Relationships clarified among gastroesophageal reflux disease, Barrett’s esophagus, and esophageal adenocarcinoma

Relationships among gastroesophageal reflux disease, Barrett’s esophagus, and esophageal adenocarcinoma have been somewhat clarified, according to a pair of presentations at the annual Digestive Disease Week.

According to G. Richard Locke III, MD, and Yvonne Romero, MD, Mayo Clinic gastroenterologists and presenters of the two studies, the incidence of esophageal cancer is increasing at what has been called an “epidemic” rate, but the cause for the increase is uncertain.

In the first research project, the American team studied 186 cases of esophageal and stomach adenocarcinoma and found a significant association between esophageal cancer and gastroesophageal reflux disease.
“But only about 5 percent of individuals who experience acid reflux will develop Barrett’s esophagus,” said Romero. “And once Barrett’s esophagus is diagnosed, patients have a 30- to 125-fold increased risk of developing esophageal cancer.”

“Acid reflux is such a common problem that it is unrealistic to perform an endoscopic examination on everyone who experiences it,” added Locke. “Thus, in order to learn what’s causing this increase in esophageal cancer, we first need to know what’s causing Barrett’s esophagus and whether there are any genetic risks for which acid reflux patients could be screened.”

A second study, led by Romero, examined that question. Her team discovered strong evidence for susceptibility genes in familial Barrett’s esophagus and esophageal adenocarcinoma. The genetic linkage analysis was performed on 278 people in 31 families with two or more members affected by Barrett’s esophagus, with or without esophageal cancer.

“Our research found areas on a chromosome that appear to be important for Barrett’s esophagus and esophageal cancer -- so we’re on the right path,” said Romero. “Our next step is to look at 94 additional families to identify the particular genes associated with these disorders. Eventually, we’d like to develop a blood test for Barrett’s esophagus to identify who has this precancerous lining early in their disease course, to ultimately prevent it from escalating into esophageal cancer.”


DOLについて - 利用規約 -  会員規約 -  著作権 - サイトポリシー - 免責条項 - お問い合わせ
Copyright 2000-2025 by HESCO International, Ltd.