WBAY-TV Green Bay-Fox Cities-Northeast Wisconsin NewsNew Treatment for Esophageal Cancer

New Treatment for Esophageal Cancer

by Chris Hrapsky

A new medical breakthrough helps at-risk patients avoid esophageal cancer.

Harlan Hallett worked as a mechanic most his life.  He blames his acid reflux on all the time spent upside down reaching into engines.  Three million Americans like Harlan, have Barrett's Esophagus, an acid reflux condition that can lead to esophageal cancer.

"When they got this machine, they told me about it," said Harlan Hallett.  "I believe I was one of the first three to have it done."

That machine is called Barrx.  It uses radio frequency energy to precisely burn off the lining of esophagus, eliminating pre-cancerous cells.

During the last 40 years or so, cases of esophageal cancer have grown some 500%.  Doctors at Affinity say the Barrx procedure will monumentally reduce that number.

Typically in three treatments we can not only remove the barrett's esophagus but also the pre-cancerous cells as well," said Dr. Tim Edison.

For Harlan, who lost a good friend to esophageal cancer, the treatment is a lifesaver.

"Kind of a peace of mind you might say and it just makes you feel like, well, i made it again for a little while. You know?" said Hallett.

Affinity Hospital and Thedacare both have the Barrx machine.