University of Maryland

Objective

Develop and validate genomic-derived biomarkers for the early detection of esophageal cancer.

Program Description

Esophageal carcinoma is usually detected at an advanced stage, when available treatments are not very effective. Earlier detection of this cancer has been shown to have a significant impact on patient outcome.

Specific Aim

• Identify gene expression panels and individual gene biomarkers to distinguish between patients with and without esophageal cancer, using cDNA microarrays and specimens from patients with Barrett’s esophagus without cancer and from patients with Barrett’s adenocarcinoma.
• Confirm these expression panels and individual genes with quantitative real time-PCR using a capillary microfluidics station-based method.
• Perform cross-sectional retrospective longitudinal validation studies using this quantitative real time-PCR method.

Contact Information

Meltzer, Stephen, M.D.
> University of Maryland
Dept. of Medicine
> Div. of Gastroenterology, N3W62
22 S. Greene St.
> Baltimore, MD 21201

Phone (410) 328-5780
> Fax: (410) 328-8315
Email: smeltzer@medicine.umaryland.edu