Understanding Esophageal Cancer from Reflux Injury
Regulation of the JAK/STAT Signaling and Esophageal Tumorigenesis in Conditions of Esophageal Reflux Injury
This research aims to uncover how acid reflux leads to esophageal cancer, hoping to find new ways to prevent and treat this serious disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Miami School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Coral Gables, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11127393 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) is a rapidly increasing cancer that is difficult to treat. It often develops from chronic acid reflux (GERD) and a precancerous condition called Barrett's esophagus. We don't fully understand how reflux causes these changes, which limits our ability to prevent and treat EAC. This project explores a new idea: how specific protein changes and a pathway called JAK/STAT contribute to cancer development in the esophagus. By studying these mechanisms in both animal models and human tissue samples, we hope to find new targets for therapies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), Barrett's esophagus, or esophageal adenocarcinoma could be ideal candidates for future related studies or benefit from this research.
Not a fit: Patients without a history of esophageal reflux injury or related conditions would likely not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to prevent esophageal cancer from developing in patients with reflux or Barrett's esophagus, and potentially new treatments for those already affected.
How similar studies have performed: This project proposes an innovative hypothesis to explain cancer development, suggesting the approach is novel and builds on preliminary data rather than replicating established successes.
Where this research is happening
Coral Gables, United States
- University of Miami School of Medicine — Coral Gables, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zaika, Alexander I. — University of Miami School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Zaika, Alexander I.
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.