Loss of heterozygosities in Barrett esophagus, dysplasia, and adenocarcinoma detected by esophageal brushing cytology and gastroesophageal biopsy.

Background: Esophageal brushing cytology (EBC) and gastroesophageal biopsy (GEB) are complementary procedures for the evaluation of gastroesophageal lesions that help guide surveillance and treatment.

Methods: The authors investigated loss of heterozygosity (LOH) of 17 microsatellite repeat markers near tumor suppressor genes in gastroesophageal lesions on 34 concomitant EBCs and GEBs.

Results: The results indicated that there was progressive accumulation of LOHs toward malignant transformation.