In October 2011, the Case Comprehensive Cancer Center and Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) School of Medicine received a highly competitive $5.4 million grant to study genetic determinants of Barrett's esophagus and esophageal adenocarcinoma. This five-year award from the National Cancer Institute will support the Barrett's Esophagus Translational Research Network (BETRNet), which consists of multiple centers collaborating to develop an understanding of the basis of Barrett's esophagus and its conversion to esophageal carcinoma. Researchers will also work to determine the role genetics and environmental factors play in the development and progression of these diseases, with the ultimate goal of reducing the mortality associated with this deadly cancer.

Request for Pilot Proposals

All Faculty members at participating institutions are invited to submit applications for Individual and/or Cross BETRNet pilot projects of up to $50,000 to be funded by the U54 BETRNet. Note that a BETRNet project must be directed toward translational research related to Barrett’s Esophagus. At least one specific aim should involve either direct patient contact or the study of patient derived tissue samples. Applications must be submitted through Webgrants by 11:59 pm on Friday, May 10, 2013. More information on grant application is available at webgrants.case.edu or through Angele Latham, axl350@case.edu, 216.368.1674.

RFA | Flyer

BETRNet Faculty

Principal Investigators

Amitabh Chak, MD, MS, BETRNet Principal Investigator
Principal Investigator, Project 1
Gastroenterologist
CWRU/UHCMC

Sanford Markowitz, MD, PhD
Principal Investigator, Project 3
Co-Investigator, Project 1
Molecular Geneticist
CWRU/UHCMC

William M. Grady, MD
Principal Investigator, Project 2
Gastroenterologist
University of Washington/Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center

Nicholas Shaheen, MD, MPH
Gastroenterologist
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Case Western Reserve University Faculty

Nathan A. Berger, MD
Director, Development Program
Oncologist
CWRU/UHCMC

Jill Barnholtz-Sloan, PhD
Director, Bioinformatics Core
Co-Investigator, Project 1
Biostatistician, Project 2
Biostatistician/Genetic Epidemiologist
CWRU/UHCMC

Robert Elston, PhD
Co-Investigator, Project 2
Genetic Epidemiologist
CWRU/UHCMC

Kishore Guda, DVM, PhD
Co-Investigator, Project 1
Co-Investigator, Project 3
Molecular Geneticist
CWRU/UHCMC

Patrick Leahy, PhD
Co-Investigator, Project 3
Molecular Biologist
CWRU/UHCMC

Joseph E. Willis, MD
Director, Biobank
Pathologist
CWRU/UHCMC

Outside Faculty

Marcia Canto, MD, MHS
Gastroenterologist
Johns Hopkins University

Chao-Jen Wong, PhD
Statistician
University of Washington

Gary Falk, MD, MS
Gastroenterologist
University of Pennsylvania

Andrew Kaz, MD
Co-Investigator, Project 2
Gastroenterologist
University of Washington/Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center

Ganapathy A. Prasad, MD
Gastroenterologist
Mayo Clinic

Jean S. Wang, MD, PhD
Gastroenterologist
Washington University in Saint Louis

Additional Key Personnel

Beth Bednarchik
Research Nurse
CWRU/UHCMC

Wendy E. Brock
Research Nurse
CWRU/UHCMC

John A. Dumot, DO
Gastroenterologist
CWRU/UHCMC

Ashley L. Faulx, MD
Gastroenterologist
CWRU/UHCMC

Gerard A. Isenberg, MD
Gastroenterologist
CWRU/UHCMC

Margaret F. Kinnard, MD
Gastroenterologist
CWRU/UHCMC

Rom S. Leidner, MD
Oncologist
CWRU/UHCMC

Philip A. Linden, MD
Thoracic Surgeon
CWRU/UHCMC

Ellen Neumeister
Research Nurse
CWRU/UHCMC

Carsten Schroeder, MD, PhD
Thoracic Surgeon
CWRU/UHCMC

Richard Wong, MD
Gastroenterologist
CWRU/UHCMC