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Barrett EsophagusNO FEAR-BENCT03554356

Nitrous Oxide For Endoscopic Ablation of Refractory Barrett's Esophagus (NO FEAR-BE)

A study testing CryoBalloon Focal Ablation System in people with Barrett Esophagus and Intestinal Metaplasia, run by University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill at 11 sites in United States.

Active, not recruiting

Under way, not looking for participants. Everyone needed has enrolled. The study is still running.

Official record
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Trial summary

A multicenter, prospective, single arm, non randomized clinical trial to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the C2 CryoBalloon Focal Ablation System (CbFAS) for the treatment of persistent dysplasia or intestinal metaplasia (IM) in the tubular esophagus after 3 or more radiofrequency ablations (RFA) for dysplastic… Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 18 years and older
What is being tested?
CryoBalloon Focal Ablation System
Type of treatment
Medical device
Could I receive a placebo?
No, everyone receives an active treatment
How many people
70 participants
Where
11 sitesUnited States
Study dates
4 Sep 2018to Aug 2027
Phase
Interventional
Are there results?
Not yet: the study is under way

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 18 years and older
  • All sexes
  • No healthy volunteers
  • Adult, Older adult

Who may be able to join

  • History of BE with LGD or HGD confirmed with biopsy, or resected intramucosal cancer (IMC) with low risk of recurrence defined as EMR/ESD pathology results negative for: positive margin, >T1a stage, poorly differentiated carcinoma, and lymphovascular invasion.
  • Prior treatment with RFA who meet either of the following criteria at the enrolling EGD:
  • 2.1. History of at least 3 RFA treatments, with one or more of the following:
  • 2.1.1. Residual BE Prague >=C1
  • 2.1.2. Residual BE >=M1
  • 2.1.3. One or more islands of residual BE >=1 cm in diameter
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  • 2.1.4. Any residual dysplasia in tubular esophagus 2.2. History of at least 2 RFA treatments and < 50% eradication of BE, as judged by estimation of the treating physician.
  • 18 or older years of age at time of consent.
  • Provides written informed consent.
  • Willing to undergo an alternative approved standard of care treatment for their condition.
  • Willing and able to comply with study requirements for follow-up.
  • No prior history of balloon or spray cryotherapy esophageal treatment. Prior APC is allowable.

Who cannot join

  • Residual BE Prague length measuring >C3 or >M8 after RFA treatment.
  • Dysplasia or IM confined only to the gastric cardia.
  • Pre-existing esophageal stenosis/stricture preventing advancement of a therapeutic endoscope during screening/baseline EGD. Subjects are eligible if the stenosis/stricture is dilated to at least 15mm, but baseline treatment may need to be delayed per protocol.
  • Symptomatic, untreated esophageal strictures.
  • 5. Any endoscopically visualized abnormalities such as ulcers, masses, or nodules found in the BE during screening/baseline EGD. Subjects with nodular dysplasia or IMC identified during screening/baseline EGD may be treated with EMR or ESD and return for baseline treatment in this study at least 6 weeks later given that: 5.1. Follow-up endoscopy must be negative for nodular dysplasia (visually clear of nodular dysplasia).
  • 5.2. Patients with IMC must be at low risk for recurrence, confirmed by EMR/ESD pathology results negative for: positive margin, >T1a stage, poorly differentiated carcinoma, and lymphovascular invasion.
Show all 18Show fewer
  • EMR or ESD < 6 weeks prior to baseline treatment.
  • Untreated invasive esophageal malignancy, including margin-positive EMR/ESD.
  • Active reflux esophagitis grade B or higher in the BE assessed during screening/baseline EGD.
  • Severe medical comorbidities precluding endoscopy or limiting life expectancy to less than 2 years in the judgment of the endoscopist.
  • Uncontrolled coagulopathy.
  • Inability to hold use of anti-coagulation medications or non-aspirin anti-platelet agents (APAs) for the duration recommended per ASGE guidelines for a high-risk endoscopy procedure.
  • Active fungal esophagitis.
  • Known portal hypertension, visible esophageal varices, or history of esophageal varices.
  • General poor health, multiple co-morbidities placing the patient at risk, or otherwise unsuitable for trial participation.
  • Pregnant or planning to become pregnant during period of study participation.
  • Patient refuses or is unable to provide written informed consent.
  • Prior esophageal surgery with the exception of uncomplicated nissen fundoplication.

Trial locations and contacts

11 sites in 1 country.

11 sites in 1 country

United States11 sites
  • Johns Hopkins University

    Baltimore, Maryland, 21205

  • University of Alabama at Birmingham

    Birmingham, Alabama, 35294

  • UNC Chapel Hill

    Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 27599

  • Medical University of South Carolina

    Charleston, South Carolina, 29425

  • University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center

    Cleveland, Ohio, 44106

  • Geisinger Clinic

    Danville, Pennsylvania, 17822

  • UTHealth Science Center/Herman Memorial

    Houston, Texas, 77030

  • Northwell Health

    Lake Success, New York, 11042

  • Columbia University

    New York, New York, 10032

  • Mayo Clinic Rochester

    Rochester, Minnesota, 55905

  • Georgetown University

    Washington D.C., District of Columbia, 20057

Other trials in United States

About this study

A multicenter, prospective, single arm, non randomized clinical trial to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the C2 CryoBalloon Focal Ablation System (CbFAS) for the treatment of persistent dysplasia or intestinal metaplasia (IM) in the tubular esophagus after 3 or more radiofrequency ablations (RFA) for dysplastic BE, or <50% eradication of Barrett's Esophagus (BE) after 2 RFA treatments.

Read the detailed description

Eligibility will be determined based on historical local pathology and medical record information. Informed consent will be obtained and eligible subjects will be treated with the Cryoballoon Focal Ablation System (CbFAS) at baseline.

Subjects will return every 3 months +/- 6 weeks for repeat treatment for up to 12 months OR until complete eradication of intestinal metaplasia (CEIM) and complete eradication of dysplasia (CED) are achieved (at which point subjects enter the follow-up phase), whichever occurs first.

Treatment procedures will be performed on an outpatient basis according to the site's standards of care for anesthesia and sedation during esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) procedures. EGD examinations will be performed using high definition White Light Endoscopy (WLE), plus Narrow Band Imaging (NBI) or i-SCAN to assess BE measurements and identify tissue landmarks and ablation zones.

A high definition endoscope will be used for all ablations performed with the CryoBalloon Focal Ablation System (CbFAS). The System will be used according to the instructions for use provided with the product and in accordance with the current standard of care for treatment of BE.

Repeat cryoablation may be performed if esophageal columnar mucosa is visible on EGD or if intervening biopsies (if a site chooses to obtain intervening biopsies as standard of care) are positive for any esophageal columnar epithelium until complete eradication of all unwanted tissue is achieved.

Intervening endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) or endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) after enrollment may be performed for nodular areas detected after baseline. EMR/ESD may be performed at the same session as the cryoablation if the EMR/ESD site is >=3cm away from the ablation target site. Cryoablation should be performed before EMR/ESD. If the EMR/ESD site is within 3cm of target treatment area, then CbFAS will be delayed for at least 6 weeks.

Residual islands of columnar mucosa of <5 mm in diameter each and <= 3 total can be treated with Argon Plasma Coagulation (APC) and/or CbFAS at the discretion of the treating physician to avoid over treatment of neo-squamous mucosa.

Stenosis requiring treatment based on the physician's discretion, which develops after enrollment, will be treated with standard of care balloon- or wire-guided dilation. Cryoablation may be performed at the same session if the dilated site is >= 3 cm from the target cryoablation site. Otherwise, cryoablation will be postponed to another visit within 1 month +/- 2 weeks.

When CbFAS treatment is received, subjects will be asked to complete assessments immediately after CbFAS treatment, and will be contacted 1 day, 7 days, and 30 days after the procedure.

If no visible BE is present during the endoscopy, then at least eight (8) biopsies in total will be obtained: at least four (4) from the distal esophagus in the neosquamous epithelium and at least four (4 from the gastroesophageal junction (GEJ), top of gastric folds (TGF), or gastric cardia. Additional biopsies may be taken as per standard of care guidelines at the site.

Biopsies will be read by local expert pathologist. If biopsies indicate CEIM and CED, then subjects will enter the 12 month follow-up phase. If biopsies do not indicate CEIM and CED, then subjects will return for additional CbFAS treatment in 3 months +/-6 weeks.

Non-responders are defined as subjects who have not achieved CEIM and CED at 12 months post baseline CbFAS treatment. Non-responders at 12 months will exit the study and continue treatment at the physician's discretion and according to standard of care at each site.

Subjects who achieve CEIM and CED within 12 months of the baseline CbFAS procedure will enter a 12 month follow-up phase. Subjects will be followed per routine care guidelines for their condition, described below:

Subjects with baseline LGD will return at 6 and 12 months from the initial CEIM and CED date for follow-up (+/-4 weeks). Subjects with baseline HGD or IMC will return at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months from initial CEIM and CED date for follow-up (+/- 4 weeks).

During follow-up procedures, high definition WLE, plus NBI or i-SCAN will be used to assess BE measurements, and then at least eight (8) biopsies in total will be obtained: at least four (4) from the distal esophagus in the neosquamous epithelium and at least four (4 from the gastroesophageal junction (GEJ), top of gastric folds (TGF), or gastric cardia. Additional biopsies may be taken as per standard of care guidelines at the site. Biopsies will be read by local expert pathologist.

If recurrent BE is detected during follow-up endoscopy with biopsy demonstrating compatible histology, then subjects will be exited from the study and treated at the physician's discretion.

Study participation is complete if: 1) Subject has not reached CEIM and CED at 12 month post baseline treatment; or 2) If BE or dysplasia recur after initial CEIM and CED post enrollment; 3) Subject is discovered to be ineligible after enrollment; or 4) After completion of the 12 month follow-up EGD with biopsies.

Being tested
CryoBalloon Focal Ablation System
Medical subject headings
Barrett Esophagus

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • CryoBalloon Focal Ablation SystemDevice

    CryoBalloon Focal Ablation System

Study groups in NCT03554356
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
Cryoballoon Focal Ablation System (CbFAS) TreatmentExperimentalSubjects undergoing CbFAS treatment as part of their clinical care for their condition.
Receives: Device: CryoBalloon Focal Ablation System

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Percentage of all treated Subjects with complete eradication of all intestinal metaplasia (CEIM) within 12 months of enrollment.

    Measured: 12 months

  2. Percentage of all treated subjects with complete eradication of dysplasia (CED) within 12 months of enrollment

    Stratified by prior type of ablation treatment and baseline grade (LGD or HGD) will also be reported.

    Measured: 12 months

  3. Incidence of CryoBalloon-related serious adverse events

    Relation of serious adverse events to CryoBalloon device will be assessed by the PI

    Measured: 12 months

Secondary outcomes (19)
  1. Technical success rate

    The device worked as expected on every application, defined as proportion of all CbFAS that perform as intended.

    Measured: At end of treatment period, up to 12 months

  2. Procedure success rate

    All columnar tissue that was planned to be treated was treated.

    Measured: At end of treatment period, up to 12 months

  3. Progression rate

    Percentage of subjects with progression of dysplasia from LGD to HGD or esophageal cancer, or progression of HGD to cancer at 12 months from enrollment date.

    Measured: At end of treatment period, up to 12 months

  4. Survival curve analysis - time to CEIM

    Time to complete eradication of intestinal metaplasia (CEIM). Survival curve analysis from first treatment.

    Measured: At end of treatment period, up to 12 months

  5. Survival curve analysis - time to progression

    Time to progression of dysplasia from LGD to HGD or esophageal cancer, or progression of HGD to cancer at 12 months from enrollment date. Survival curve analysis from first treatment.

    Measured: At end of treatment period, up to 12 months

  6. Survival curve analysis - time to recurrence

    Time to recurrence. Survival curve analysis from first treatment.

    Measured: At end of treatment period, up to 12 months

  7. Risk factors associated with failure to respond to CryoBalloon ablation

    Risk factors associated with failure to respond to CryoBalloon ablation

    Measured: At end of treatment period, up to 12 months

  8. Median number of CryoBalloon ablation treatments required to achieve CED and CEIM by 12 months from enrollment date.

    Median number of CryoBalloon ablation treatments required to achieve CED and CEIM by 12 months from enrollment date.

    Measured: At end of treatment period, up to 12 months

  9. Mean number of CryoBalloon ablation treatments required to achieve CED and CEIM by 12 months from enrollment date.

    Mean number of CryoBalloon ablation treatments required to achieve CED and CEIM by 12 months from enrollment date.

    Measured: At end of treatment period, up to 12 months

  10. Proportion of subjects requiring narcotic analgesic - Day 1

    Proportion of subjects requiring narcotic analgesic at day 1 post treatment.

    Measured: Day 1

  11. Proportion of subjects requiring narcotic analgesic - Day 7

    Proportion of subjects requiring narcotic analgesic at day 7 post treatment.

    Measured: Day 7

  12. Proportion of subjects requiring narcotic analgesic - Day 30

    Proportion of subjects requiring narcotic analgesic at day 30 post treatment.

    Measured: Day 30

  13. Median pain score - Day 1

    Median pain score immediately post-procedure day 1 as assessed by self-reported pain scale (0-10) where 0 is no pain and 10 is worst pain imaginable. Higher scores indicate more severe pain.

    Measured: Day 1

  14. Median pain score - Day 7

    Median pain score 7 days after treatment as assessed by self-reported pain scale (0-10) where 0 is no pain and 10 is worst pain imaginable. Higher scores indicate more severe pain.

    Measured: Day 7

  15. Median pain score - Day 30

    Median pain score 30 days after treatment as assessed by self-reported pain scale (0-10) where 0 is no pain and 10 is worst pain imaginable. Higher scores indicate more severe pain.

    Measured: Day 30

  16. Mean pain score - Day 1

    Mean pain score immediately post-procedure day 1 as assessed by self-reported pain scale (0-10) where 0 is no pain and 10 is worst pain imaginable. Higher scores indicate more severe pain.

    Measured: Day 1

  17. Mean pain score - Day 7

    Mean pain score 7 days after treatment as assessed by self-reported pain scale (0-10) where 0 is no pain and 10 is worst pain imaginable. Higher scores indicate more severe pain.

    Measured: Day 7

  18. Mean pain score - Day 30

    Mean pain score 30 days after treatment as assessed by self-reported pain scale (0-10) where 0 is no pain and 10 is worst pain imaginable. Higher scores indicate more severe pain.

    Measured: Day 30

  19. Proportion of Barrett's Esophagus surface area reverted to neosquamous epithelium

    For those who do not achieve CEIM and CED at 12 months from enrollment date, proportion of Barrett's Esophagus surface area reverted to neosquamous epithelium based on physician report.

    Measured: At end of treatment period, up to 12 months

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted13 Jun 2018
  2. Study start4 Sep 2018
  3. Primary completion27 Aug 2026
  4. Study completionAug 2027 (estimated)

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Phase N/A
Primary purpose
Treatment
Allocation
Not applicable
Intervention model
Single group
Masking
None (open label)
Enrolment
70 participants (estimated)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT03554356
Sponsor's protocol ID
18-0388
Acronym
NO FEAR-BE
Status last verified
Sep 2026
First submitted
30 May 2018
Last updated
14 Sep 2026
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
Yes
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
Yes

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing CryoBalloon Focal Ablation System in people with Barrett Esophagus and Intestinal Metaplasia, run by University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill at 11 sites in United States.

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 12 inclusion and 18 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: under way, not looking for participants, as of the sponsor's last update on 14 Sep 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 11 sites in United States. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

Are results available for this study?

This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Percentage of all treated Subjects with complete eradication of all intestinal metaplasia (CEIM) within 12 months of enrollment. (time frame: 12 months). The study lists 3 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 14 Sep 2026.

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