The purpose of this study is to identify markers in the blood and tissue that could indicate risk factors for the development and progression of esophagus cancer. This research aims to collect medical history, blood, and tissue samples from patients who present with an esophageal disorder. Identifying genetic and behavioral risk factors involved in the development of esophageal cancer might allow for early detection and prevention. Survival and an opportunity for a cure with esophageal cancer will depend greatly on the stage of diagnosis. Tumors can develop changes in their genetic (hereditary) make-up, and these changes can sometimes be seen in normal tissues before the development of cancer. These genetic (hereditary) changes can serve as tumor markers and can be detected using methods that study changes in genetic material like DNA and RNA. The analysis of proteins can provide additional information. By identifying changes in these molecules that are different or altered in cancer, the investigators can use methods and tests for the detection of these changes.
Known or suspected esophageal or gastroesophageal junction malignancy
Known Barrett's metaplasia
Clinical management of symptomatic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
Achalasia
Elevated pre-operative bloodwork will not have the additional biopsies taken.
Platelet count less than 150,000, partial thromboplastin time (PTT) of 50 or above, and/or International Normalized Ratio (INR) of 1.8 or above will not have the additional biopsies taken.
Eligible patients will be selected from the investigator's clinic.
Other
Prospective
Survey of client health, personal habits, family history
Procedure/SurgeryA questionnaire is administered at the time of consent.
Blood specimen for non-DNA and DNA parts
Procedure/SurgeryBlood specimen is collected prior to surgery or at the time of scheduled routine surgical procedure(s), and at the time of routine follow-up visits
Biopsy of esophageal/stomach tissue, lymph nodes, tumor
Procedure/SurgeryTissue from the biopsies is collected intraoperatively.
Biopsies, oral (saliva) and/or secretions, washings or mucosal scrapings/brushing from routine clinical surveillance endoscopies
Procedure/SurgeryTissue from the biopsies, oral (saliva) and/or secretions, washings or mucosal scrapings/brushings are collected intraoperatively.
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University of Pittsburgh
Lead sponsor
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Collaborator
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Collaborator
