79: Barrett's Oesophagus and Oesophageal Adenocarcinoma

Pilot Study of Gene Expression and Protein Regulation in Barrett’s Oesophagus and Oesophageal Adenocarcinoma – Dr Glenn Jacobson

Barrett’s Oesophagus is a widespread condition resulting in part from the irritation of the oesophageal lining by acid reflux of stomach contents. In some cases Barrett’s Oesophagus can progress to cancer. It is not yet known how this progression occurs and how it can be prevented. This project aims to identify some proteins whose expression is altered in biopsies from Barrett’s disease and gastroesophageal cancer patients relative to biopsies from normal health controls. We hypothesize that there will be new proteins expressed in patients with Barrett’s Oesophagus and oesophageal cancer compared to to those with uncomplicated reflux disease of healthy controls and that protein expression will become progressively different with the greater stage of disease. Candidate proteins identified in this pilot study will be studied further to determine whether they can be used as clinical markers of disease or as targets for chemotherapy.