The molecular basis for carcinogenesis in metaplastic columnar-lined esophagus

Barrett's esophagus carries an increased risk for the development of esophageal adenocarcinoma. A wide variety of biologic events play a role in the initiation and progression of Barrett's esophagus to malignancy. Understanding Balrett's-associated neoplasia at the molecular level could generate markers predictive of malignant change. The next several years promise many discoveries of not only these molecular markers of tumorigenesis, but also their clinical application as means of preventing and treating the deadly complications of Barrett's esophagus.