ORCID
- Therese M. Murphy: 0000-0002-7647-2798
Abstract
Esophageal cancer (OC) is currently the eighth most common form of cancer worldwide with a 5-year survival rate of 10%–20%, with the primary risk factor of esophageal adenocarcinoma (OAC) being the development of Barrett's Esophagus (BO). Despite its clinical significance, the molecular pathogenesis underlying both BO and OC is not well understood. In recent years, epigenetic dysregulation, particularly aberrant DNA methylation, has emerged as a critical area of investigation, given its potential utility in the identification of diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic biomarkers. This review examines the evolving epigenetic landscape of esophageal cancer, including a focus on its origins in BO with a particular emphasis on DNA methylation, the most extensively researched epigenetic mechanism. Key DNA methylation-associated alterations involved in OAC and OSCC initiation and progression are discussed, alongside their potential clinical application as biomarkers for early detection, prognosis, and risk stratification in BO populations. Furthermore, the role of these epigenetically regulated genes in the disruption of Wnt signaling and cell cycle control pathways implicated in esophageal carcinogenesis is explored. The review concludes by outlining future research directions, current challenges, and the promise of epigenetic studies in advancing our understanding of OC pathogenesis and improving patient outcomes.
Keywords
Barrett's esophagus, DNA methylation, epigenetics, esophageal cancer
DOI Link
Publication Date
2026-01-01
Publication Title
Genes Chromosomes and Cancer
Volume
65
Issue
9
ISSN
1045-2257
Deposit Date
2026-09-24
Funding
The authors would like to express their sincere gratitude that this work was supported by the Fiosraigh Scholarship Programme by the Dean of Graduate Research School, TU Dublin. This work was supported by the Fiosraigh Scholarship Programme by the Dean of Graduate Research School, TU Dublin. The authors would like to express their sincere gratitude that this work was supported by the Fiosraigh Scholarship Programme by the Dean of Graduate Research School, TU Dublin.
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Additional Links
Recommended Citation
Lawless, Louise; Doherty, Trevor; Surlis, Carla; Gilmartin, Niamh; and Murphy, Therese M., "Understanding the Epigenetic Landscape of Barrett's Esophagus and Esophageal Cancer: A Review of Current Findings, Caveats and Future Directions" (2026). Research Outputs: 2025-Present. 31.
https://arrow.tudublin.ie/schbiosro/31