Mechanisms of Disease: Carcinogenesis in Barrett's Esophagus

Conclusion

The pathogenesis of cancer development in Barrett's esophagus is an evolving field. The close interaction of clinicians, epidemiologists and basic scientists in the past decade had markedly increased our understanding of carcinogenesis in Barrett's esophagus. Opportunities to translate this information to drug discovery and clinical management would certainly improve the outcomes for individuals with this precancerous condition. The future appears to be promising, with increasing understanding of the pathogenesis of cancer development in Barrett's esophagus, which will expand the scope of mechanism-based cancer prevention and therapeutic options.

CLICK HERE for subscription information about this journal.

The authors would like to acknowledge the support of the NIH and the Mayo Foundation.

Nat Clin Pract Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2004;1(2) © 2004 Nature Publishing Group