Barrett’s pathology working group

The histopathology of (pre)neoplasia in Barrett’s oesophagus remains one of the most contentious issues in gastro-intestinal pathology. Intensified screening efforts and advances in endoscopic detection techniques have led to a rise in the number of patients with early stage neoplastic disease. Tailoring clinical management to risk of disease progression or recurrence heavily relies on histopathological assessment. However, great variation is observed between pathologists worldwide in the grading and staging of dysplasia and early cancer. This situation is unacceptable.

We have established an international working group of pathologists spanning five continents dedicated to harmonizing the histopathological diagnosis of (pre)neoplastic Barrett’s pathology. Together in this international forum we’ll foster collaborative studies and guideline development. We feel this international forum will incrementally increase our understanding of the natural history of the earliest stages of oesophageal adenocarcinoma and unify diagnostic interpretation amongst pathologists worldwide.