Esophageal Cancer

Research

Mayo Clinic is extensively involved in research to better understand the genetic and environmental causes of esophageal cancer and of Barrett's esophagus, which can lead to cancer in some people. This line of research could lead to new tests for finding cancer at an earlier, more treatable stage and possibly to gene therapies to repair abnormal DNA in esophageal cancer cells. Mayo researchers are also using genetic tools to help determine which therapies are best for each esophageal cancer patient — one of many areas of personalized medicine research in which Mayo is actively involved.

Researchers across many specialties also collaborate to improve current diagnostic and treatment options. Mayo Clinic physicians are internationally known for their groundbreaking use of advanced endoscopic imaging — including narrow band imaging and probe-based confocal laser microscopy — to evaluate esophageal cancer and for minimally invasive therapies, such as endoscopic mucosal resection and radiofrequency ablation that preserve the esophagus. Research in these areas is ongoing, including studies on the use of capsule endoscopy as a diagnostic tool in people with esophageal cancer.

Mayo Clinic scientists are also testing new ways to use drugs known to be effective against esophageal cancer and investigating optimal combinations of chemotherapy and radiation.