Overview

The Barrett's Esophagus Unit is a multidisciplinary approach to patients with Barrett's esophagus who have early cancer or are at risk of developing cancer. The Unit is dedicated to providing the best possible care to patients with this condition including educational programs to decrease reflux, research into drugs that can prevent cancer, using the most modern technology to eliminate Barrett's esophagus and early cancer with minimally invasive techniques that maintain the patient's quality of life.

The Unit is focused on three major programs. Dr. Wang leads the therapeutic program that deals with the use of advanced endoscopy to treat Barrett's esophagus and early cancers. Dr. Buttar leads the chemoprevention program that investigates drugs that can decrease cancer risk. Dr. Wong Kee Song specializes in detection of early cancer changes in Barrett's esophagus using novel spectroscopic and imaging techniques. Combined, these programs are designed to bring about innovative approaches to improve patient care.

Novel Study for Barrett’s Esophagus

Endoscopic Therapy of Early Esophageal Cancer in Barrett's Esophagus

This study is being done to see if treatment for esophageal cancer can be done using endoscopy. The standard method of treating this type of cancer is surgical removal of the esophagus. The study is being done to determine if removing just the cancer with endoscopy is enough treatment or if the addition of another treatment called photodynamic therapy (treatment with a red light and a drug called sodium porfimer) is needed. Participants should have a history of early esophageal cancer in Barrett's Esophagus and not be eligible for surgical or radiological therapy.

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