Endoscopies are commonly used to determine esophageal cancer risk, but a test involving a “pill-on-a-thread” has shown promise as an easier alternative for some patients. Those with Barrett’s esophagus — a risk factor for esophageal cancer — often need to undergo multiple endoscopies, in which a long tube with a camera is passed down into the stomach.
Although it’s crucial to monitor the esophagus over time, endoscopies can end up being uncomfortable for patients, who may also experience long wait times for the procedure. A new study published in The Lancet has shown that a less invasive capsule sponge test could replace endoscopies for half of all patients with Barrett's esophagus.
Esophageal cancer is a rare form of cancer, making up just 1 percent of all cancers diagnosed in the U.S. However, this cancer is also difficult to treat and has high mortality rates, with fewer than one in five ...
