Predicting which Barrett’s esophagus will progress or come back after ablation
Validation of Biomarkers for predicting Barrett's esophagus that will or will not: i) progress towards cancer, or ii) recur after ablation
This project uses molecular tests on tissue samples to tell people with Barrett’s esophagus who is likely to develop cancer or have the condition return after endoscopic treatment.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Case Western Reserve University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cleveland, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11179420 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would have a sample taken from your Barrett’s tissue (often with a brushing tool) so labs can measure DNA changes, p53 abnormalities, and other molecular markers while applying AI-based algorithms. The team will run two validation efforts: a prospective group followed forward to find people at low risk who might safely avoid ablation, and a retrospective analysis to find who is likely to have recurrence after ablation. The goal is to combine biomarkers with clinical information to guide whether and when endoscopic eradication therapy is needed. Results would be compared to patients’ outcomes to test how well the tests separate low- and high-risk people.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people with Barrett’s esophagus — especially those with non-dysplastic BE, low-grade dysplasia, or people considering or having undergone endoscopic eradication therapy.
Not a fit: People without Barrett’s esophagus or those who already have invasive esophageal cancer would not benefit from these specific biomarker tests.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the tests could help avoid unnecessary ablation for low-risk patients and focus treatment on those at real risk, lowering complications and improving cancer prevention.
How similar studies have performed: Earlier pilot work from this team (the BAD technology) and other biomarker studies have shown promise, but larger validation in prospective and retrospective patient groups is still needed.
Where this research is happening
Cleveland, United States
- 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 below.