Long-term saliva sampling for Barrett's esophagus

Repeated Sampling of the Oral Microbiome to Improve Detection of Barrett's Esophagus

Observational Columbia University · NCT05133102

This study is testing if regular saliva samples can help identify a specific oral bacteria pattern in people with Barrett's esophagus to see if it can be used as a simple way to diagnose this condition.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment275 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorColumbia University Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Ann Arbor, Michigan and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05133102 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational cohort study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of repeated saliva sampling to identify a microbiome signature associated with Barrett's esophagus (BE). Participants will be selected from patients who have undergone an endoscopy in the past three years. The study will assess whether the oral microbiome can serve as a reliable, non-invasive diagnostic tool for BE, which is a precursor to esophageal cancer. By analyzing saliva samples over time, the researchers hope to determine the stability and reproducibility of the microbiome signature in individuals diagnosed with BE.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults aged 18 and older who are scheduled for or have had an upper endoscopy within the last three years and have been diagnosed with Barrett's esophagus.

Not a fit: Patients with a history of head and neck cancer, esophageal squamous cell or gastric cancer, or those who have undergone certain types of esophageal or gastric surgery may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a non-invasive method for diagnosing and monitoring Barrett's esophagus, potentially reducing the need for invasive endoscopic procedures.

How similar studies have performed: While the approach of using saliva microbiome analysis is relatively novel, previous studies have indicated distinct microbiome profiles in patients with Barrett's esophagus, suggesting potential for success.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Scheduled for an upper endoscopy or had upper endoscopy within past three years
* Eighteen years of age or older
* Capable of producing a saliva sample
* Able to give informed consent
* For BE patients only: Endoscopic evidence of Barrett's esophagus (at least 1 cm maximal BE length; i.e. Prague classification: any C, M≥1), and intestinal metaplasia present on esophageal biopsies

Exclusion Criteria:

* History of head and neck cancer or esophageal squamous cell or gastric cancer
* History of esophageal or gastric surgery
* Scheduled to undergo colonoscopy on the day of initial saliva collection
* Scheduled only for Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) or Endoscopy ultrasound (EUS) without accompanying standard upper endoscopy on the day of initial saliva collection
* For BE patients only: History of prior endoscopic therapy for BE except a history of prior Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) of focal lesions without subsequent ablative therapy is permitted

Where this trial is running

Ann Arbor, Michigan and 1 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Barrett EsophagusSalivaSamplingOral Microbiome
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.