A test to show which people with Barrett's esophagus have higher cancer risk
Optimization and validation of a biomarker panel for risk stratification in Barrett's esophagus
This project is testing a panel of genetic biomarkers to help people with Barrett's esophagus know who is more likely to progress toward esophageal cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11237993 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you have Barrett's esophagus, researchers may ask for biopsy or esophageal brush samples to look for genetic and genomic markers linked to cancer risk. They will compare different combinations of biomarkers using two groups of patients with non‑dysplastic Barrett's and low‑grade dysplasia, then test the best panel in a separate U.S. group to confirm the results. The team will also compare results from standard biopsies with less invasive brush samples to see whether a simpler sampling method gives the same answers.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults diagnosed with Barrett's esophagus, especially those with non‑dysplastic Barrett's (NDBE) or low‑grade dysplasia (LGD).
Not a fit: People without Barrett's esophagus or those already diagnosed with advanced esophageal cancer are unlikely to benefit from this risk‑stratification effort.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the test could identify people with Barrett's who need closer surveillance or early treatment to prevent esophageal cancer.
How similar studies have performed: Previous genomic studies have found candidate markers and early signals, but a widely validated combined biomarker panel for clinical risk prediction remains unproven.
Where this research is happening
San Francisco, United States
- University of California, San Francisco — San Francisco, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Stachler, Matthew D — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Stachler, Matthew D
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.