Each year, over half a million people are diagnosed with esophageal cancer. Esophageal cancer screening is currently offered to one high-risk group. The procedure is time-consuming and resource-intensive. In a new approach, patients will ingest a capsule endoscope on a tether without sedation under the guidance of a trained nurse. The technology is better and cheaper than standard endoscopy, reducing the burden on the health care system and improving patient outcome.

Tethered Capsule Endoscopy

The startup Lumeniris, spun out of het VU university, and the VU reseach group of Prof. de Boer at the VU are developing a miniature endoscope, a pill on a tether, that incorporates both structural and molecular sensitive imaging. The procedure can be performed under the guidance of a trained nurse. The technology provides comprehensive 3D volumetric imaging of long sections of the esophagus.

Better health care at lower cost

The current standard of care is that patients undergo periodic endoscopic exams requiring a medical specialist, two nurses and an anesthesiologist to detect cancer earlier - an approach called Barrett’s surveillance. Tethered capsule endoscopy can be performed by a single trained nurse. The technology is projected to be better and cheaper than standard endoscopy The project will contribute to a better and more affordable health care system.