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Potential Role of the Microbiome in Barrett’s Esophagus and Esophageal Adenocarcinoma

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Abstract

Esophageal adenocarcinoma and its precursor Barrett’s esophagus have been rapidly increasing in incidence for half a century, for reasons not adequately explained by currently identified risk factors such as gastroesophageal reflux disease and obesity. The upper gastrointestinal microbiome may represent another potential cofactor. The distal esophagus has a distinct microbiome of predominantly oral-derived flora, which is altered in Barrett’s esophagus and reflux esophagitis. Chronic low-grade inflammation or direct carcinogenesis from this altered microbiome may combine with known risk factors to promote Barrett’s metaplasia and progression to adenocarcinoma.

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Acknowledgments

The authors are supported in part by a Columbia Physicians and Surgeon’s Dean’s Research Fellowship (EJS), a mentored career development award through the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences’ Clinical and Translational Science awards program (NIH KL2 TR000081; DEF), a U54 award from the National Cancer Institute (U54 CA163004; JAA), and an Irving Scholars Award (JAA).

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  1. Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, 622 W 168th Street, PH 7 W 318D, New York, NY, 10032, USA

    Erik J. Snider, Daniel E. Freedberg & Julian A. Abrams

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Snider, E.J., Freedberg, D.E. & Abrams, J.A. Potential Role of the Microbiome in Barrett’s Esophagus and Esophageal Adenocarcinoma. Dig Dis Sci 61, 2217–2225 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10620-016-4155-9

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