Gastroesophageal reflux disease, GERD, can lead to a change of the esophagus lining to a protective cell type, termed Barrett's esophagus (BE). A diagnosis of BE greatly increases the risk of developing esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC). The incidence of EAC has been rapidly rising in the last 30 years, and the cancer has a high mortality rate. Understanding the involvement of the esophageal microbiota could lead to prevention strategies to this increasing health concern.