Pathway uncovered linking heartburn, esophageal cancer

More than 60 million adults in the US have acid reflux, or heartburn, and approximately 10 percent are at risk for developing esophageal cancer, due in part to complications from Barrett's esophagus. But researchers have discovered a pathway they believe links Barrett's esophagus to the development of esophageal cancer. Their data suggest that blocking this pathway, such as with a proton pump inhibitor (e.g., omeprazole), may prevent the development of esophageal cancer.

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