esophageal cancer is actually a common outcome for people with acid reflux disease - there are treatments available.. including cutting out the esophageus and raising the stomach up like a tube... Also, there are pills that can help people with pre-cancerous tissue in their esophageous.. if you have acid reflux - see a doctor!!
I'll keep your brother in my thoughts!
Btw - I hear there is a hospital in Nashville Tennessee that specializes in these kinds of cancer.