PHILADELPHIA—Thomas Jefferson University Hospital announces the opening of its new Jefferson Barrett’s Esophagus Treatment Center, one of only a few dedicated Barrett’s centers in the country and the first multidisciplinary center solely dedicated to treating Barrett’s esophagus disease in Philadelphia.
Recent studies show that the frequency of Barrett’s esophagus—a condition caused when digestive acid backs up from the stomach into the esophagus, causing damage and the growth of pre-cancerous cells—has increased from 0.9 percent to 20 percent. According to the National Institutes of Health, more than three million people in the U.S. have Barrett’s esophagus. Up to 25 percent of people age 50 or older may have the disease. Left untreated, Barrett's esophagus can lead to esophageal cancer, an aggressive cancer that is typically fatal.
The Jefferson Barrett’s Esophagus Treatment Center is led by some the area’s most experienced gastroenterologists, including Anthony Infantolino, MD, director of the Center, along with Jefferson gastroenterologists Daniel Quirk, MD, MPH; Ali Siddiqui, MD; and David Kastenberg, MD. To offer patients the best care possible, Jefferson’s multidisciplinary team closely collaborates with gastrointestinal pathologists, surgeons, oncologists and radiologists—all highly experienced in the testing, evaluating, and treating Barrett’s esophagus and other esophageal conditions. Patients will also have access to ongoing and future clinical trials.
