Trinity Led National Study Highlights Effective Strategy for Prevention of Oesophageal Cancer

Researchers from Trinity College Dublin and the National Centre for Oesophageal and Gastric Cancer at St. James’s Hospital have published landmark findings in Annals of Surgery demonstrating how a structured, quality-assured Barrett’s Oesophagus Registry can prevent and detect early oesophageal cancer. The study analysed data from over 9,400 patients enrolled in Ireland’s national Barrett’s Oesophagus Registry and Bioresource since 2011. Funded by the Oesophageal Cancer Fund (OCF) in partnership with Research Ireland, the registry was designed to tackle one of the fastest-growing cancers in Western countries - oesophageal adenocarcinoma - through improved prevention and early diagnosis.

The research shows that a national Barrett’s programme, supported by expert endoscopy, pathology, and endoscopic eradication therapy, can identify high-risk disease early and stop cancer progression. When advanced pre-cancer changes are diagnosed at specialist centres, they carry significant risk, reinforcing the need for intensive monitoring and treatment. Notably, patients treated through the programme at the Trinity St. James’s Cancer Institute achieved 100% cancer-specific survival, with only 1% requiring surgery after endoscopic therapy - underscoring the life-saving impact of structured prevention strategies.

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 programme can identify and treat those patients at high risk of oesophageal cancer, transforming outcomes for patients with Barrett’s oesophagus. It provides proof of concept that prevention and early detection, embedded in a national network, can reduce mortality from oesophageal 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.”

Read more:

Tackling Prevention and Early Diagnosis of Esophageal Adenocarcinoma Through a National Barrett’s Registry and Scientific Network

Study demonstrates proof of concept for preventing oesophageal cancer