Genetic and epigenetic predictors of esophageal cancer risk
Official title: Genetics, Epigenetics, and Risk Prediction for Esophageal Adenocarcinoma
Funded at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center · NIH-11176757 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project uses genetic and epigenetic information to find which people with Barrett's esophagus are most likely to develop esophageal adenocarcinoma.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project start | September 12, 2022 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $1,456,321 |
| NIH project number | 4R01CA266386-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11176757 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are adults diagnosed with Barrett's esophagus, particularly those with a history of reflux or obesity and available clinical records or tissue samples.
✕Less likely to help
People without Barrett's esophagus or with unrelated medical conditions are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this research.
What this research studies
From my perspective as a patient, researchers will compare DNA and epigenetic marks from people with Barrett's esophagus who did and did not go on to develop esophageal adenocarcinoma. They will combine genome-wide genetic data with measures of the epigenome to look for patterns linked to progression to cancer. The team plans to develop biomarker-based risk scores that could separate higher-risk patients who need closer endoscopic surveillance from lower-risk patients who may need less frequent monitoring. Samples and clinical data from people with Barrett's esophagus will be used to build and test these prediction models.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help target screening and surveillance to people most likely to get esophageal cancer and spare others unnecessary procedures.
How similar studies have gone: Previous genetic studies have identified susceptibility loci but few markers predict progression, so combining genetics with epigenetics is a newer approach with limited but promising precedent.
Where this research is happening
-
Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kooperberg, Charles L — Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center
- Study coordinator: Kooperberg, Charles L
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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.