Results of photodynamic therapy in Barrett's esophagus: A review

Barrett's esophagus is associated with an increased occurrence of mucosal dysplasia and adenocarcinoma in the specialized glandular mucosa, with a 30- to 52-fold increase in the occurrence of esophageal cancer compared with the normal population. An alternative to esophagectomy as a treatment modality is needed because of the high morbidity and mortality associated with it. Photodynamic therapy offers an alternative nonsurgical therapy that eliminates dysplasia and superficial cancer, and reduces Barrett's mucosa while reducing the risks and costs compared with those of esophagectomy. The use of photodynamic therapy in the ablation of Barrett's mucosa is reviewed.