OCT-Guided Laser Biopsies Track Cancer Progression in Barrett's Esophagus

Genetic markers are key to predicting progression of Barrett's esophagus (where the lining of the esophagus changes due to acid reflux) to adenocarcinoma (cancer that develops in glands). Current Barrett's esophagus screening via standard endoscopic biopsy is invasive, costly, and limited by sampling errors and low predictive power of histology for adenocarcinoma progression. To overcome these challenges, a technique was developed called in vivo laser capture microdissection (IVLCM), combining optical coherence tomography tethered capsule endomicroscopy for noninvasive, high-resolution esophageal imaging, with targeted laser biopsies directly from Barrett's esophagus-affected tissue.

A pilot clinical study compared sequencing quality and gene mapping fidelity with IVLCM samples and conventional formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded biopsies. Preliminary results show that IVLCM provides high-quality DNA suitable for next-generation sequencing. This technique offers a promising, less invasive approach to improve Barrett's esophagus monitoring by enabling precise, targeted genetic risk assessment.

About the presenter
Milana Kendrisic, Ph.D., is a postdoctoral research fellow at the Wellman Center for Photomedicine at the Massachusetts General Hospital, developing optical coherence tomography (OCT) capsules for gastrointestinal imaging to improve diagnosis and personalize treatment of various GI conditions. With a background in electrical engineering and a doctorate focused on low-cost OCT and optical biometry, her work bridges engineering and medicine to create compact, affordable diagnostic tools that expand access to high-quality healthcare.