Cryotherapy involves flash freezing of tissue and removing unwanted tissue. Mechanism of injury is causing cell membrane rupture by rapid multiple freeze–thaw cycles, while reserving tissue architecture and the collagen matrix. This promotes favorable wound healing. In recent years, it has gained increasing attention as a treatment option for upper gastrointestinal diseases (Barrett’s Esophagus and early cancer). Currently, two FDA-approved delivery methods are available in the GI tract: Cryoballoon and spray cryotherapy, which will be discussed. In this review, we also propose to examine the expanding role of cryotherapy in gastrointestinal practice, drawing from both clinical studies and illustrative vignettes. In addition, we will highlight its established role in eradicating Barrett’s with low and high-grade dysplasia and compare its outcomes and safety profile with radiofrequency ablation (RFA). We will also discuss the application and safety of spray cryotherapy in the palliation of malignant esophageal strictures when compared with Esophageal stent placement. Cryotherapy may have immunological potential, and it may shrink both primary and metastatic diseases. Ongoing research in this field of Cryo-immunology will be highlighted. Beyond esophageal neoplasia, cryotherapy is increasingly utilized in other upper gastrointestinal precancerous conditions. Through this synthesis, our goal is to provide a timely and comprehensive overview of advancements in cryotherapy and its potential to reshape novel therapeutic approaches in upper gastrointestinal cancers. Finally, we highlight the evolution of a novel platform using nitrous oxide delivered by a handheld device, a contact balloon, and a small replaceable cartridge. This approach may make delivery of cryogen application favorable and a first-line approach in the management of Barrett’s esophagus and early cancer. In addition, Cryoballoon therapy for dysphagia palliation for malignant esophageal strictures may become a preferred approach as more data evolves.

Objectives: Adolescence is a critical period of growth and development, shaped by the social conditions in which youth are immersed. Many adolescents use emergency departments (EDs) as their primary source of care, often bypassing routine health care systems where preventative screenings and counseling are provided. This may lead to missed opportunities to address social or mental health needs. Partners in Equity and Empowerment through Resources and Support (PEERS), based out of Boston Medical Center’s pediatric ED, bridges the gap between patients’ health-seeking behaviors and the ED’s capacity to provide preventive care. PEERS engages medical and public health students to conduct social and mental health screenings, connecting adolescent and young-adult (AYA) patients with community-based resources that support their holistic health needs. Methods: From 2021 to 2023, medical and public health students performed bedside screenings of 13- to 23-year-old pediatric ED patients using a blended survey developed from validated screening tools for social drivers of health (SDoH) (e.g., food insecurity, housing, employment, sexual health, substance use) and mental health. Following verbal consent/assent, survey screenings, and brief negotiated interviews, patients were referred to curated, need-specific resources for further support. Results: During our 28-month pilot, 246 AYA patients were screened, with 97.2% reporting at least one SDoH need and 93.1% referred to at least one community-based resource. The most commonly requested resources were education (46.3%), employment (38.6%), and mental health (32.9%). Younger age was associated with higher requests for educational resources (OR: 1.38; 95% CI: 1.10-1.79), while male gender was linked to fewer mental health resource requests (OR: 0.27; 95% CI: 0.07–0.88). Conclusions: An interprofessional, student-led team can provide AYA patients with the necessary SDoH resources to bridge care gaps without disrupting ED workflow, supporting the feasibility and benefit of this innovative program to promote health.