Barrett's esophagus and Esophageal Cancer Research Program

Investigators, led by Amitabh Chak, MD, are studying factors that may cause Barrett's esophagus and esophageal cancer to run in families, including analyzing blood for genetic markers for both diseases. They have identified genes that confer susceptibility to Barrett's and are studying the functions of these genes in mice.

The investigative team leads one of only three BETRNet Centers in the country and is further developing novel nonendoscopic methods for detecting and surveying Barrett's esophagus. BETRNet Center researchers are also studying epigenetic and transcriptomic alterations that lead to the development of Barrett's esophagus and its progression to cancers. The goal of BETRNet is to improve the detection, prevention, and treatment of esophageal cancer.