Racial Disparity in Barrett's Esophagus (NCT01374074) | Clinical Trial Compass
CompletedNot Applicable
Racial Disparity in Barrett's Esophagus
United States255 participantsStarted 2011-03
Plain-language summary
The goal of the proposed research is to investigate the molecular mechanisms of racial disparity in Barrett's esophagus (BE), the premalignant lesion of esophageal adenocarcinoma. Specifically, the investigators hypothesize that environmental factors, genetic factors, and potentially gene environment interactions play crucial roles in the observed racial disparity in developing Barrett's esophagus.
Patients are recruited through UNC hospitals prior to scheduled esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD). Participants complete a questionnaire, have body measurements obtained, and have blood, biopsies, and gastric aspirate collected. Participants also complete a 24 hour pH impedance test.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 80 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* Aged 18 to 80
* Self-identify is "not Hispanic or Latino" and either "African American" or "White."
* Cases will be eligible for inclusion if they have endoscopically evident Barrett's Esophagus (BE) of any length. BE will be defined as: 1) Any upward displacement of the squamocolumnar junction noted on endoscopy such that the interface of squamous and columnar mucosa is no longer at the interface of the most distal tubular esophagus and the proximal gastric folds. The characteristic pale pink coloration of the squamous epithelium in these areas will be replaced by the darker salmon color commonly seen in BE. 2) Histologic interpretation of biopsies consistent with intestinal columnar metaplasia containing goblet cells, which are positively stained by Alcian blue staining as barrel-shaped cells.
* Controls will be eligible for inclusion if they have classic symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), but no endoscopic or histological evidence of BE. Both erosive and non-erosive GERD will be eligible. Because we expect GERD to outnumber BE and patients with GERD may be slightly less willing to participate in the study than patients with BE (based on recruitment for the studies noted above), we plan to randomly sample one fourth of eligible controls. If approximately 20% fewer GERD than BE participate, a final study population with an approximately 1:2 BE to GERD ratio will be achieved. Oversampling of patients with GERD will improve study power.
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Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
To examine the association between BE and environmental factors