Barrett's-related esophageal adenocarcinoma: is chemoprevention a potential option?
OBJECTIVE
Review the rationale behind secondary prevention of Barrett's related esophageal adenocarcinoma and critically appraise the emerging literature regarding prevention of neoplasia in Barrett's esophagus with antisecretory and/or cyclo-oxygenase inhibition therapy.


METHODS
The existing English language literature regarding secondary cancer prevention in patients with Barrett's esophagus is reviewed and its potential clinical implications discussed.


RESULTS
There is biologic plausibility to pursue "chemoprevention" trials with antisecretory and/or cyclo-oxygenase inhibition therapy in patients with Barrett's esophagus.


CONCLUSIONS
Chemoprevention trials using potent antisecretory therapy coupled with cyclo-oxygenase 2 inhibition are warranted and may provide a means of decreasing the occurrence of cancer and cancer-related mortality in this disease.
Fennerty
M B
MB
Division of Gastroenterology, Oregon Health Sciences University, Portland 97201-3098, USA.
Triadafilopoulos
G
G
D000230:Adenocarcinoma / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D000897:Anti-Ulcer Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001471:Barrett Esophagus / Q000150:complications*; D016861:Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004938:Esophageal Neoplasms / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans
D000897:Anti-Ulcer Agents; D016861:Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors