New balloon treatment may replace surgery for early esophageal cancer

This study compared two treatments for early-stage esophageal cancer in people with Barrett's esophagus: a new, less invasive procedure using radiofrequency ablation (a balloon that burns away abnormal cells) versus standard surgery to remove part of the esophagus. The goal was to see if the ablation could completely eliminate the cancer with fewer risks. The study involved 87 adults who were healthy enough for either treatment.