In June, Newport Beach, Calif.-based Hoag became the first hospital in the U.S. to offer EsoGuard testing. The test is used by physicians to detect precancerous DNA changes in esophageal cells, helping to identify patients at risk of developing Barrett’s esophagus and esophageal adenocarcinoma.
Detecting and treating Barrett’s esophagus can reduce cancer risk by up to 90%, according to a June 18 news release from Hoag.
To collect esophageal DNA, patients swallow a tethered capsule the size of a gelcap. After retrieval, cells collected by the capsule are analyzed to determine if further testing is required, the release said.
Kenneth Chang, MD, the James & Pamela Muzzy executive medical director endowed chair in gastrointestinal cancer, shared with Becker’s how Hoag integrated the test into clinical workflows.
Editor’s note: Responses have been lightly edited for clarity and length.
Question: How did Hoag’s operational care model adapt to support integration of the screening tool?
Dr. Kenneth Chang: It was important to have easily accessible points of service for the EsoGuard screening tool, which is why we opened on-site testing facilities at both our Irvine and Newport Beach Digestive Health clinics. We believe that making this screening tool more accessible will increase screening rates and ultimately help lower cancer rates among people at increased risk of developing esophageal cancer.
Q: What does this type of noninvasive diagnostic tool signal about the direction hospitals and health systems must take to improve early cancer detection? What lessons can other health systems adopt from your implementation?
KC: Current strategies for early detection of esophageal cancer and pre-cancer (Barrett’s esophagus) are inadequate and have not slowed the rising incidence of adenocarcinoma of the esophagus, which has increased tenfold in the past four decades.
With the availability of a point-of-service, three-minute biomarker screening test that does not require sedation, at-risk individuals can now be tested earlier and more easily. This “top of the funnel” approach helps identify the most appropriate candidates for diagnostic endoscopy, making diagnostics more accessible to support early intervention and ultimately save lives.
Q: Did you and your team encounter any challenges or resistance points when rolling out this new technology? If so, how were they addressed?
KC: Our primary care providers play a vital role in preventive care and have access to a wide range of important screening tests to support their patients. To ensure the success of a program like this, it is essential to make the process as streamlined as possible.
By incorporating features such as flagging at-risk patients and push-button order sets within our electronic medical record, we’re making it simpler and more efficient for providers to identify and manage patients who are at risk.
Q: How does this screening program align with Hoag’s broader system goals?
KC: This program aligns with Hoag’s commitment to improving the quality of healthcare for the communities we serve. Key metrics will include tracking the annual rate of esophageal adenocarcinoma within our Orange County population of 3.5 million, as well as documenting new cases of esophageal cancer and Barrett’s esophagus diagnosed through this initiative.
Adding EsoGuard to our comprehensive esophageal cancer screening program in Orange County is a critical step forward in making diagnostics more accessible, supporting early intervention and ultimately saving lives.
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