New methods to detect Barrett’s esophagus and esophageal cancer
Official title: Minimally Invasive Molecular Approaches for the Detection of Barrett’s Esophagus and Esophageal Adenocarcinoma
Funded at Mayo Clinic Rochester · NIH-10871905 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new, gentle way to check for Barrett’s esophagus and early signs of esophageal cancer using a special sponge to collect samples, which could help catch these conditions earlier and make it easier for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Mayo Clinic Rochester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project start | July 2, 2019 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $444,566 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA241164-06 |
| Project ID | NIH-10871905 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at risk for Barrett’s esophagus or esophageal adenocarcinoma, particularly those with a history of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or other risk factors.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have risk factors for Barrett’s esophagus or esophageal cancer may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing less invasive techniques to identify Barrett’s esophagus (BE) and esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC), which are serious conditions that can lead to cancer. The approach involves using advanced DNA sequencing methods to find specific markers in the esophagus that indicate the presence of BE or early-stage cancer. By utilizing a non-invasive sponge device to collect samples, the research aims to improve early detection rates and reduce the need for costly endoscopic procedures. This could lead to better outcomes for patients by allowing for earlier intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve early detection of Barrett’s esophagus and esophageal cancer, leading to better survival rates.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success with similar non-invasive detection methods, indicating a promising direction for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Mayo Clinic Rochester
Rochester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Iyer, Prasad G. — Mayo Clinic Rochester
- Study coordinator: Iyer, Prasad G.
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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.