Oesophago-gastric adenocarcinoma: understanding disease pathogenesis and applications to earlier diagnosis

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Cancer of the gullet (oesophagus) is increasing rapidly in the western world and has a very poor outcome unless diagnosed early. My research laboratory is focussed on better understanding how this cancer develops so that we can find better tools for diagnosis and treatment. We have made very good progress in developing a new diagnostic test called the Cytosponge. This comprises a cell collection device which can be given in the GP surgery and avoids endoscopy. The collected cells are then tested in the laboratory for protein and gene alterations that we have identified suggestive of precancerous changes. This test is now being developed for routine clinical use.