Options For Treating Barrett's Esophagus

Photodynamic Therapy

Photodynamic therapy is a nonsurgical procedure that uses medications to make abnormal cells and cancerous cells susceptible to intense light energy, like that from lasers. This technique can be used to destroy the abnormal lining of the esophagus in Barrett's esophagus patients. During photodynamic therapy, the physician will inject an infusion of a particular medication into the body through a vein. This medication causes cells to become very vulnerable to light. Within forty-eight hours of the infusion, the medication will have left the surrounding healthy tissues of the body. However, it remains in the tissue of the abnormal lining of the esophagus longer. This mechanism allows a physician to use a specialized endoscope equipped with a laser to activate the photosensitive drug that remains in the target tissues. When the light from the laser is applied, a process begins that kills the cells that form the abnormal lining. The only adverse effect of this type of therapy is the patient may remain light sensitive for thirty to ninety days following the procedure.