cells (known as dysplasia) or early-stage esophageal cancer. When detected early, esophageal cancer is much more treatable endoscopically than it is at later stages. Early treatment can often be performed endoscopically, where later-stage cancers usually require surgery (esophagectomy) with or without chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

The four-year study will test the effectiveness of CDx’s advanced diagnostic platform - WATS3D, or Wide-Area Transepithelial Sampling with computer-assisted three-dimensional analysis - vs. the current standard of care known as the Seattle biopsy protocol. Where the latter method involves obtaining random four-quadrant biopsies of the esophagus, the CDx’s unique brush instrument contains long, stiff bristles that result in the acquisition of more at-risk mucosa.

Specimens will be reviewed at the company’s CLIA-certified laboratory with its patented extended depth of field imaging system and artificial intelligence-based platform that assist the pathologists in diagnostic precision. The trial will be conducted at approximately 14 centers across the U.S. The primary aim of this study is to compare the diagnostic yield of dysplasia or cancer between these two sampling methods. It is important to study Barrett’s esophagus because it is the only identifiable premalignant condition for esophageal adenocarcinoma. Traditional endoscopy with biopsies can miss as much as 30% of patients with Barrett’s esophagus-related dysplasia or early esophageal adenocarcinoma. This study will hopefully set the stage for future studies to predict progression to esophageal cancer among patients with Barrett’s esophagus.

“Esophageal adenocarcinoma is a highly lethal cancer with a five-year survival rate of less than 20%. What is really disappointing is that despite all the advances that we’ve made, the vast majority of patients with esophageal cancer still present with advanced-stage disease,” said Sachin Wani, MD, a University of Colorado Cancer Center member who is leading the study. “We are excited to be embarking on such an important study that really will impact thousands of patients that are diagnosed with Barrett’s esophagus and esophageal cancer. If the study shows that this sampling method detects more patients with dysplasia and early esophageal cancer and improves outcomes this could have significant ramifications for the way we perform endoscopy in the future for this patient population.”

Related Links:
University of Colorado Cancer Center 
CDx Diagnostics Inc. 


Gold Member
Flocked Fiber Swabs
Puritan® Patented HydraFlock®
Serological Pipet Controller
PIPETBOY GENIUS
New
Vasculitis Diagnostic Test
AESKULISA Vasculitis-Screen
New
Giardia Assay
AccuDiag Giardia
Read the full article by registering today, it's FREE! It's Free!
Register now for FREE to LabMedica.com and get access to news and events that shape the world of Clinical Laboratory Medicine.
  • Free digital version edition of LabMedica International sent by email on regular basis
  • Free print version of LabMedica International magazine (available only outside USA and Canada).
  • Free and unlimited access to back issues of LabMedica International in digital format
  • Free LabMedica International Newsletter sent every week containing the latest news
  • Free breaking news sent via email
  • Free access to Events Calendar
  • Free access to LinkXpress new product services
  • REGISTRATION IS FREE AND EASY!
Click here to Register








Channels

Hematology

view channel
Image: CitoCBC is the world first cartridge-based CBC to be granted CLIA Waived status by FDA (Photo courtesy of CytoChip)

Disposable Cartridge-Based Test Delivers Rapid and Accurate CBC Results

Complete Blood Count (CBC) is one of the most commonly ordered lab tests, crucial for diagnosing diseases, monitoring therapies, and conducting routine health screenings. However, more than 90% of physician... Read more

Immunology

view channel
Image: The tip optofluidic immunoassay platform enables rapid, multiplexed antibody profiling using only 1 μL of fingertip blood (Photo courtesy of hLife, DOI:10.1016/j.hlife.2025.04.005)

POC Diagnostic Platform Performs Immune Analysis Using One Drop of Fingertip Blood

As new COVID-19 variants continue to emerge and individuals accumulate complex histories of vaccination and infection, there is an urgent need for diagnostic tools that can quickly and accurately assess... Read more

Technology

view channel
Image: The machine learning-based method delivers near-perfect survival estimates for PAC patients (Photo courtesy of Shutterstock)

AI Method Predicts Overall Survival Rate of Prostate Cancer Patients

Prostate adenocarcinoma (PAC) accounts for 99% of prostate cancer diagnoses and is the second most common cancer in men globally after skin cancer. With more than 3.3 million men in the United States diagnosed... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2025 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.