Can the rat be used as a valid model of human esophageal adenocarcinoma?

Abstract

Animal models of Barrett's metaplasia and esophageal adenocarcinoma are important to further characterize the disease and test potential therapies. This paper reviews the development of the surgical model of esophageal adenocarcinoma in the rat and considers whether this model provides a biologically accurate representation of Barrett's esophagus and esophageal adenocarcinoma in humans. © 2011 the Authors. Journal compilation © 2011, Wiley Periodicals, Inc. and the International Society for Diseases of the Esophagus.