The new TissueCypher laboratory test offered by Southwell can help predict the risk of progression to esophageal cancer for people diagnosed with Barrett’s esophagus (BE).

Southwell includes Tift Regional Medical Center in Tifton, Southwell Medical and Southwell Health and Rehabilitation in Adel, and more than 35 physician clinics located throughout the region.  

BE is the only known precursor to esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC), one of the fastest increasing cancers in incidence in the U.S.  Like most cancers, EAC is best treated through early detection. TissueCypher is the first AI-driven precision medicine test to determine a patient’s individual risk of progression from BE to cancer. 

“The TissueCypher test is for patients with recently diagnosed BE or those enrolled in a BE surveillance program,” said Jessica Beier, MD, FCAP, a board-certified Anatomic and Clinical Pathologist who serves as System Laboratory Medical Director and Chief Quality Officer for Southwell.  “The test can be performed on tissue diagnosed by the pathologist, with samples obtained through standard esophageal biopsies collected during endoscopy.”

Southwell specialists who can obtain tissue samples for TissueCypher testing include gastroenterologists Edward Fricker, MD and Eric Ward, MD in Valdosta and gastroenterologist George Yared, MD and general surgeon Paul Cartwright, MD in Tifton.  Visitwww.MySouthwell.com/providers for more information. 

“These specialists all work with the Southwell laboratory and pathology team on TissueCypher testing and diagnosis,” said Dr. Beier. “Progression to EAC is preventable if high-risk patients are treated early.  TissueCypher’s approach overcomes the limitations of pathology and DNA-based biomarkers to provide clinicians with an actionable risk score for progression towards EAC.”

Dr. Beier stated that the test has the power to improve the standard of care for Barrett’s esophagus patients, many of whom are misclassified by traditional risk assessment.

“After extracting cellular, molecular, and morphologic information from a patient’s tissue biopsy, TissueCypher provides a five-year probability of progression to abnormal cell growth or cancer,” she said. “These results can integrate with clinical guidelines and can be used in conjunction with traditional dysplasia-based grading to improve patient care.”

Dr. Beier said people suffering from chronic acid reflux or who have a family history of BE or esophageal cancer should consider being screened for BE. 

“If you have already been diagnosed with BE, talk to your provider about a referral to one of our specialists for TissueCypher testing,” said Dr. Beier.  “This is a part of Southwell’s commitment to offer the latest in advanced diagnostic testing. The health of the community is our top priority.”