NIH-funded research P01 program project

Understanding Gene Activity Changes in Esophageal Cancer

Official title: Disruption of Transcription Networks in Esophageal Adenocarcinoma Tumorigenesis

Funded at University of Miami School of Medicine · NIH-11127388 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This research explores how acid reflux can lead to esophageal cancer by changing gene activity, hoping to find new ways to treat this condition.

Quick facts

Grant typeP01 program project
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Miami School of Medicine
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Coral Gables, United States)
Project startJuly 8, 2022
Project endJune 30, 2027
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$1,544,026
NIH project number5P01CA268991-04
Project IDNIH-11127388 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Patients with esophageal adenocarcinoma or Barrett's esophagus, a pre-cancerous condition, are the ultimate focus of this research, though direct participation in this specific grant may involve tissue donation rather than clinical trials.

Less likely to help

Patients without esophageal adenocarcinoma or Barrett's esophagus would not directly benefit from this specific research.

What this research studies

Esophageal adenocarcinoma is a serious cancer that has become more common, and we need better treatments. This project aims to understand how chronic acid reflux, a common issue, can cause this cancer by changing how genes work. Researchers are looking at specific protein interactions that promote cancer cell survival and growth. They will use advanced lab models, animal models, and human tissue samples to uncover these processes and test potential new therapies.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments for esophageal adenocarcinoma by targeting the specific molecular changes that drive the disease.

How similar studies have gone: This program builds on existing knowledge of cancer biology and reflux disease, exploring novel molecular pathways that contribute to esophageal cancer development.

Where this research is happening

  • University of Miami School of Medicine
    Coral Gables, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: El-Rifai, Wael — University of Miami School of Medicine
  • Study coordinator: El-Rifai, Wael

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.