Discovery of Origin of Esophageal Cancer Cells Highlights Importance of Screening for Pre-Cancerous Barrett’s Esophagus
Published:18 Aug.2021 Source:University of Cambridge
Abnormal cells that go on develop into oesophageal cancer - cancer that affects the tube connecting the mouth and stomach - start life as cells of the stomach, according to scientists at the University of Cambridge.
The study, published today in Science, found that a particular subtype of oesophageal cancer known as oesophageal adenocarcinoma is always preceded by Barrett's oesophagus - abnormal cells of the oesophagus - even if these cells are no longer visible at the time of cancer diagnosis. This confirms that screening for Barrett's is an important approach to oesophageal cancer control.