[Frontiers in Bioscience E2, 489-494, January 1, 2010]
Clinical biomarkers in esophageal adenocarcinoma

Antonio Biondi 1, Marcello Migliore2, Giuseppe Strano1, Salvatore Vadala1, Alessandro Tropea 1, Francesco Basile1

1Section of General Surgery and Oncology, Department of General Surgery, University Medical School of Catania, Italy, Ospedale Vittorio Emanuele Via Plebiscito, 628, 95100 Catania, Italy, 2Section of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Thoracic Surgery; University Medical School of Catania, Italy, Ospedale Garibaldi, P.O. S. Luigi, Viale Fleming 24, 95100 Catania Italy

TABLE CONTENTS

1. Abstract
2. Introduction
3. Methods
4. Biomarkers
5. Molecular Biology
6. Endoscopic Biomarkers and Tissue Biomarkers
7. Serum and Urine Biomarkers
8. Predictive Biomarkers
9. Conclusion
10. Acknowledgments
11. References

1. ABSTRACT

This review describes genetic and molecular changes related to adenocarcinoma of the esophagus and gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) with emphasis on prognostic value and possibilities for targeted therapy in clinical setting. The progression of Barrett's esophagus to adenocarcinoma has been the focus of particular scrutiny, and a number of potential tissue and serum-based disease biomarkers have emerged. Tissue biomarkers allowing risk stratification of Barrett's are reviewed as well as strategies currently being used to discover novel biomarkers that will facilitate the early detection of esophageal adenocarcinoma.