ABSTRACT
Chemoprevention of esophageal adenocarcinoma in Barrett’s esophagus (BE) is an expanding area of research. This chapter will briefly discuss the histopathologic background of BE and its association with esophageal cancer. It will explore up-to-date research, looking at the potential chemotherapeutic drug groups, namely proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and cyclo-oxygenase (COX) inhibitors, particularly focusing on the molecular basis of their action and any current evidence to support their use. The less well understood role of nutrition in the pathogenesis of esophageal cancer is also discussed, based mainly on case-control studies. We conclude with a summary for physicians seeking to optimize preventative strategies even as avoiding both overprescribing and unnecessary anxiety for patients.
