Assessing Cancer Risk in Patients with Barrett Esophagus

Overexpression of epidermal growth factor receptor was an effective marker for progression of BE to esophageal cancer.

Current assessment of cancer risk in patients with Barrett esophagus (BE) involves histological analysis of samples taken during endoscopy, focusing on the presence of high-grade dysplasia (HGD) as a key marker of precancerous tissue. However, endoscopic sampling is prone to error, and experts are keen to supplement such testing with measurement of appropriate molecular markers. One such biomarker might be epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), which has been found to be commonly overexpressed in esophageal cancers and has correlated with tumor grade and lymph node metastases (Cancer 2007; 109:658).

To evaluate EGFR as a biomarker for neoplastic development in patients with BE, investigators in the U.K. assessed 107 previously banked tissu…

Reviewing Author

David A. Johnson, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory boardMedscape/WebMD; Pfizer; CRH Medical Corporation; Aries

EquityCRH Medical Corporation

Editorial boardsMedscape Gastroenterology

Leadership positions in professional societiesAmerican College of Gastroenterology Research Institute Board of Directors

David A. Johnson, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory boardMedscape/WebMD; Pfizer; CRH Medical Corporation; Aries

EquityCRH Medical Corporation

Editorial boardsMedscape Gastroenterology

Leadership positions in professional societiesAmerican College of Gastroenterology Research Institute Board of Directors