New technology for capturing tissue samples in Barrett's Esophagus patients
Official title: Pilot Study for OCT Guided In Vivo Laser Capture Microdissection for Assessing the Prognosis of Barrett's Esophagus
Run by Massachusetts General Hospital · NCT03830801 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new capsule that patients swallow to take pictures of their esophagus and capture tissue samples to see if it can better identify risks for cancer in people with Barrett's Esophagus.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Massachusetts General Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Boston, Massachusetts) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | December 6, 2017 |
| Main results expected | December 2027 |
| Study ends | December 2028 |
| Registry record updated | November 10, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT03830801 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates include adults over 18 years old who are undergoing an endoscopy with biopsy for Barrett's Esophagus.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with esophageal strictures or those on certain medications that affect bleeding may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This study evaluates a novel approach called in-vivo laser capture microdissection (IVLCM) using a tethered capsule endomicroscope to improve the assessment of Barrett's Esophagus. Patients swallow a capsule that captures images of the esophagus and identifies abnormal tissue in real-time. A laser is then used to capture targeted tissue samples for genomic analysis, allowing for more precise risk assessment of esophageal adenocarcinoma. The study aims to enhance the accuracy of Barrett's Esophagus screening and prognosis.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this technology could lead to more accurate predictions of cancer risk in Barrett's Esophagus patients.
How similar studies have gone: While this approach is innovative, similar technologies have shown promise in other studies, suggesting potential for success.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Participants must have a current or prior diagnosis of Barrett's Esophagus * Participants must be over the age of 18. * Participants must be able to give informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: * Pregnant women. * Participants who are on anti-platelet medications or anti-coagulation medications, and NSAIDS at the time of procedure. * Participants with a history of hemostasis disorders. * Participants with esophageal strictures, resulting in a luminal diameter smaller than the diameter of the capsule. * Participants with a know history of esophageal varices * Participants above 80 years of age
Where it's running
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Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, Massachusetts, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Gary Tearney, MD., PhD — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Anita Chung, RN
- Email: Tearneylabtrials@partners.org
- Phone: 617-724-4515
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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Predictors of symptom improvement after laparoscopic fundoplication
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Potassium-Competitive Acid Blockers in Barrett’s Esophagus on PPI Therapy
This study tests whether vonoprazan, a potassium-competitive acid blocker, can better reduce acid reflux in adults with nondysplastic Barrett’s esophagus who are already taking a daily PPI.
-
How radiofrequency ablation affects esophagus stretchiness and mucosal impedance
This study will test whether radiofrequency ablation changes how stretchy the esophagus is and the mucosal impedance in adults treated for dysplastic Barrett's esophagus.
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Detecting Barrett's Esophagus with a Non-Endoscopic Device
This study is testing a new capsule device that collects cells from the esophagus to see if it can effectively detect Barrett's Esophagus in people at high risk, without needing an endoscopy.
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Stopping routine endoscopic surveillance for low-risk Barrett's esophagus (BLISS Project)
This project will try stopping routine endoscopies in people with low-risk, non-dysplastic Barrett's esophagus to see if it remains safe.
-
Non-endoscopic test to find Barrett's esophagus in veterans without chronic reflux.
This project will test whether a simple, non-endoscopic swab-like test can find Barrett's esophagus in veterans over 40 who have risk factors for esophageal cancer but no chronic heartburn.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.