Dr. Robert Martin , Sam and Lolita Weakley Professor and Chief, Division of Surgical Oncology has been awarded a Clinical and Translational Science Pilot Grant Program award to study the progression of Barrett's esophagus into esophageal cancer. The award will provide $175,000 to support the project over the year between July 1, 2010 and June 30, 2011. The grant is supported by the Commonwealth of Kentucky-funded Clinical and Translational Science Pilot Grant Program at UofL.

Barrett's esophagus, which is caused by chronic, repetitive gastroesophageal reflux, or heartburn, is a significant risk factor for the development of esophageal cancer, which has increased more than 300 percent in incidence in the past three decades. Esophageal cancer advances rapidly, is often detected at a late stage and carries a poor prognosis. Martin's study aims to use an animal model to confirm molecular changes associated with the progression of Barrett's esophagus and better understand the molecular changes effecting the development of esophageal cancer. Martin and his team hope to potentially be able to use this information to identify patients at risk for cancer development in order to screen and treat them earlier and more effectively.