title: Progression of Barrett's esophagus toward esophageal adenocarcinoma: an overview.
abstract: In Barrett's esophagus, normal squamous epithelium is replaced by a metaplastic columnar epithelium as a consequence of chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease. There is a strong association with esophageal adenocarcinoma. In view of the increasing incidence of esophageal adenocarcinoma in the western world, it is important that more attention be paid to the progression of Barrett's esophagus toward esophageal adenocarcinoma. Recently, several molecular factors have been identified that contribute to the sequence towards adenocarcinoma. This might help identify patients at risk and detect new targets for the prevention and treatment of esophageal adenocarcinoma in the future.
authors.affiliation: Department of Gastroenterology, University Hospitals Leuven and Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Belgium.
authors.forename: Nele
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Schoofs
authors.affiliation: Department of Gastroenterology, University Hospitals Leuven and Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Belgium.
authors.forename: Raf
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Bisschops
authors.affiliation: Department of Gastroenterology, University Hospitals Leuven and Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Belgium.
authors.forename: Hans
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Prenen
keywords: Barrett’s esophagus; biomarkers; esophageal adenocarcinoma