title: Evaluating treatments of Barrett's esophagus that shows high-grade dysplasia.
abstract: Thermal ablation and surgery are currently indicated for the treatment of Barrett's esophagus that shows high-grade dysplasia. Recent clinical thought is that photodynamic therapy (PDT), a nonsurgical ablative therapy, along with proton pump inhibitor therapy, may be able to eliminate Barrett's esophagus with less morbidity and mortality, and perhaps at a lower cost, than other current treatments. PDT is currently under investigation for this indication. The principles of ablative therapy, complications of PDT, treatment results, the best candidates for PDT, and the workup strategy are discussed.
authors.forename: B F
authors.initials: BF
authors.lastname: Overholt
mesh_terms: D001471:Barrett Esophagus / Q000150:complications / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*; D002283:Carcinoma, Bronchogenic / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology; D005764:Gastroesophageal Reflux / Q000150:complications; D006801:Humans; D018579:Patient Selection; D010778:Photochemotherapy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D016896:Treatment Outcome