RATIONALE: A study that evaluates DNA changes and other disease-related health information in patients with Barrett's esophagus, gastroesophageal reflux, or gastrointestinal bleeding may help doctors learn more about the risk factors for Barrett's esophagus.

PURPOSE: This clinical trial is looking at DNA changes and other disease-related health information as risk factors for Barrett's esophagus in patients with Barrett's esophagus, gastroesophageal reflux, or gastrointestinal bleeding.

OBJECTIVES:

• Assess the role of several genetically determined factors that, in combination with CagA status, cigarette smoking, alcohol, and diet to varying degrees, result in an increased risk for Barrett's esophagus.

OUTLINE: This is a controlled study.

Patients complete questionnaires about demographics, medical history, smoking and alcohol history, current medications, frequency and chronicity of gastroesophageal reflux symptoms, and diet history.

Blood and tissue are collected and analyzed by DNA-based assays and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for CagA status and polymorphisms in detoxifying enzyme systems, other xenobiotic metabolism pathways (e.g., CYP1A1, CYP2E1, CYP3A4, CYP3A5, NQO, NAT-2), inflammatory gene pathways (e.g., IGF, IGFBF3), and in DNA repair genes or p53 pathways (e.g., XRCC1, p53 gene).

PROJECTED ACCRUAL: A total of 350 patients will be accrued for this study.

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS:

• Undergoing elective esophagogastroduodenoscopy for any of the following reasons:

  • Surveillance of Barrett's esophagus
  • Evaluation of severe or refractory gastroesophageal reflux disease or chest pain thought to be due to reflux
  • Gastrointestinal bleeding

PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS:

• Not pregnant

PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY:

• Not specified

Patients coming in for EGD