Genetically linking chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease: Barrett’s esophagus and esophageal adenocarcinoma

Esophageal adenocarcinoma remains a devastating disease with incidence and mortality rates that are nearly equivalent. The most well known risk factor is gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) (1). Recent guidelines from multiple gastroenterology societies (American College of Gastroenterology, American Gastroenterology Association and British Society of Gastroenterology) now recommend selected screening primarily based on symptomatic GERD in patients with other known risk factors such as obesity, age, and Caucasian race. About 10–15% of those with GERD develop Barrett’s esophagus (BE) or intestinal metaplasia of the esophageal mucosa (2). Those with BE then undergo regular surveillance endoscopy. The hope is this will result in early detection and treatment of EA to improve outcomes.