Preventing esophageal cancer by finding Barrett's esophagus early with biomarker tests
A Clinical Trial of Cancer Prevention by Biomarker Based Detections of Barrett's Esophagus and Its Progression
This project tests a simple swallowable sampling device plus a DNA biomarker test to find Barrett's esophagus and early changes that can lead to esophageal cancer in adults, including people without reflux 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 ID | NIH-11253304 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If I join, a nurse or doctor will have me swallow a small balloon device that samples cells from the lower esophagus in a short, 5-minute office procedure. The collected cells will be analyzed using a panel of methylated DNA markers and a new molecular method called BAD to look for Barrett's esophagus and early progression toward cancer. The approach is designed to reach people who do not have classic reflux symptoms and to improve early detection compared with random biopsy surveillance. Results could guide closer surveillance or early treatment for those with concerning findings.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults at risk for Barrett's esophagus or esophageal adenocarcinoma, including those with or without GERD symptoms, who can attend participating clinic visits.
Not a fit: People with known advanced esophageal cancer or those unable to swallow the sampling device are unlikely to benefit from this screening approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the approach could catch Barrett's esophagus and early cancerous changes sooner and more conveniently, enabling treatments that prevent esophageal cancer.
How similar studies have performed: Non-endoscopic sampling and DNA biomarker tests have shown promise in prior work, but this specific balloon sampling device combined with the BAD molecular test is a novel approach.
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.