Ahead of World Barrett’s Oesophagus Day tomorrow (Thursday May 16th), researchers behind the recently established Breakthrough Cancer Research AllCaN-Oesophageal Network have announced they are working on a new treatment at the bench which aims to target inflammation in people with Barrett’s oesophagus, a condition affecting the food pipe.
Barrett’s Oesophagus is characterised by a transformation in the cells lining the oesophagus due to exposure to acid reflux and various stressors, which can increase the risk of these cells becoming more damaged and possibly turning cancerous over time. People with Barrett’s oesophagus can progress to 2 stages, either dysplasia (abnormal cells/not cancer) or oesophageal cancer.
Traditionally, patients with Barrett’s that have progressed to dysplasia undergo procedures such as ablation therapy to remove damaged tissue or abnormal cells. This thermal approach needs to be carefully applied to avoid damaging the muscles and some post-procedure complications can occur. Following patient consent, Prof. Jacintha O’Sullivan’s team in collaboration with Mirai Medical (Declan Soden, CEO), are examining in the lab if treating Barrett’s disease patient tissue with electroporation can reduce inflammation and alter immune cell biology. This technique utilises pulses of electricity to target affected cells while preserving healthy tissue, potentially revolutionising care for individuals with this condition. This technology is non-thermal and doesn’t destroy the underlying healthy tissue. As the number of Barrett’s patients are increasing, this innovative treatment may represent a paradigm shift in early intervention and prevention of oesophageal cancer.
This innovative work is part of the Breakthrough Cancer Research AllCaN-Oesophageal network, a unique network of scientist, clinicians, industry partners and patient groups on the island of Ireland, focused on accelerating discoveries across the oesophageal cancer patient journey from cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship. Breakthrough Cancer Research has allocated €1 million in funding, with co-support from industry and other charities such as the Oesophageal Cancer Fund and CROSS, to deliver impact for people with Barrett’s and Oesophageal cancer.
