Barrett's esophagus is a condition of the esophagus (swallowing tube) in which the normal white lining of the esophagus is replaced by an abnormal red lining called specialized intestinal metaplasia, as a response to chronic acid reflux.

Barrett's esophagus is a unique disease in which to study the progression to cancer because it allows researchers to collect tissue samples over time, from early detection of Barrett's through to the progression to advanced stages. This collection of tissue samples allows for the study of genetic changes that occur over time with the goal of identifying the subset of patients who are at high risk of developing cancer.

The Barrett's Research Team