Issues

The cover image was adapted from Figure 2 in the article, "Alterations to the Esophageal Microbiome Associated with Progression from Barrett's Esophagus to Esophageal Adenocarcinoma," by Snider and colleagues. The incidence of esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) has risen dramatically over the past half century, and the underlying reasons are incompletely understood. The goal of this case–control study was to describe alterations in the esophageal microbiome that occur with progression from Barrett's esophagus (BE) to EAC. Demographic, clinical, and dietary intake data were collected, and esophageal brushings were collected during the endoscopy. 16S rRNA gene sequencing was performed to characterize the microbiome. Shifts in the BE-associated microbiome were observed in patients with high-grade dysplasia and EAC, with increases in certain potentially pathogenic bacteria. Further studies are indicated to identify specific bacteria that may promote the development of EAC, and also whether therapies targeting the microbiome can be developed to modify the risk of EAC. For more information, see the full article beginning on page 1687.