# Project 3: Molecular Markers for Early Detection of Esophageal Carcinogenesis

> **NIH NIH P50** · CASE WESTERN RESERVE UNIVERSITY · 2020 · $331,509

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT
The incidence of esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) has increased more than 6-fold in the past three decades
while the prognosis has remained poor. Barrett's esophagus (BE) is the only known precursor of EAC.
Endoscopy (EGD) is the current method to diagnose BE but because EGD is expensive and screening is not
recommended very few EACs are detected in patients with pre-diagnosed BE. To make an impact on the
prevention and early detection of EAC the challenge is to first develop an alternative method for identifying BE
that is less costly and safer than EGD while being acceptable and accessible. The second step is to discover
biomarkers that can effectively identify high grade dysplasia and early cancer. We have demonstrated that
methylated Vimentin and other methylated biomarkers can detect BE in esophageal brushings. In addition, we
have developed a panel of biomarkers (TP53 mutations, 4 methylated markers, and 2 linc-RNA markers) that
sensitively and specifically identify EAC. Furthermore, the linc-RNAs in our marker panel also play a role in BE
carcinogenesis. Thus, our aim is to – 1) diagnose BE using methylated Vimentin (plus other biomarkers) testing
with a novel esophageal sampling device; 2) validate our marker panel for detecting high grade dysplasia and
cancer; and 3) determine the mechanism by which linc-RNAs promote the progression of BE to EAC. The results
of this study will lead to an early detection strategy for EAC and improve our understanding of esophageal
carcinogenesis.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9987282
- **Project number:** 5P50CA150964-09
- **Recipient organization:** CASE WESTERN RESERVE UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** AMITABH CHAK
- **Activity code:** P50 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $331,509
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2011-09-14 → 2022-07-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9987282

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9987282, Project 3: Molecular Markers for Early Detection of Esophageal Carcinogenesis (5P50CA150964-09). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9987282. Licensed CC0.

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