Molecular basis of Barrett’s oesophagus and oesophageal adenocarcinoma

arrett's oesophagus is the eponym used to describe the change from the normal stratified, squamous epithelium of the lower oesophagus to a polarised, columnar-lined epithelium with intestinal-type differentiation. The overall 5-year survival rate in patients presenting with symptomatic adenocarcinoma is a dismal 13%. 5 An understanding of the molecular basis for the development and progression of Barrett's metaplasia is required to develop effective clinical management strategies. Before discussing the molecular changes at the level of the tissue, it is important to briefly consider the environmental and inherited genetic factors that contribute to an individual's susceptibility to these conditions.