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Barrett's esophagus is a premalignant condition associated with esophageal adenocarcinoma. Although speculation exists, it is currently unclear if Barrett's esophagus is associated with an increased risk of colonic tumors.
Professor Eslick and colleagues conducted a meta-analysis of studies reporting the prevalence of colonic tumors in patients with Barrett's esophagus vs controls, and thus quantify the risk of colonic tumours associated with Barrett's esophagus.
The researchers conducted a search through Medline, PubMed, Embase, and Current Contents Connect to 2012. The research team calculated the risk of all colonic tumors associated with Barrett's esophagus, as well as for the subgroups of colorectal cancer and benign adenomatous tumors.
In total, 11 studies, with 2580 Barrett's esophagus cases, met the researchers inclusion criteria.  | | Barrett's was associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer | | Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics |
The team found that Barrett's esophagus was associated with an increased risk of any colonic tumors. Barrett's esophagus was associated with an increased risk of benign adenomatous tumors, as well as an increased risk of colorectal cancer. No statistically significant heterogeneity was observed. The research team reported that publication bias was not present.
Professor Eslick's team commented, "Barrett's esophagus was associated with an increased risk of both benign adenomatous colonic tumors, and colorectal cancer." "Barrett's esophagus had a stronger association with colorectal cancer than with benign colonic tumors." "Further prospective cohort studies are needed to confirm the relationship."
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