RecruitingEARLY_PHASE1INTERVENTIONAL

B-GLUCANCER2 : A Pilot Study Evaluating a New Method for Cancer Detection by Measuring the Activity of Different Glycosidase Enzymes in the Plasma of Patients With a Localized Cancer.

This research is looking for a new, easier way to find certain cancers (breast, lung, and pancreatic cancer) and check how they are responding to treatment. Scientists believe that specific tiny substances, called 'glycosidase enzymes,' in your blood plasma could be important clues. The study uses a special blood test to measure these enzymes. When these enzymes are present, they cause a tiny amount of ethanol (a type of alcohol) to be released, which can be detected. Researchers will compare blood samples from people with these cancers before and after surgery with samples from people who don't have cancer. The goal is to develop a reliable new tool for early cancer detection and monitoring without needing complex or invasive procedures.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

EARLY_PHASE1

Sponsor

Poitiers University Hospital

Enrolment target

220

Start

03 Feb 2026

Estimated completion

03 Mar 2028

Breast Cancer Pancreatic Cancer Pulmonary Cancer Volatile Organic Compound Glycosidase Activity Probes Tumor Markers, Biological

What is this study about?

Imagine a breathalyser test, but for cancer detection. That's a bit like what this research is aiming to achieve! Scientists are working on a new type of blood test that could help them detect certain cancers, like breast, lung, and pancreatic cancer, much earlier. They are particularly interested in finding tiny substances in your blood called 'glycosidase enzymes.' These enzymes are normally present in your body and play a role in various processes, but the research suggests that their activity might change when cancer is present.

This new blood test works by adding special 'probes' to a small sample of your blood plasma. If certain glycosidase enzymes are present, they react with these probes and release a tiny, tiny amount of ethanol – the same kind of alcohol found in alcoholic drinks, but in very minute, harmless quantities. A special machine can then detect this ethanol. By measuring how much ethanol is released, researchers hope to understand if cancer is present and even how advanced it might be.

The study will collect blood samples from people newly diagnosed with breast, lung, or pancreatic cancer both before and after their surgery, and compare these with samples from healthy individuals. By doing this, they hope to see if there's a clear difference in glycosidase levels that could be used as a new way to spot cancer and track treatment effectiveness. This could lead to simpler, less invasive ways to manage cancer in the future.

Key takeaways

This study explores a new blood test for early cancer detection.
It focuses on finding tiny clues called 'glycosidase enzymes' in blood plasma.
The research aims to improve how we find and monitor breast, lung, and pancreatic cancers.
Participants will provide one or two small blood samples.
The study helps advance future cancer diagnosis, not your current medical care.
You can withdraw from the study at any time.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, participants need to be at least 18 years old. Researchers are looking for three main groups of people with cancer: those newly diagnosed with breast cancer, those with lung cancer, and those with pancreatic cancer. In all these cases, the cancer should be localised (meaning it hasn't spread) and you shouldn't have started any cancer treatments yet, as you'd be preparing for your first surgery.

They also need a group of healthy volunteers who don't have cancer, and have never had cancer in the past. It's important that you haven't been diagnosed with any type of cancer previously to be part of this healthy comparison group.

There are some reasons why you wouldn't be able to join. For instance, if you're under 18, pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you're already receiving cancer treatment (for example, chemotherapy or radiotherapy). Also, if you've been told you have cancer but it hasn't been officially confirmed by a tissue sample (biopsy), you wouldn't be able to participate. Lastly, people who are unable to give their own consent, for example due to legal reasons, or those in certain care facilities, cannot take part.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Do you have a new diagnosis of localised breast, lung, or pancreatic cancer, and haven't started treatment yet?
Alternatively, do you have no cancer diagnosis or history of any cancer?
Are you able to provide informed consent for yourself?
Are you NOT pregnant or breastfeeding?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, the process is straightforward. For individuals with cancer, you would have two appointments. At each appointment, a healthcare professional will take a small blood sample from you, similar to a routine blood test. Each sample will be about 5ml, which is roughly one teaspoon. One sample will be collected before your surgery for the cancer, and the second sample will be collected after your surgery. If you are a healthy volunteer without cancer, you will have just one appointment to provide a single 5ml blood sample. There are no medications involved in this study, and no long-term follow-up beyond the blood samples.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could help scientists develop a new, less invasive way to detect cancer and monitor its treatment in the future. While there's no direct personal benefit to you from participating, your contribution is very valuable for medical research. The main risk involved is the minor discomfort and very small chance of bruising or infection from having a blood sample taken, which is generally very safe. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

C.H.U. Poitiers
Verified postcode
Poitiers, France· Recruiting

Common questions

What is 'plasma'?

Plasma is the clear, yellowish liquid part of your blood that remains after red and white blood cells are removed. It carries proteins, salts, antibodies, and other substances throughout your body.

What are 'glycosidase enzymes'?

These are special proteins in your body that help break down sugars and other complex molecules. Researchers think their activity might change in people with cancer.

Will this test diagnose my cancer right away?

No, this is a research study to develop a new test. The results from this study will not be used to diagnose or treat your cancer directly. It's helping scientists discover if this method works.

Is the 'ethanol' used or detected dangerous?

No, the amount of ethanol detected is extremely tiny and naturally produced in the test tube reaction, not given to you. It's completely safe and you won't feel anything.

How long will I be involved in the study?

If you have cancer, you'll provide two blood samples (one before surgery, one after). If you're a healthy volunteer, you'll provide one blood sample. Your involvement will typically be completed within a few weeks related to your surgery or a single visit for healthy volunteers.

How to find out more

Sheik Emambux, MD PhD

sheik.emambux@chu-poitiers.mssante.fr +33549444279 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.