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Fred Hutch Cancer Center researchers are seeking better ways to prevent, detect and treat esophageal cancer. We are also working to better understand the factors that affect each person’s risk for this cancer. Our scientists are also developing new methods to gauge how well a tumor will respond to treatment.
Today, we are working on several specific fronts to save lives from esophageal cancer. We are identifying the environmental and patient factors that underlie it, investigating biomarkers of inflammation, metabolites and genetics. We are also developing novel biomarker tests that could be used in a physician’s office to detect Barrett’s esophagus and esophageal adenocarcinoma without the need to insert an endoscope — a long, flexible tube with a light and a camera — down a patient’s throat. Our goal: to develop effective prevention strategies and reduce mortality rates.
Esophageal Cancer Clinical Trials
Fred Hutch typically has over 750 active cancer clinical trials enrolling participants.
Clinical trials may allow some patients access to a promising new treatment, and help physicians and researchers learn more about a disease.
Esophageal Cancer Research
Fred Hutch researchers study the genetic and epigenetic underpinnings of the disease, which may lead to better treatment. (Epigenetics refers to changes in the way genes are turned on or off.) Our research teams are also developing methods for early detection and surveillance of Barrett’s esophagus and esophageal adenocarcinoma. And we carry out large-scale population studies to understand why these conditions develop in some people but not others.
We collaborate with investigators around the U.S. and the world to pool data and resources and carry out collaborative studies. One of our major collaborations is through the National Cancer Institute–sponsored Barrett’s Esophagus Translational Research Network, or BETRNet.
Precision Oncology for Esophageal Cancer
Physician-researchers at Fred Hutch are running many clinical trials of new drugs and drug combinations to treat esophageal cancer. These experimental therapies are part of a trend toward precision cancer care. The idea behind precision care is to target a patient’s tumor based on its molecular profile. We continue to hunt for more potential targets on esophageal cancer cells that could lead to even more treatment options.
Innovative Research for Esophageal Cancer
Fred Hutch researchers are exploring ways to make treatment options more effective and accessible for patients with cancer, including for esophageal cancer. Mattias Stephan, PhD, and his lab in the Translational Science and Therapeutics Division, are researching a powerful gene therapy delivered as a drinkable foam.
Tumors in the esophagus can be difficult to access, but the hope is that by incorporating this gene therapy into a drinkable foam, messenger RNA (mRNA) encoding cancer-killing proteins can be delivered directly to the tumor in a non-invasive manner. (Messenger RNA molecules are relatively short-lived but can temporarily instruct cells to produce a specific protein, such as a cancer-killing protein derived from a bacterial toxin.) Learn more about this research.
Our Esophageal Cancer Researchers and Faculty
Our scientists and providers work together to prevent, diagnose and treat esophageal cancer as well as other cancers and diseases. The lab research and clinical research they do are essential parts of the scientific process that leads to new treatments and better care. Many of our esophageal cancer providers also do research in addition to seeing patients. Clinical trials can also be a way for patients to get early access to new leading-edge therapies. Our research teams are running many clinical studies for people with esophageal cancer.
See below for our researchers and faculty or view our esophageal cancer care team providers.
