They hope to inhibit the cell growth that is believed to be the link between Barrett's and esophageal cancer. Recent studies have shown people with Barrett's esophagus have a four to six times greater chance of developing esophageal cancer than those without Barrett's. Brenner cautions that the majority of people who have Barrett's do not develop cancer of the esophagus. A clinical trial to test DFMO is now under way at the U-M. Brenner and his team have begun testing several subjects, but they re looking for more patients. Intestinal metaplasia is when the cells in the esophagus resemble those in the intestine.
Cells showing intestinal dysplasia are one step closer to cancer.
Brenner says cells that show intestinal metaplasia or dysplasia divide more than is normal or acceptable. Patients will be asked to undergo an endoscopy. Brenner also says patients will be asked to undergo a hearing test because of DFMO s link to hearing loss. Subjects take a daily dose of DFMO for a period of six months. A new biopsy is taken and patients then halt the drug regimen.