Actively Recruiting
Esophageal Cancer Risk Registry Study to Identify Blood and Tissue Markers in Esophageal Disorders
Led by University of Pittsburgh · Updated on 2026-04-14
7000
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
U
University of Pittsburgh
Lead Sponsor
N
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are investigating markers in blood and tissue that might signal the risk factors for developing and progressing esophageal cancer. The study enrolls patients with esophageal cancer, those at risk for it, and patients with non-cancerous esophageal disorders. By analyzing genetic and protein changes in tissues, the research aims to enable earlier detection and prevention. Understanding these genetic changes in tumors and nearby tissues may help identify tumor markers that can be detected before cancer develops. Participants will complete a questionnaire about their health, habits, and family medical history during a preoperative clinic visit. Blood samples will be collected before or during surgery and at routine follow-up visits. Tissue samples including biopsies from the esophagus, stomach, lymph nodes, tumors, and oral secretions may also be collected during surgical or endoscopic procedures. These samples will be stored securely for future genetic analysis. Additional samples may be collected during routine surveillance endoscopies when clinically indicated. Throughout the study, participants will provide medical history and biological samples, which will be used to study genetic changes associated with esophageal cancer. Data about cancer screening results and family cancer history might be collected and stored in a database for ongoing research. Samples will be kept indefinitely or until used up. The study may contact participants later to share relevant findings. Participation involves routine clinical visits, questionnaires, blood draws, and collection of biopsy tissues as part of standard medical care.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Esophageal Cancer Risk Registry
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Known or suspected esophageal or gastroesophageal junction malignancy
- Known Barrett's metaplasia
- Clinical management of symptomatic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Achalasia
- Hiatal hernia
- Age 18 years or older
You will not qualify if you...
- Elevated pre-operative bloodwork preventing additional biopsies
- Platelet count less than 150,000
- Partial thromboplastin time (PTT) of 50 or above
- International Normalized Ratio (INR) of 1.8 or above preventing additional biopsies
- Unable to provide required tissue or blood samples as part of the study
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person) during preoperative clinic visit
Duration - Variable, around the time of surgery or endoscopy
Participants undergo surgical procedures or endoscopies during which tissue biopsies, blood samples, and other specimens are collected for research.
1 surgical or endoscopy visit for sample collection
Duration - Ongoing during routine clinical follow-up
Participants may have additional blood samples and biopsies collected during routine clinical surveillance endoscopies over time.
Visits may coincide with routine surveillance endoscopies
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States, 15232
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
J
Julie A Ward, BSN
How is the study designed?
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Masking
N/A
Allocation
N/A
Model
N/A
Primary Purpose
N/A
Number of Arms
0
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