Trinity St James’s Cancer Institute (TSJCI) researchers demonstrated the power of a structured, quality-assured Barrett’s Esophagus Registry to prevent and detect early esophageal cancer.
The study, titled “Tackling Prevention and Early Diagnosis of Esophageal Adenocarcinoma through a National Barrett’s Registry and Scientific Network,” published in the Annals of Surgery, analyzed outcomes from more than 9,400 patients enrolled in Ireland’s national Barrett’s Esophagus Registry and Bioresource since 2011. The registry was designed to improve prevention and early diagnosis of esophageal adenocarcinoma, one of the fastest-rising cancers in Western countries.
Led by the team at the National Center for Esophageal and Gastric Cancer and the National Center for Early Upper Gastrointestinal Neoplasia at the Trinity St. James’s Cancer Institute, the study found that a structured national Barrett’s program underpinned by expert endoscopy, pathology, and endoscopic eradication therapy can identify high-risk disease early and prevent cancer progression.
It also highlighted that, when diagnosed at specialist centers, advanced pre-cancer changes are associated with a high risk, supporting current intensive approaches to monitoring and treatment. Notably, patients treated through the program at the Trinity St. James’s Cancer Institute achieved a 100% cancer-specific survival, with only 1% requiring cancer surgery following endoscopic therapy.
These data were presented at the International Society for Diseases of the Esophagus in Brisbane, Australia, and the European Surgical Association Congress in Geneva, Switzerland earlier this year.
Dr. Jessie Elliott, Academic Lead for Upper Gastrointestinal Surgery at the Trinity St. James’s Cancer Institute commented, “This study demonstrates that a structured, quality-assured program can identify and treat those patients at high risk of esophageal cancer, transforming outcomes for patients with Barrett’s esophagus. It provides proof of concept that prevention and early detection, embedded in a national network, can reduce mortality from esophageal cancer.
“This work reflects the strength of collaboration across the country, not just between clinical sites, but also with our patient partners and the public who powered this important research through the annual Lollipop Day fundraising event.”
More information:
Nicola B. Raftery et al, Tackling Prevention and Early Diagnosis of Esophageal Adenocarcinoma Through a National Barrett’s Registry and Scientific Network, Annals of Surgery (2025). DOI: 10.1097/sla.0000000000006889
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