Cancer Risk in Barrett's Esophagus: A Clinical Review. Int J Mol Sci 2023 Mar 23;24(7)
Date
04/14/2023Pubmed ID
37046992Pubmed Central ID
PMC10094310DOI
10.3390/ijms24076018Scopus ID
2-s2.0-85152314734 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site) 6 CitationsAbstract
Esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) is rapidly increasing in incidence and is associated with a poor prognosis. Barrett's esophagus (BE) is a known precursor of esophageal adenocarcinoma. This review aims to explore Barrett's esophagus, esophageal adenocarcinoma, and the progression from the former to the latter. An overview of the definition, diagnosis, epidemiology, and risk factors for both entities are presented, with special attention being given to the areas of debate in the literature. The progression from Barrett's esophagus to esophageal adenocarcinoma is reviewed and the relevant molecular pathways are discussed. The definition of Barrett's esophagus remains debated and without international consensus. This, alongside other factors, has made establishing the true prevalence of Barrett's esophagus challenging. The degree of dysplasia can be a histological challenge, but is necessary to guide clinical management. The progression of BE to EAC is likely driven by inflammatory pathways, pepsin exposure, upregulation of growth factor pathways, and mitochondrial changes. Surveillance is maintained through serial endoscopic evaluation, with shorter intervals recommended for high-risk features.
Author List
Beydoun AS, Stabenau KA, Altman KW, Johnston NAuthor
Nikki Johnston PhD Professor in the Otolaryngology department at Medical College of WisconsinMESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold
AdenocarcinomaBarrett Esophagus
Disease Progression
Esophageal Neoplasms
Humans
Risk Factors
