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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 is associated with an increased risk of colonic tumors.
Professor Eslick and colleagues from Australis conducted a meta-analysis of studies reporting the prevalence of colonic tumors in patients with Barrett's vs controls and thus quantify the risk of colonic tumors associated with Barrett's.
A search was conducted through Medline, PubMed, Embase, and Current Contents Connect to 2012.  | | Barrett's esophagus was associated with an increased risk of any colonic tumors | | Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics |
The team identified 11 studies, with 2580 Barrett's esophagus cases, that met their inclusion criteria. Barrett's esophagus was associated with an increased risk of any colonic tumors. The research team found that Barrett's esophagus was associated with an increased risk of benign adenomatous tumors, as well as an increased risk of colorectal cancer. The team observed no statistically significant heterogeneity. Publication bias was not present.
Professor Eslick's team concludes, "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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