Detecting Barrett's Esophagus Early to Prevent Esophageal Cancer
Official title: A Clinical Trial of Cancer Prevention by Biomarker Based Detections of Barrett's Esophagus and Its Progression
Funded at Case Western Reserve University · NIH-11020622 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking for a new, easy way to find Barrett's esophagus, a condition that can lead to cancer, using a swallowable device and a special DNA test, so we can catch it early in people who might not have any symptoms.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Case Western Reserve University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cleveland, United States) |
| Project start | January 3, 2025 |
| Project end | December 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $1,623,261 |
| NIH project number | 1R01CA295877-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11020622 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at risk for Barrett's esophagus, particularly those without symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who already have a confirmed diagnosis of Barrett's esophagus or esophageal cancer may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on finding new ways to detect Barrett's esophagus, a condition that can lead to esophageal cancer, before it becomes serious. It aims to use a non-invasive method involving a swallowable device and a special DNA test to identify patients who may not show symptoms of acid reflux. By catching Barrett's esophagus early, the research hopes to prevent its progression to cancer, which has a high mortality rate. Patients will be screened in a simple office procedure, making it accessible and less daunting than traditional endoscopic methods.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce the number of esophageal cancer cases by enabling earlier detection and intervention.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using biomarker-based detection methods for various cancers, suggesting potential success for this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Case Western Reserve University
Cleveland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Markowitz, Sanford D. — Case Western Reserve University
- Study coordinator: Markowitz, Sanford 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.