Dr. Matthew Banks Barrett’s Oesophagus Research

Barrett’s oesophagus Research

There are multiple trials into Barrett’s oesophagus at University College London Hospitals several of which are described below. Dr Matthew Banks is either a chief investigator or investigator in many of these trials:

Barrett’s oesophagus in obese, normal weight-obese and normal weight patients

Chief Investigator: Dr. Matthew Banks UCLH

We are trying to understand the relationship between weight and Barrett’s oesophagus. We believe that obesity and metabolic markers of obesity are related to acid reflux and the development of Barrett’s oesophagus.

The UK HALO Registry
This is a registry of all patients being treated with HALO radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for dysplasia (pre-cancerous changes) and early cancer in Barrett’s oesophagus. It is run from UCL Hospitals and collects all the data and outcomes of the treatment in the whole of the UK. WE have shown so far that HALO RFA is a safe, effective and durable over time.

Pro-BOOST – prospective randomised controlled trial of Barrett’s Oesophagus surveillance using high definition white light endoscopy, with and without enhanced Optical imaging and Spectroscopy to Target high risk lesions.
We are investigating whether advanced endoscopic imaging technology can accurately diagnose dysplasia in patients with Barrett’s oesophagus. We envisage that the technology will improve the detection of pre-cancerous and cancerous lesions and improve outcomes in these patients.

BOSS – Barrett’s Oesophagus Surveillance Study
This is a large national study assessing whether surveillance endoscopy for non-dysplastic Barrett’s is an effective strategy for detecting and treating dysplasia and cancer

BEST2 – Evaluation of a Non-Endoscopic Immunocytological Device (Cytopill) for Barrett’s Oesophagus Screening
The aim of this study is to assess whether a swallowed pill/sponge can stratify the risk of cancer in patients with heartburn. A pill on a string is swallowed which then opens up into a sponge in the stomach. This is then removed through the oesophagus and out of the mouth picking up cells from the oesophagus. The cells are then analysed for specific ‘cancer-risk’ markers.

Bowel cancer screening Research

Comparison of 2 optical technologies in the Bowel Cancer Screening Program

• Chief Investigator: Matthew Banks, UCLH
• We are investigating whether the latest technology improves the detection of polyps, the precursor of cancer and early small colon cancers.

Missed colorectal cancer detection

• We are measuring the rate of missed cancers during colonoscopy in 3 large endoscopy centres in London and the reasons for this to improve overall performance

Gastrointestinal bleeding Research

HALT-IT

• Principal Investigator (UCLH): Matthew Banks
• We are investigating whether a pro-clotting drug reduces bleeding in gut in patients who develop bleeding ulcers and other causes of bleeding in the gut.