Background: The novel 180° cryoballoon (CbAS180) enables semicircumferential treatment over a length of 3 cm per application. This first-in-human study evaluates its feasibility, efficacy, and safety for the treatment of Barrett's esophagus (BE) neoplasia.
Methods: This multicenter study consisted of dose-finding and extension phases. Dose-finding started with the lowest dose possible (1.0 mm/s). For each dose, six patients were treated circumferentially over a 3-cm length. The dose was increased until the median BE regression was ≥ 60 % without serious adverse events (SAEs). In the extension phase, the dose was confirmed in 19 new patients. The outcomes were technical success, BE regression after one treatment, and SAEs.
Results: 25 patients (median Prague C0M3) were included (6 dose-finding/19 extension). In two patients, the CbAS180 could not be applied because of unstable balloon positioning. The technical success rate was 96 % (22 /23). In the six dose-finding patients, the starting dose resulted in median BE regression of 94 % (95 % confidence interval [CI] 60 %-97 %) without SAEs and was thus considered effective. Overall median BE regression was 80 % (95 %CI 60 %-90 %).
Conclusion: Single-session CbAS180 seems feasible, safe, and effective, and is a promising technique for the treatment of patients with BE neoplasia.
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