Abstract
Barrett's esophagus - intestinal metaplasia within the tubular esophagus - is a premalignant histologic lesion and a marker of cancer risk. Strategies to prevent Barrett's-related esophageal cancer have focused on reversal of Barrett's using pharmacological or surgical antireflux therapies and endoscopically-induced injury. Currently, however, there is little compelling evidence to support the reversal of Barrett's through pharmacological or surgical therapy, and endoscopic reversal of Barrett's has not yet been validated. Chemoprevention using intensive acid suppression and/or inhibition of cycoloxygenase-2 (COX-2) with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs remains a biologically plausible strategy that is supported by a rapidly growing body of scientific evidence. Data suggest that a combination of acid suppression with COX-2 inhibition might be the most effective chemopreventive strategy. Whether this approach is effective awaits the results of well-designed outcomes studies.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | S30-S37 |
Journal | Reviews in Gastroenterological Disorders |
Volume | 2 |
Issue number | SUPPL. 2 |
State | Published - 2002 |
Keywords
- Acid suppresion
- Antireflux therapy
- Barrett's esophagus
- COX-2 inhibition
- Endoscopic injury
- Esophageal cancer
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Gastroenterology