NIH-funded research R01 grant

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 typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionCase Western Reserve University
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Cleveland, United States)
Project startJanuary 3, 2025
Project endDecember 31, 2029
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$1,623,261
NIH project number1R01CA295877-01
Project IDNIH-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

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.