This piece was last updated on 5/17/24 to reflect current information and statistics.
Recent advancements in diagnostic techniques for gastrointestinal (GI) cancers have shown promising results. A study conducted by Mauna Kea Technologies, published in Techniques and Innovations in Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, has demonstrated that the use of Cellvizio, a multidisciplinary probe and needle-based confocal laser endomicroscopy system, can significantly improve the accuracy of diagnoses for dysplasia and esophageal cancer compared to standard biopsies, which are currently the standard of care.
Furthermore, this innovative technology allows for real-time, high-resolution imaging of the gastrointestinal tract, enabling physicians to make more informed decisions and potentially leading to earlier detection and better outcomes for patients with GI cancers. As the incidence of GI cancers continues to rise globally, the implementation of advanced diagnostic tools like Cellvizio could play a crucial role in improving patient care and survival rates.
Findings for GI Cancer
The meta-analysis included nine studies, and involved a total of 688 patients and also 1,299 lesions according to Becker’s. The analysis studies the benefits of probe-based confocal laser endomicroscopy in comparison with randomized four-quadrant biopsies. The goal is to study patients with Barrett’s esophagus for dysplasia and early adenocarcinoma detection.
“The study demonstrates that the addition of Cellvizio as an adjunct to guide biopsies provides a significantly higher diagnostic yield for dysplasia and cancer and reduces sampling error compared to random four-quadrant biopsies alone, the (current) standard of care,” the study reads.
Portions of the findings were presented at the ENDO 2022 World Congress of GI Endoscopy in May. This included a study analyzing the differences in usage of GI cancer screening services. Study authors focused on eight items and services for patients treated using Cellvizio rather than the standard service of care. Results showed that these patients “had 1.04 fewer endoscopies and anesthesia services, 7.49 fewer biopsy bottles, 1.30 fewer ablations and 1.46 fewer brush cytology services,” Becker’s report states.
Nicolas Bouvier, Interim CEO of Mauna Kea Technologies, added that Cellvizio can play a vital role in the increase in esophageal cancer cases. Bouvier stated that the meta-analysis shows that accessible tools like Cellvizio, can assist physicians in improving GI cancer screening and detection rates among patients.
Read the full press release from Mauna Key Technologies by clicking here.
