The Learning Curve of Probe-based Confocal Laser Endomicroscopy (pCLE) Images Interpretation in Gastric Intestinal Metaplasia (GIM)

Background and Rationale:

Gastric cancer remains the second leading cause of cancer related death in the world. The incidence and mortality rate is predominant in East Asia[1]. Usually, gastric cancer is asymptomatic in early stage; therefore, most patients are in the advanced stage and incurable at diagnosis. The pathogenesis of intestinal type gastric cancer is sequential and multistep pathway. Gastric intestinal metaplasia (GIM) is the precancerous lesion for intestinal type gastric cancer[2]. The strategies which can detect precancerous and/or early cancerous transformation are very beneficial because only early gastric cancer can potentially be cured by endoscopic treatment. Probe-based confocal laser endomicroscope or pCLE is useful for GIM detection with 94% in sensitivity[3]. However, this perfect sensitivity in pCLE interpretation is provided in only expertise. We still do not know how to be an expert in GIM interpretation. No study about learning curve in GIM interpretation by pCLE published

Observation and Measurement:

Collect the accuracy in GIM interpretation from pCLE reported in ROC curve

Methodology:

1. Six inexperienced pCLE readers were recruited.
2. All inexperienced pCLE readers must attend the learning session.
3. Self-review from CD is recommended for all inexperienced pCLE readers
4. Two-week interval for examination in GIM interpretation from 20 new histology-proved pCLE images (GIM and normal mucosa) for 5 sessions are on schedule after training session.
5. All Inexperienced pCLE readers need to review the training CD at least a day before each examination.
6. The accuracy rate in each examination will be recorded individually for each inexperienced pCLE reader.
7. ROC curve is reported for learning curve in GIM interpretation from pCLE images.

Data collection:

All data will be processed and recorded by one physician.