BOSS Trial
The aim of the study is to see whether regular endoscopic surveillance is better than endoscopy at need for detecting early signs of oesophageal cancer in patients diagnosed with Barrett’s oesophagus.
About BOSS
This trial is funded by the National Institute of Health Research through the NIHR Health Technology Assessment Programme and run by the Research & Development team based at Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. 3,400 patients (1,700 in each group) have been recruited to the trial over a 3-year period with follow up continuing for 10 years.
The aim of the study is to see whether regular endoscopic surveillance is better than endoscopy at need for detecting early signs of oesophageal cancer in patients diagnosed with Barrett’s oesophagus.
The study patients have been randomised to receive a standard upper gastrointestinal endoscopy with biopsy every two years for ten years or endoscopy at need. Those patients randomised to endoscopy at need are free to request an endoscopy at any time if they have concerns (this also applies to those allocated to the two-yearly endoscopy arm).
Recruitment and follow-up for the BOSS trial is now complete and plans for the analysis and report writing are currently in progress.
BOSS Study: Comparing Regular Checks to Endoscopy When Needed for Barrett’s Oesophagus
A large research trial (called the BOSS study) looked at whether regular surveillance or only having an endoscopy when symptoms appear is better for people with Barrett’s oesophagus. The study was led by Oliver Old and a team of researchers, including experts in gastroenterology, health economics, and public health.
Economic Evaluation of the BOSS Study
A separate part of the BOSS study looked at the cost-effectiveness of regular check-ups compared to endoscopies only when needed. This analysis was led by Manuela Deidda and included many of the same researchers.
Both studies were published in Gastroenterology in 2025:
- Clinical results: https://doi.org/10.1053/j.gastro.2025.03.021
- Economic results: https://doi.org/10.1053/j.gastro.2025.04.026
Newsletters
Meet the Team
- Mr Oliver Old, Joint Chief Investigator
- Catherine Kendall, Trial Manager
- Allison Bates, Trial Administrator