Oesophageal biopsies for research into Barrett’s metaplasia

• Research type

  Research Study

• Full title

  Generation of a human in vitro model of Barrett’s metaplasia

• IRAS ID

  115525

• Contact name

  Mark Farrant

• Contact email

  mark.farrant@nhs.net

• Sponsor organisation

  University of Bath

• Research summary

  Oesophageal adenocarcinoma (OA) is a cancer of the oesophagus (food pipe or gullet). The main risk factor for OA is Barrett’s metaplasia, a phenomenon whereby the epithelium (lining of the oesophagus) changes from one type (stratified squamous) to another (columnar). We know that acid and bile are the major causes of Barrett’s metaplasia, but we don’t know the underlying molecular pathway.

  To improve our understanding, we want to try and culture biopsies of human oesophagus in vitro in order to learn about the molecular pathway. Understanding this pathway is a major step towards developing a cure.

• REC name

  Yorkshire & The Humber - Leeds East Research Ethics Committee

• REC reference

  13/YH/0197

• Date of REC Opinion

  31 May 2013

• REC opinion

  Favourable Opinion