Does cancer risk affect health-related quality of life in patients with Barrett's esophagus?

Health State Utility is Substantially Reduced With an Increasing Burden of Patient-Reported Symptoms in Eosinophilic Esophagitis

INTRODUCTION

We aimed to estimate health state utility in eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) by histologic activity and assess association with disease parameters.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, we measured health state utility by time trade-off and assessed symptoms with the EoE Symptom Activity Index.

RESULTS

In 51 adults with EoE, the mean utility was 0.91 (95% CI 0.86, 0.95). Utility was numerically worse in patients with dilation or a smaller stricture diameter. With each ten-point improvement in EoE Symptom Activity Index, utility increased by 0.03 (95% CI 0.01, 0.05).

DISCUSSION

EoE is associated with reduced health state utility, with symptoms most strongly predicting valuation.

Factors influencing the cost-effectiveness of radiofrequency ablation for Barrett's esophagus with low-grade dysplasia in Australia

Endoscopic eradication therapy using radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is considered an acceptable alternative to surveillance monitoring for Barrett's esophagus with low-grade dysplasia (LGD). This study aimed to estimate whether RFA for LGD is cost-effective and to determine which factors influence cost-effectiveness. A Markov model was developed to estimate the incremental cost per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) gained for RFA compared with endoscopic surveillance. An Australian longitudinal cohort study (PROBE-NET) provides the basis of the model. Replacing surveillance with RFA yields 10 fewer cases of HGD and 9 fewer esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC)-related deaths per 1000 patients' treatment, given on average 0.192 QALYs at an additional cost of AU$9211 (€5689; US$6262) per patient (incremental cost-effectiveness ratio AU$47,815 per QALY). The model is sensitive to the rate of EAC from LGD health state, the utility values, and the number of RFA sessions. Hence, the incremental benefit ranges from 0.080 QALYs to 0.198 QALYs leading to uncertainty in the cost-effectiveness estimates. When the cancerous progression rate of LGD falls <0.47% per annum, the cost-effectiveness of RFA becomes questionable. RFA treatment of LGD provides significantly better clinical outcomes than surveillance. The additional cost of RFA is acceptable if the LGD to EAC rate is >0.47% per annum and no more than three RFA treatment sessions are provided. Accurate estimates of the risk of developing EAC in patients with LGD are needed to validate the analyses.

Quality of life, clinical outcomes and cost utilization of endoscopic therapy in patients with Barrett's esophagus and early esophageal cancer-an 8-year Canadian experience

Background and Aims

Endoscopic treatment is a definitive and cost-effective management strategy for early neoplasia in Barrett's oesophagus (BE). However, little is known of its impact on quality of life (QoL). This study reports outcomes of endoscopic eradication treatment (EET), focusing on QoL and costs in a Canadian tertiary referral centre.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study using a prospectively maintained clinical database captured validated QoL metrics during and at the end of EET, risk factors for BE, treatment response, complications, costs, and follow-up response of all treated Barrett patients in Calgary and Southern Alberta, Canada.

Results

A total of 147 BE patients were treated from 2013 to 2021. All patients showed significant improvement in almost all QoL parameters except depression. There was significant improvement in 7 of the 8 QoL metrics in those who achieved complete eradication of intestinal metaplasia (CEIM). EET was successful in achieving complete eradication of dysplasia (CED) and CEIM in 93.4% and 74.3% of patients, respectively, with a median of 3 radio frequency ablation treatments. Longer circumferential segments of BE (Cx) predicted a lower likelihood of achieving CEIM. The average total cost to achieve CED and CEIM were $10 414.58 and $9347.93CAD, respectively (compared to oesophagectomy estimated at $58 332.30 CAD).

Conclusion

This Canadian cohort reports significant post-treatment improvement in QoL parameters in patients treated to CEIM or CED over an 8-year period. EET for BE eradication is cost-effective compared to oesophagectomy. There was a low rate of complications and recurrence post-CEIM.

Endoscopic Surveillance of Intestinal Metaplasia of the Esophagogastric Junction: A Decision Modeling Analysis

INTRODUCTION

The incidence of esophagogastric junction adenocarcinoma (EGJAC) has been rising. Intestinal metaplasia of the esophagogastric junction (EGJIM) is a common finding in gastroesophageal reflux (irregular Z-line) and may represent an early step in the development of EGJAC in the West. Worldwide, EGJIM may represent progression along the Correa cascade triggered by Helicobacter pylori . We sought to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of endoscopic surveillance of EGJIM.

METHODS

We developed a decision analytic model to compare endoscopic surveillance strategies for 50-year-old patients after diagnosis of non-dysplastic EGJIM: (i) no surveillance (standard of care), (ii) endoscopy every 3 years, (iii) endoscopy every 5 years, or (iv) 1-time endoscopy at 3 years. We modeled 4 progression scenarios to reflect uncertainty: A (0.01% annual cancer incidence), B (0.05%), C (0.12%), and D (0.22%).

RESULTS

Cost-effectiveness of endoscopic surveillance depended on the progression rate of EGJIM to cancer. At the lowest progression rate (scenario A, 0.01%), no surveillance strategies were cost-effective. In moderate progression scenarios, 1-time surveillance at 3 years was cost-effective, at $30,989 and $16,526 per quality-adjusted life year for scenarios B (0.05%) and C (0.12%), respectively. For scenario D (0.22%), surveillance every 5 years was cost-effective at $77,695 per quality-adjusted life year.

DISCUSSION

Endoscopic surveillance is costly and can cause harm; however, low-intensity longitudinal surveillance (every 5 years) is cost-effective in populations with higher EGJAC incidence. No surveillance or 1-time endoscopic surveillance of patients with EGJIM was cost-effective in low-incidence populations. Future studies to better understand the natural history of EGJIM, identify risk factors of progression, and inform appropriate surveillance strategies are required.

Cost-effectiveness Analysis of Radiofrequency Ablation in Patients With Barrett Esophagus and High-Grade Dysplasia or Low-Grade Dysplasia

PURPOSE

Clinical guidelines recommend radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for eradication of Barrett esophagus in patients with low-grade dysplasia (LGD) and high-grade dysplasia (HGD), but evidence on whether RFA provides good value for money is still sparse. This study evaluates the cost-effectiveness of RFA in Italy.

METHODS

A Markov model was used to estimate lifelong costs and consequences of disease progression with different treatments. RFA was compared with esophagectomy in the HGD group or endoscopic surveillance in the LGD group. Clinical and quality-of-life parameters were derived from a review of the literature and expert opinions, whereas Italian national tariffs were used as a proxy for costs.

FINDINGS

RFA dominated esophagectomy in patients with HGD with a probability of 83%. For patients with LGD, RFA was more effective and more costly than active surveillance (incremental cost-effectiveness ratio, €6276 per quality-adjusted life-year). At a cost-effectiveness threshold of €15,272, the probability of RFA being the optimal strategy in this population was close to 100%. Model results were sensitive to the cost of the interventions and utility weights used in the different disease states.

IMPLICATIONS

RFA is likely to be the optimal choice for patients with LGD and HGD in Italy. Italy is discussing the implementation of a national program for the health technology assessment of medical devices, requiring more studies to prove value for money of emerging technologies.

Quality of life measures in dysplastic Barrett's oesophagus are comparable to patients with non-dysplastic Barrett's oesophagus and do not improve after endoscopic therapy

OBJECTIVE

Barrett's oesophagus (BO) is a precursor lesion, via dysplastic phases, to oesophageal adenocarcinoma. Although overall risk from BO is low, it has been shown to adversely affect health-related quality of life (HRQOL). The aim was to compare dysplastic BO patients' HRQOL pre-endoscopic therapy (pre-ET) and post-ET. The pre-ET BO group was also compared with other cohorts: non-dysplastic BO (NDBO), those with colonic polyps, gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) and healthy volunteers.

DESIGN

Participants in the pre-ET cohort were recruited prior to their endotherapy and HRQOL questionnaires provided pre-ET and post-ET. Wilcoxon rank test was used to compare the pre-ET and post-ET findings. The Pre-ET group was compared to the other cohorts' HRQOL results using multiple linear regression analysis.

RESULTS

Pre-ET group of 69 participants returned the questionnaires prior to and 42 post-ET. Both the pre-ET and post-ET group showed similar levels of cancer worry, despite the treatment. No statistical significance was found for symptoms scores, anxiety and depression or general health measures with the Short Form-36 (SF-36) Score. Education for the BO patients was overall lacking with many of the pre-ET group still reporting unanswered questions about their disease.The Pre-ET group was compared with NDBO group (N=379), GORD (N=132), colonic polyp patients (N=152) and healthy volunteers (N=48). Cancer worry was similar between the NDBO group and the Pre-ET group, despite their lower risk of progression. GORD patients had worse symptom scores from a reflux and heartburn perspective. Only the healthy group has significantly better scores in the SF-36 and improved hospital anxiety and depression scores.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that there is a need to improve HRQOL for patients with BO. This should include improved education and devising-specific patient-reported outcome measures for BO to capture relevant areas of HRQOL in future studies.

Factors influencing health-related quality of life in patients with Barrett's esophagus: a qualitative focus group study

INTRODUCTION

Barrett's esophagus is a premalignant condition in the lower part of the esophagus, caused by gastroesophageal reflux disease. Previous studies found that having a Barrett's esophagus is associated with a significant decrease of health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Over the past decade, a considerable amount of literature has been published on the development of endoscopic treatment for (early) neoplasia in Barrett's esophagus. Though, currently very little is known about the impact of those endoscopic treatments on HRQOL from the perspective of patients. In this study, we aim to assess the factors influencing HRQOL according to Barrett's esophagus patients.

METHODS

By using a qualitative focus group design, patients with nondysplastic Barrett's esophagus and patients with a history of endoscopic treatment for Barrett's dysplasia were included. Data were analysed following the conventional content analyses approach.

RESULTS

A total of 34 patients participated in the four focus group sessions. Experiencing symptoms was valued as the most important factor in both groups. Other factors identified as important HRQOL influencers were: use of medication, fear of cancer and trust in physicians and endoscopic procedures.

CONCLUSIONS

In general, Barrett's esophagus patients experienced a good HRQOL, with a minimal emotional burden from the diagnosis of Barrett's esophagus. Most influencing factor on HRQOL was: experiencing reflux and dyspepsia symptoms. This study underlines the importance of adequate gastroesophageal reflux treatment and providing information to Barrett's esophagus patients, tailored to their personal needs.

How are we measuring health-related quality of life in patients with a Barrett Esophagus? A systematic review on patient-reported outcome measurements

Purpose

Barrett esophagus (BE) is associated with a significant decrease of health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Too often, patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) are applied without considering what they measure and for which purposes they are suitable. With this systematic review, we provide researchers and physicians with an overview of all the instruments previously used for measuring HRQoL in BE patients and which PROMs are most appropriate from the patient’s perspective.

Methods

A comprehensive search was performed to identify all PROMs used for measuring HRQoL in BE patients, to identify factors influencing HRQoL according to BE patients, and to evaluate each PROM from a patients’ perspective.

Results

Among the 27 studies, a total of 32 different HRQoL instruments were identified. None of these instruments were designed or validated for use in BE patients. Four qualitative studies were identified exploring factors influencing HRQoL in the perceptions of BE patients. These factors included fear of cancer, anxiety, trust in physician, sense of control, uncertainty, worry, burden of endoscopy, knowledge and understanding, gastrointestinal symptoms, sleeping difficulties, diet and lifestyle, use of medication, and support of family and friends.

Conclusion

None of the quantitative studies measuring HRQoL in BE patients sufficiently reflected the perceptions of HRQoL in BE patients. Only gastrointestinal symptoms and anxiety were addressed in the majority of the studies. For the selection of PROMs, we encourage physicians and researchers measuring HRQoL to choose their PROMs from a patient perspective and not strictly based on health professionals’ definitions of what is relevant.

Economic evaluation of Cytosponge®-trefoil factor 3 for Barrett esophagus: A cost-utility analysis of randomised controlled trial data

BACKGROUND

Esophageal adenocarcinoma has a very poor prognosis unless detected early. The Cytosponge-trefoil factor 3 (TFF3) is a non-endoscopic test for Barrett esophagus, a precursor of esophageal adenocarcinoma. Randomised controlled trial data from the BEST3 trial has shown that an offer of Cytosponge-TFF3 in the primary care setting in England to individuals on medication for acid reflux increases detection of Barrett esophagus 10-fold over a year compared with standard care. This is an economic evaluation of Cytosponge-TFF3 screening versus usual care using data from the BEST3 trial which took place between 20th March 2017 and 21st March 2019.

METHODS

A Markov model with a one-year cycle-length and a lifetime time horizon was created, adapting previous modeling work on Cytosponge screening. The impact of one round of Cytosponge screening was modelled in patients with a median age of 69 years (based on BEST3 trial population). Cost-effectiveness was expressed as an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER). Deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were conducted on model parameters.

FINDINGS

Per person, one round of Cytosponge-TFF3 screening, including confirmatory endoscopy and treatment, in the intervention arm costed £82 more than usual care and generated an additional 0.015 quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) at an ICER of £5,500 per QALY gained. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis gave an ICER of £5,405 (95% CI -£6,791 to £17,600). The average QALY gain per person is small because the majority of patients in the model will not develop BE and therefore will have no resulting change in their utility, however the small proportion of patients who are identified with BE dysplasia or cancer derive large benefit. At a willingness-to-pay threshold of £20,000 per QALY, the probability that Cytosponge-TFF3 was cost-effective was over 90%.

INTERPRETATION

Using data from a pragmatic randomised trial, one-off Cytosponge-TFF3 screen is cost-effective relative to usual care for patients with gastro-esophageal reflux disease, despite relatively low uptake and an older population in this trial setting than previously modelled. Improving Cytosponge-TFF3 uptake and targeting younger patients is likely to further improve cost-effectiveness.

A Cost-Effectiveness Analysis Of An Adenocarcinoma Risk Prediction Multi-Biomarker Assay For Patients With Barrett's Esophagus

PURPOSE

This study evaluates the cost-effectiveness of a quantitative multi-biomarker assay (the Assay) that stratifies patients with Barrett's Esophagus (BE) by risk of progression to high-grade dysplasia (HGD) or esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) and can be used to guide clinical decisions, versus the current guidelines (standard of care [SOC]) for surveillance and treatment of BE.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Markov decision modeling and simulation were used to compare cost and quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) from the perspective of a US health insurer with care delivered by an integrated health system. Model assumptions and disease progression probabilities were derived from the literature. Performance metrics for the Assay were from an independent clinical validation study. Cost of the Assay was based on reimbursement rates from multiple payers. Other costs were derived from Geisinger payment data.

RESULTS

Base-case model results for a 5-year period comparing the Assay-directed care to the SOC estimated an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of $52,483/QALY in 2012 US dollars. Assay-directed care increased the use of endoscopic treatments by 58.4%, which reduced the progression to HGD, EAC and reduced EAC-related deaths by 51.7%, 47.1%, and 37.6%, respectively, over the 5-year period. Sensitivity analysis indicated that the probability of the Assay being cost-effective compared to the SOC was 57.3% at the $100,000/QALY acceptability threshold.

CONCLUSION

Given the model assumptions, the new Assay would be cost-effective after 5 years and improves patient outcomes due to improvement in the effectiveness of surveillance and treatment protocols resulting in fewer patients progressing to HGD and EAC and fewer EAC-related deaths.

Health-Related Quality of Life Associated with Barrett's Esophagus and Cancer

BACKGROUND

Research assessing health-related quality of life (HRQoL) which can be applied to economic evaluation in Barrett's esophagus (BE) and esophageal cancer is limited. This study derived health state utilities for various 'stages' of BE and Cancer.

METHODS

A cross-sectional survey was conducted, including patients with non-dysplastic BE, low-grade dysplasia, high-grade dysplasia, or esophageal adenocarcinoma. HRQoL was assessed using generic instruments-EQ-5D-5L and SF-36, and a cancer-specific instrument-EORTC QLQ-C30. Outcomes were compared for health states following different treatments. Correlations and agreements for the three instruments were investigated using Spearman's correlation coefficient (r) and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC).

RESULTS

A total of 97 respondents (80% male, mean age 68 years) returned questionnaires. The mean (standard deviation) health state utilities for the total sample were 0.79 (0.24) for the EQ-5D-5L, 0.57 (0.29) for the SF-6D (derived from SF-36) and 0.73 (0.20) for the QLU-C10D (derived from EORTC QLQ-C30). There were strong correlations (r > 0.80) and absolute agreement (except EQ-5D-5L and SF-6D with an ICC of 0.69) among the three instruments. No significant differences were observed for different stages of BE or interventions. However, following surgery for cancer patients reported better psychological well-being than those under surveillance or following endoscopic treatments.

CONCLUSION

HRQoL for BE surveillance and following cancer treatment was similar. Esophagectomy was associated with better psychological functioning, and this might be attributed to a reduction in the perceived risk of cancer. The correlation between the EORTC QLU-C10D and the other health state utility instruments supports the validity of this new instrument.

Barrett oesophagus

Barrett oesophagus (BE), the only known histological precursor of oesophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC), is a condition in which the squamous epithelium of the oesophagus is replaced by columnar epithelium as an adaptive response to gastro-oesophageal reflux. EAC has one of the fastest rising incidences of cancers in Western countries and has a dismal prognosis. BE is usually detected during endoscopic examination, and diagnosis is confirmed by the histological presence of intestinal metaplasia. Advances in genomics and transcriptomics have improved our understanding of the pathogenesis and malignant progression of intestinal metaplasia. As the majority of EAC cases are diagnosed in individuals without a known history of BE, screening for BE could potentially decrease disease-related mortality. Owing to the pre-malignant nature of BE, endoscopic surveillance of patients with BE is imperative for early detection and treatment of dysplasia to prevent further progression to invasive EAC. Developments in endoscopic therapy have resulted in a major shift in the treatment of patients with BE who have dysplasia or early EAC, from surgical resection to endoscopic resection and ablation. In addition to symptom control by optimization of lifestyle and pharmacological therapy with proton pump inhibitors, chemopreventive strategies based on NSAIDs and statins are currently being investigated for BE management.

Endosheath ultrathin transnasal endoscopy is a cost-effective method for screening for Barrett's esophagus in patients with GERD symptoms

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Barrett's esophagus (BE) screening is currently not considered to be cost effective in the general population but may be effective in high-risk subgroups, such as 50-year-old white men with chronic reflux disease (GERD). A new modality for screening is unsedated transnasal endoscopy using endosheath technology (uTNE), which has been shown to be safe and effective in clinical practice. In this study, we determined the cost-utility of uTNE in a high-risk subgroup compared with no screening or screening with standard endoscopy.

METHODS

A Markov model was used to simulate screening of 50-year-old white men with symptoms of GERD with either uTNE or standard endoscopy compared with no screening, over a lifetime horizon. Input variables were based on the literature and recent data on uTNE screening for BE. The study was designed from a healthcare payer perspective by using direct costs. Primary outcome measures were costs, quality-adjusted life years (QALYs), and the incremental cost-utility ratio (ICUR) of uTNE and standard endoscopy compared with no screening. Sensitivity analysis was performed for several factors, such as prevalence of BE.

RESULTS

Costs of uTNE, standard endoscopy, and no screening were estimated at, $2495, $2957, and $1436, respectively. Compared with no screening, uTNE screening resulted in an overall QALY increase of 0.039 (95% percentile 0.018; 0.063) and an ICUR of $29,446 per QALY gained (95% confidence interval [CI], 18.516-53.091), whereas standard endoscopy compared with no screening resulted in a QALY increase of 0.034 (95% CI, 0.015-0.056) and an ICUR of $47,563 (95% CI, 31,036-82,970).

CONCLUSION

Both uTNE and standard endoscopy seem to be cost-effective screening methods in a screening cohort of 50-year-old white men with GERD at a willingness-to-pay cutoff of $50,000.

Health-related quality of life of esophageal cancer patients in daily life after treatment: A multicenter cross-sectional study in China

Background

The improvement of diagnostic and therapeutic techniques has prolonged the survival time of patients with esophageal cancer. Little is known, however, about their health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) in daily life after treatment.

Methods

Esophageal cancer patients who had been discharged from hospitals more than one year and healthy controls identified by screening were recruited from seven study centers covering eastern, central, and western regions of China. Patients were categorized into severe dysplasia/carcinoma in situ and stages I, II, III, and IV cancer, respectively. The EQ‐5D was employed to assess HRQoL. Multivariate regression analyses were conducted.

Results

A total of 1456 patients and 2179 controls were recruited. After adjusting for potential confounding factors, the likelihood of reporting problems in the five dimensions of patients was 3.8 to 23.1 times higher than controls, whilst the mean EQ‐5D utility score was 0.311 (95% CI, 0.276‐0.346) lower than controls. The mean utility scores of each patient subgroup were 0.158, 0.289, 0.303, 0.296, and 0.505 (95% CIs: 0.108‐0.208, 0.243‐0.336, 0.261‐0.346, 0.244‐0.347, and 0.437‐0.573) lower than controls, respectively. Patients had the greatest impairment in the self‐care dimension compared with controls, followed by the usual activities dimension. Therapeutic regimen, duration of illness, other chronic disease status, age, and marital status also had significant impact on different aspects of HRQoL in patients.

Conclusions

Esophageal cancer significantly impaired patients' HRQoL in daily life after treatment. Advanced cancer stages were associated with larger decrements on health state utility. Utility scores reported here can facilitate further cost‐utility analyses.

Cancer risk perception in relation to associated symptoms in Barrett's patients: A cross sectional study on quality of life

Background

Barrett's oesophagus affects patients' quality of life and may be a psychological burden due to the threat of developing an oesophageal adenocarcinoma.

Objective

Assessing the oesophageal adenocarcinoma risk perceived by non-dysplastic Barrett's oesophagus patients and its association with quality of life, illness perception and reflux symptoms.

Methods

This cross-sectional questionnaire study included 158 Barrett's oesophagus non-dysplastic patients aged 18-75 years. Based on their annual and lifetime oesophageal adenocarcinoma risk estimations measured with the Magnifier Scale, patients were classified as overestimating or underestimating. Associations between the groups where assed on demographics, reflux symptoms and results of the Outcomes Study Short-Form-36 (SF-36) and the Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire (B-IPQ).

Results

The annual oesophageal adenocarcinoma risk was overestimated by 41%. Overestimating patients had lower means on the SF-36 domains: bodily pain (annual p = 0.007 and lifetime p = 0.014), general health (annual p = 0.011 and lifetime p = 0.014), vitality (annual p = 0.030), physical functioning (lifetime p = 0.028), worse illness perception (total score p = 0.001) and significantly more reflux symptoms.

Conclusions

Overestimation of the oesophageal adenocarcinoma risk by Barrett's oesophagus patients was associated with decreased quality of life and worse illness perceptions, which is most likely caused by symptoms of dyspepsia and reflux. These symptoms should be adequately treated, and patients may be in need of extra support and specific information about their oesophageal adenocarcinoma risk.

Economic evaluation of endoscopic radiofrequency ablation for the treatment of dysplastic Barrett's esophagus in Spain

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS

To assess the cost-effectiveness of introducing endoscopic treatment based on radiofrequency ablation plus endoscopic mucosal resection in selected patients into the standard of care of Barrett's esophagus patients with high-grade dysplasia or low-grade dysplasia in Spain.

METHODS

The disease evolution was modeled via a semi-Markov model. The treatment strategies compared included endoscopic treatment based on radiofrequency ablation plus endoscopic mucosal resection and the Standard of Care (esophagectomy or palliative chemoradiotherapy according to disease status for high-grade dysplasia and endoscopic surveillance for low-grade dysplasia). Efficacy rates, transition probabilities and utility values were obtained from the literature. Clinical management patterns and resource use were modeled according to Spanish clinical expert opinion. Costs were expressed in euros (€) from 2016 reflecting the Spanish National Health System perspective. Sensitivity analyses were performed to assess the robustness of the model.

RESULTS

With respect to the Spanish Standard of Care, endoscopic treatment based on radiofrequency ablation plus endoscopic mucosal resection was a dominant strategy for high-grade dysplasia patients. When a willingness-to-pay threshold of €30,000 per quality-adjusted life-years gained was considered, this was cost-effective for low-grade dysplasia patients (€12,865 per quality-adjusted life-years gained). The sensitivity analyses supported the base case analysis results and pointed towards the main drivers of uncertainty in the model.

CONCLUSIONS

From a health care decision-maker, endoscopic treatment based on radiofrequency ablation plus endoscopic mucosal resection is the intervention of choice for dysplasic Barrett's esophagus patients in Spain.

Health-related quality of life in patients with Barrett's esophagus

Background

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) has become a major health problem globally, affecting patients’ health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Barrett’s esophagus (BE) is a precancerous lesion associated with GERD. BE patients might not only suffer from HRQOL losses by GERD but also face psychological distress due to the increased risk of developing cancer. However, the majority of patients in Asia have shorter BE segment which is different from the West. This study aimed to determine whether the HRQOL in BE patients were worse than in healthy referents in Taiwan.

Methods

Patients who received referral esophagogastroduodenoscopy for various symptoms were evaluated for the existence of BE. Lesions were judged as endoscopically suspected esophageal metaplasia (ESEM) if they showed morphological resemblances to BE by endoscopy. The diagnosis of BE was confirmed by histology with intestinal metaplasia or gastric metaplasia based on the Montreal definition. The World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL-BREF) was administered to BE patients before treatment. For each BE patient, we selected 2 age-, sex-, educational background and municipality-matched healthy referents, sampled by simple randomization method from a national survey in Taiwan. Multiple linear regression models were constructed to control the potential confounders.

Results

A total of 84 patients diagnosed with BE were enrolled as BE group and then compared with 168 healthy referents. The BE group had significantly lower WHOQOL-BREF scores than those of healthy referents in the physical domain (P < 0.05) but higher scores in the environment domain (P < 0.05). In the physical domain, the BE group had significantly lower scores in various facets, including pain, discomfort, sleep and rest and dependence on medications or treatments. There was no significant difference in social and psychological domains between the BE group and healthy referents.

Conclusions

BE patients suffer from poor sleep and rest and high dependence on medications, which significantly reduce their quality of life. Individual facets of each domain warrants a better clinical healthcare to improve quality of life of BE patients.

Fluorouracil plasma monitoring: systematic review and economic evaluation of the My5-FU assay for guiding dose adjustment in patients receiving fluorouracil chemotherapy by continuous infusion

BACKGROUND

5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) is a chemotherapy used in colorectal, head and neck (H&N) and other cancers. Dose adjustment is based on body surface area (BSA) but wide variations occur. Pharmacokinetic (PK) dosing is suggested to bring plasma levels into the therapeutic range to promote fewer side effects and better patient outcomes. We investigated the clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of the My5-FU assay for PK dose adjustment to 5-FU therapy.

OBJECTIVES

To systematically review the evidence on the accuracy of the My5-FU assay compared with gold standard methods [high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS)]; the effectiveness of My5-FU PK dosing compared with BSA; the effectiveness of HPLC and/or LC-MS compared with BSA; the generalisability of published My5-FU and PK studies; costs of using My5-FU; to develop a cost-effectiveness model.

DATA SOURCES

We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, Science Citation Index and other databases between January and April 2014.

METHODS

Two reviewers independently screened titles and abstracts with arbitration and consensus agreement. We undertook quality assessment. We reconstructed Kaplan-Meier plots for progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) for comparison of BSA and PK dosing. We developed a Markov model to compare My5-FU with BSA dosing which modelled PFS, OS and adverse events, using a 2-week cycle over a 20 year time horizon with a 3.5% discount rate. Health impacts were evaluated from the patient perspective, while costs were evaluated from the NHS and Personal Social Services perspective.

RESULTS

A total of 8341 records were identified through electronic searches and 35 and 54 studies were included in the clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness reviews respectively. There was a high apparent correlation between My5-FU, HPLC and LC-MS/mass spectrometer but upper and lower limits of agreement were -18% to 30%. Median OS were estimated as 19.6 [95% confidence interval (CI) 17.0 to 21.0] months for PK versus 14.6 (95% CI 14.1 to 15.3) months for BSA for 5-FU+folinic acid (FA); and 27.4 (95% CI 23.2 to 38.8) months for PK versus 20.6 (95% CI 18.4 to 22.9) months for BSA for FOLFOX6 in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). PK versus BSA studies were generalisable to the relevant populations. We developed cost-effectiveness models for mCRC and H&N cancer. The base case assumed a cost per My5-FU assay of £ 61.03. For mCRC for 12 cycles of a oxaliplatin in combination with 5-fluorouracil and FA (FOLFOX) regimen, there was a quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) gain of 0.599 with an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of £ 4148 per QALY. Probabilistic and scenario analyses gave similar results. The cost-effectiveness acceptability curve showed My5-FU to be 100% cost-effective at a threshold of £ 20,000 per QALY. For H&N cancer, again, given caveats about the poor evidence base, we also estimated that My5-FU is likely to be cost-effective at a threshold of £ 20,000 per QALY.

LIMITATIONS

Quality and quantity of evidence were very weak for PK versus BSA dosing for all cancers with no randomised controlled trials (RCTs) using current regimens. For H&N cancer, two studies of regimens no longer in use were identified.

CONCLUSIONS

Using a linked evidence approach, My5-FU appears to be cost-effective at a willingness to pay of £ 20,000 per QALY for both mCRC and H&N cancer. Considerable uncertainties remain about evidence quality and practical implementation. RCTs are needed of PK versus BSA dosing in relevant cancers.

Cost-Analyses Studies in Barrett's Esophagus: What Is Their Utility?

Approximately 10% to 15% of the chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease population is at risk for the development of Barrett's esophagus, particularly in the setting of other risk factors, including male gender, Caucasian race, age more than 50, and central obesity. The risk of cancer progression for patients with nondysplastic BE has been estimated to be approximately 0.2% to 0.5% per year. Given these low progression rates and the high cost of endoscopic surveillance, cost-effectiveness analyses in this area are useful to determine appropriate resource allocation.

Modeling the cost-effectiveness of strategies for treating esophageal adenocarcinoma and high-grade dysplasia

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to synthesize cost and health outcomes for current treatment pathways for esophageal adenocarcinoma and high-grade dysplasia (HGD) and to model comparative net clinical and economic benefits of alternative management scenarios.

METHODS

A decision-analytic model of real-world practices for esophageal adenocarcinoma treatment by tumor stage was constructed and validated. The model synthesized treatment probabilities, survival, quality of life, and resource use extracted from epidemiological datasets, published literature, and expert opinion. Comparative analyses between current practice and five hypothetical scenarios for modified treatment were undertaken.

RESULTS

Over 5 years, outcomes across T stage ranged from 4.06 quality-adjusted life-years and costs of $3,179 for HGD to 1.62 quality-adjusted life-years and costs of $50,226 for stage T4. Greater use of endoscopic mucosal resection for stage T1 and measures to reduce esophagectomy mortality to 0-3 % produced modest gains, whereas a 20 % reduction in the proportion of patients presenting at stage T3 produced large incremental net benefits of $4,971 (95 % interval, $1,560-8,368).

CONCLUSION

These findings support measures that promote earlier diagnosis, such as developing risk assessment processes or endoscopic surveillance of Barrett's esophagus. Incremental net monetary benefits for other strategies are relatively small in comparison to predicted gains from early detection strategies.

Barrett's esophagus: surveillance and reversal

The following on surveillance and reversal of Barrett's esophagus (BE) includes commentaries on criteria for surveillance even when squamous epithelium stains normally with a variety of biomarkers; the long-term follow-up of surgery versus endoscopic ablation of BE; the recommended surveillance intervals in patients without dysplasia; the sampling problems related to anatomic changes following fundoplication; the value of tissue spectroscopy and optical coherence tomography; the cost-effectiveness of biopsy protocols for surveillance; the quality of life of Barrett's patients; and risk stratification and surveillance strategies.

Understanding Barrett's columnar lined oesophagus from the patients' perspective: qualitative analysis of semistructured interviews with patients

OBJECTIVES

To explore patients' views and perspectives on their experience of living with Barrett's columnar lined oesophagus (CLO) and being part of an endoscopic surveillance programme.

DESIGN

Qualitative semistructured interviews.

SETTING

District General Hospital.

SUBJECTS

22 men with diagnosis of Barrett's CLO between the ages of 50 and 70 years.

RESULTS

All subjects had received some information about Barrett's CLO and had a heightened awareness of the cancer risk. However, many had misinterpreted or poorly assimilated the information and overall health literacy levels were low. From their stories a 'Model of Uncertainty' in Barrett's surveillance was developed as a focus for healthcare professionals to ensure that the service users' perspective is considered in future service development.

CONCLUSION

Patients' assimilation of information should not be assumed by healthcare professionals but rather should be verified for individual patients. The model developed highlights the factors found to influence patients' knowledge and understanding of Barrett's CLO.

Endoscopic interventions in Barrett's esophagus: Do the dollars make sense?

Advances in the development of endoscopic therapies for Barrett's esophagus have resulted in the emergence of an important paradigm shift for management of early neoplasia and represent an opportunity to alter the natural history of the disease. Clinical incorporation of these endoscopic modalities may have significant implications for disease management and health care delivery from a cost perspective. This article reviews the current literature on the cost analyses of commonly used Barrett endoscopic interventions and summarizes the overall cost-effectiveness of these treatments as compared with surveillance or surgery.

Quality of life after esophagectomy and endoscopic therapy for Barrett's esophagus with dysplasia

Esophagectomy (EG) and endoscopic therapy (ET) can eradicate Barrett's esophagus with early neoplasia. Their relative effect on quality of life is unknown. The 36-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) and Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index (GIQLI) questionnaires were sent to all patients who underwent either EG or ET at our institution over the last 9 years. Groups were stratified by age and American Society of Anesthesia (ASA) class. Surveys were sent to 77 patients and completed by 14 EG (50%) and by 28 ET patients (57%). The average time between treatment and survey was 4 years in the ET group and 5 years in the EG group. There were no significant differences in SF-36 scores between EG and ET patients except for superior physical functioning among EG patients 65 and older QOL scores among EG and ET groups were not significantly different than sex age-matched controls. GIQLI scores were similar between ET and EG patients of all ages (P= 0.60). GIQLI scores were higher among younger ET patients than young EG patients (P= 0.049). GIQLI scores also tended to be higher among ASA 1 and 2 ET patients than ASA 1 and 2 EG patients, but this did not reach statistical significance (P= 0.09). EG and ET for early Barrett's neoplasia appear to have similar impact on QOL 1 year or more after treatment compared with age-matched controls. Negative QOL impact appears to be greater for younger patients undergoing EG than for ET.

Cost-effectiveness of endoscopic screening followed by surveillance for Barrett's esophagus: a review

Screening interventions for Barrett's esophagus (BE) are appealing, but there is little supporting evidence. We reviewed health economics studies about BE endoscopic screening followed by, as required, endoscopic surveillance ("screening and surveillance" hereafter) to help inform the design and conduct of future research. Health economics studies about BE screening and surveillance were identified using electronic database searches and personal contact with authors of identified studies. No studies examined general population screening. Five US studies published between 2003 and 2007 examined the cost effectiveness of screening and surveillance (against no intervention) in patients with chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). There was no randomized trial evidence to inform model construction. Assumptions about prevalence and transition probabilities between BE histologic subtypes and about surveillance and treatment protocols varied substantially between studies. Parameters such as potential BE diagnosis-related reduction in quality of life or increase in health care use, diagnostic accuracy, and infrastructural costs (for quality assurance) were considered either "optimistically" or not at all. Only 2 studies considered endoscopic treatments. No study considered the recently introduced radiofrequency ablation technique, or the potential for biomarker-based risk stratification of surveillance interval or duration. Current health economics evidence is likely to have provided optimistic cost-effectiveness estimates and is not sufficient to support introduction of endoscopic BE screening programs among GERD patients. The evidence does not adequately incorporate novel (endoscopic) treatments and the potential for (clinical, endoscopic, or biomarker-based) risk stratification of surveillance. Future research should aim to encompass both these factors.

Health-related quality of life in patients with Barrett's esophagus: a systematic review

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Barrett's esophagus (BE) affects approximately 10% of patients with chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Patients with BE are at risk for reduced health-related quality of life (HRQoL) associated with GERD, in addition to the potential psychosocial stress of carrying a diagnosis of a premalignant condition with a risk of esophageal adenocarcinoma. We sought to systematically review the published literature on HRQoL of patients with BE.

METHODS

We searched PubMed, PsycINFO, and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature for relevant clinical trials using a defined search strategy. We also manually searched relevant scientific meeting abstracts and related article bibliographies. Eligible articles were case series, cohort studies, or clinical trials that included one or more measures of HRQoL and/or quantitatively assessed burden of disease in patients with BE. Effect sizes were calculated when possible.

RESULTS

Our initial search identified 95 articles. After 2 physician reviews, 25 articles met inclusion criteria. Data show that BE is associated with a significant decrement in HRQoL as measured by both generic and disease-targeted instruments. In addition, patients with BE are at risk for psychological consequences such as depression, anxiety, and stress, which may be related to their increased risk of esophageal adenocarcinoma. Compared with subjects with GERD alone or the general population, a diagnosis of BE also leads to increased health care use and spending.

CONCLUSIONS

BE compromises multiple facets of patients' quality of life. Physicians and researchers should incorporate patient-reported outcomes data including HRQoL measures when treating or studying patients with BE.

Circumferential and focal ablation of Barrett's esophagus containing dysplasia

OBJECTIVES

Dysplasia in a Barrett's esophagus (BE) is associated with an increased risk for developing esophageal adenocarcinoma. Ablation using the HALO system has shown promise for the treatment of BE with dysplasia. The objective of this study was to assess the safety and efficacy of a stepwise regimen of circumferential and focal ablation using the HALO system for the treatment of BE with dysplasia.

METHODS

BE patients with low-grade dysplasia (LGD) or high-grade dysplasia (HGD) were enrolled. Primary circumferential ablation was followed every 3 months by further circumferential ablation or focal ablation until complete endoscopic eradication of BE was achieved. At 3- or 6-month intervals, depending on baseline grade, targeted and four quadrant random biopsies were obtained to assess the histological response to ablation. A complete response (CR) is defined as all biopsies negative for intestinal metaplasia (IM) (CR-IM) or dysplasia (CR-D) at last available follow-up.

RESULTS

A total of 63 patients were treated (57 men; median age 71 years; median BE length 5 cm), with worst grade of dysplasia being LGD (n=39) and HGD (n=24). Follow-up is available for 62 patients (median 24 months). Overall, CR-IM is 79% and CR-D is 89%. For the LGD cohort, CR-IM is 87% and CR-D is 95%. For the HGD cohort, CR-IM is 67% and CR-D is 79%.

CONCLUSIONS

Stepwise circumferential and focal ablation of BE containing dysplasia appears to be a safe and effective intervention, achieving a CR for dysplasia in 95% and 79% of LGD and HGD patients, respectively.

Minimally invasive esophagectomy for malignant and premalignant diseases of the esophagus

Minimally invasive approaches increasingly are used to treat esophageal cancer and Barrett's esophagitis with high-grade dysplasia. The goals of a minimally invasive esophageal resection are to provide sound oncologic therapy while minimizing morbidity. This article describes the technique the authors use for laparoscopic-thoracoscopic esophagectomy. Comparison data are presented for alternative endoscopic therapy primarily used in candidates not suitable for surgery.

Treatment of Barrett's esophagus with high-grade dysplasia or cancer: predictors of surgical versus endoscopic therapy

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Patients with Barrett's esophagus and high-grade dysplasia or intramucosal carcinoma are at risk of progression to invasive carcinoma. Both esophagectomy and endoscopic ablation are treatment options. The aim of this study was to identify predictors of surgical versus endoscopic therapy at a tertiary center.

METHODS

An institutional database identified patients with Barrett's esophagus between 2003 and 2007. Demographic data and International Classification of Diseases-9th revision codes for esophagectomy, endoscopic ablation, as well as selected medical comorbidities were retrieved. Individual endoscopy, surgical, and pathology reports were reviewed.

RESULTS

Among 2107 individuals with Barrett's esophagus, 79 underwent esophagectomy and 80 underwent endoscopic ablation. The mean age was 63.1 +/- 10.6 years in the surgical group and 69.7 +/- 9.4 years in the ablation group (P < .0001). Among high-grade dysplasia/intramucosal carcinoma patients, 9 of 76 (12%) first seen by a gastroenterologist underwent esophagectomy, whereas 18 of 21 (86%) first seen by a surgeon underwent esophagectomy. In a logistic regression model, factors associated independently with esophagectomy were as follows: patient age of 60 or younger (odds ratio [OR], 4.95; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.65-14.9), cancer stage T1sm or greater (OR, 16.0; 95% CI, 5.60-45.6), and initial consultation performed by a surgeon (vs gastroenterologist) (OR, 35.1; 95% CI, 9.58-129).

CONCLUSIONS

Patient age and cancer stage predict treatment modality for Barrett's esophagus with neoplasia. Treatment choice is influenced further by whether the initial evaluation is performed by a gastroenterologist or a surgeon.

Should patients with Barrett's oesophagus be kept under surveillance? The case for

Oesophageal adenocarcinoma is associated with high mortality rates and its incidence is increasing more rapidly than any other gastrointestinal cancer in the Western world. Several factors, including gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, smoking, alcohol and male gender, are associated with oesophageal adenocarcinoma but none can be used to identify accurately those individuals who will develop adenocarcinoma. It is generally accepted that oesophageal adenocarcinoma arises predominantly in Barrett's oesophagus and it is arguable that Barrett's oesophagus is currently the only clinically useful predictor of oesophageal adenocarcinoma. Surveillance - periodic testing to detect adenocarcinoma or its precursor, high grade dysplasia - is widely recommended for patients with Barrett's oesophagus with the aim of reducing mortality from oesophageal adenocarcinoma. The annual incidence of oesophageal adenocarcinoma in patients with Barrett's oesophagus is 0.5%-1.0% although there is marked variation between studies, attributable variously to publication bias, concurrent acid suppression therapy and differences in patient characteristics. There is limited evidence that surveillance reduces the incidence of oesophageal adenocarcinoma or consequent mortality and the cause of death for patients undergoing surveillance is often unrelated to oesophageal disease. There are, nonetheless, observational studies which suggest that surveillance is associated with earlier detection of malignancy and a reduction in mortality; in addition, data from modelling studies suggest that surveillance can be cost-effective. Furthermore, the advent of new, non-surgical treatments (endoscopic mucosal resection, photodynamic therapy, argon plasma coagulation) for high grade dysplasia and early cancer has reduced the risks associated with therapy for disease detected during surveillance. Surveillance programs have high drop out rates and, for patients who continue surveillance, adherence to standard, published protocols is highly variable. The establishment of specialist Barrett's oesophagus surveillance programs, with coordinator support, has considerable potential to improve adherence to current guidelines, pending the acquisition and publication of data from ongoing studies of chemoprophylaxis and surveillance in the management of Barrett's oesophagus. In consequence, although there is a paucity of data providing unequivocal demonstration of benefit, there is no proof that surveillance is ineffective. It is, therefore, appropriate to offer surveillance for Barrett's oesophagus in accordance with locally-applicable published guidelines after a full informed discussion of the risks and benefits of surveillance and therapy; continued participation should be reviewed regularly to accommodate changes in the patient's health and expectations.

The quest for intestinal metaplasia--is it worth the effort?

The columnar-lined esophagus (CLE) has remained an enigma for several decades. Starting with the basics, the definition and diagnosis of Barrett's esophagus (BE) continues to be a point of major debate globally leading to definitions that have been restrictive (requiring histologically confirmed intestinal metaplasia) or all-encompassing (simply the presence of CLE at endoscopy). The interest in intestinal metaplasia stems from studies that have consistently demonstrated intestinal metaplasia and dysplasia both adjacent to and remote from esophageal adenocarcinoma. The proponents of not requiring histology suggest that if a sufficient number of biopsies is obtained over an adequate period of time, intestinal metaplasia can usually be demonstrated in such cases and that the true neoplastic potential of the cardiac and fundic-type mucosa detected in the CLE has not been delineated. The optimal number of biopsies required to detect intestinal metaplasia is largely unknown, and in this issue of The American Journal of Gastroenterology, Harrison et al. add to the limited data on this subject. There is ample evidence that once a diagnosis of BE is made, it has significant implications on the financial, psychosocial, and insurance status of the patients. We feel that an optimal, practical definition of BE requires clear, accepted, reproducible, and clinically relevant criteria with evidence of an increased risk of cancer--the most crucial consequence of the lesion--and discuss the pros and cons of the need for documenting intestinal metaplasia in the CLE.