Diagnostic kits and methods for oesophageal abnormalities

Abstract

The invention relates to kits and methods for aiding the diagnosis of Barrett's oesophagus or Barrett's associated dysplasia. Preferred is a method comprising assaying cells from the surface of a subject's oesophagus for a non-squamous cellular marker, wherein detection of such a marker indicates increased likelihood of the presence of Barrett's or Barrett's associated dysplasia, preferably wherein said sample of cells is not directed to a particular site within the oesophagus. The invention also encompasses a method comprising sampling the cellular surface of the oesophagus of said subject. The invention also relates to a kit comprising a swallowable device comprising abrasive material capable of collecting cells from the surface of the oesophagus, together with printed instructions for its use in detection of Barrett's oesophagus or Barrett's associated dysplasia. Preferably said device comprises a capsule sponge.

Description

Diagnostic kits and methods for esophageal abnormalities technical field The present invention relates to methods of detecting esophageal abnormalities such as Barrett's esophagus or Barrett's associated dysplasia, including adenocarcinoma. In addition, the present invention also relates to a kit for sampling esophageal cells and detecting cell markers related to the above diseases. Background technique Esophageal adenocarcinoma (oesophagealadenocarcinoma) is rapidly increasing, and its early symptoms are called Barrett's esophagus. Early diagnosis is critical to ameliorate the dire outcome (5-year mortality >80%) from esophageal adenocarcinoma. Currently, most patients with Barrett's esophagus in the population remain undiagnosed. Also, among those diagnosed, it is currently impossible to accurately predict the small proportion (1% per year) that will develop cancer. It has been suggested that endoscopic screening should be done to detect those at risk of developing...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

The device often must be forced into the subject, thus causing considerable discomfort or pain, as well as technical problems such as entanglement on the trachea

As such, these are very expensive and require technical expertise comparable to endoscopy to perform them

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