The Barrett's Esophagus Research Group performs clinical, translational, and basic science research investigating the origins of Barrett's esophagus (BE) and its progression to esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC). Areas of research include:
-Development of a transgenic mouse model of BE and EAC
-Organotypic models of BE and EAC
-Stem cells and the origins of BE
-Notch signaling in the development of BE and progression to EAC
-The role of gastrin in BE and EAC
-Novel chemopreventive agents for BE
-Identification of novel biomarkers that predict neoplastic progression, response to endoscopic therapy, and recurrence after ablative therapy
For patients:
We have several ongoing studies at Columbia, the University of Pennsylvania, and the Mayo Clinic, including:
- Identifying markers of cancer risk
- Trials of different treatments for Barrett's esophagus, including radiofrequency ablation and cryoablation therapy
- Drug studies aimed at preventing esophageal cancer in Barrett's esophagus patients