title: Molecular markers and genetics in cancer development.
abstract: This article focuses on the conceptual basis underlying the acquisition of each of the physiologic cancer hallmarks by metaplastic Barrett's cells. The acquired genetic alterations that have shown the most promise as potential molecular biomarkers to predict neoplastic progression in patients with Barrett's esophagus are reviewed. Moreover, the role of stem cells and stem cell markers in Barrett's carcinogenesis is addressed.
authors.affiliation: Division of Gastroenterology (111B1), Department of Medicine, VA North Texas Health Care System and the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, 4500 South Lancaster Road, Dallas, TX 75216, USA.
authors.forename: Kathy
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Hormi-Carver
authors.forename: Rhonda F
authors.initials: RF
authors.lastname: Souza
mesh_terms: D000230:Adenocarcinoma / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000235:genetics; D017209:Apoptosis / Q000235:genetics; D001471:Barrett Esophagus / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000235:genetics*; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000032:analysis / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D002471:Cell Transformation, Neoplastic / Q000235:genetics; D003043:Cocarcinogenesis; D016213:Cyclins / Q000502:physiology; D004938:Esophageal Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000235:genetics*; D004947:Esophagus / Q000473:pathology*; D005764:Gastroesophageal Reflux / Q000150:complications; D016147:Genes, Tumor Suppressor / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D019656:Loss of Heterozygosity / Q000235:genetics; D008679:Metaplasia / Q000235:genetics; D009154:Mutation / Q000235:genetics; D011230:Precancerous Conditions / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000235:genetics*; D013234:Stem Cells / Q000502:physiology
chemical_list: D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; D016213:Cyclins