RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

PAN Alimentary Cancer Exhaled Breath Analysis

This study is looking at a new breath test to help doctors find cancers in the stomach, gut, food pipe, liver, and pancreas earlier. Currently, these cancers are hard to spot because their symptoms are common, and late diagnosis significantly reduces survival rates. Researchers have found certain tiny molecules in breath that might be signs of these cancers. The study wants to confirm if these molecules are accurate markers and how well the breath test works. If successful, this simple, quick test could be used by GPs to decide who needs further investigations like camera tests or scans. Finding cancer early gives people a much better chance of successful treatment.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

Imperial College London

Enrolment target

8,000

Start

05 Mar 2025

Estimated completion

01 Apr 2027

Breath Test

What is this study about?

When something goes wrong with our health, especially concerning cancers of the stomach, bowel, food pipe, liver, or pancreas, it can be really hard to tell what's happening. The symptoms can be very general, like tummy pain or feeling unwell, which are also common for many less serious conditions. This means it can take a while to figure out if it's cancer. Unfortunately, if these cancers are found late, they are much harder to treat. That's why spotting them early is so important – it gives people the best chance of getting better.

This study is trying to find a new way to pick up these cancers sooner. Scientists have noticed that when someone has certain cancers, their body might produce tiny amounts of specific chemicals that can be found in their breath. Think of it like your breath having a unique 'smell' that only special machines can detect. This research aims to prove if these breath chemicals are reliable signs of gut cancers. If they are, a simple breath test could become a quick and easy way for your GP to tell if you need more detailed checks, like camera tests or scans.

The main goal of this study is to see how accurate this breath test is and how it could be used in doctor's surgeries. The hope is that by offering a quick, non-invasive breath test, more people with gut cancers could be identified at an early stage. This could make a huge difference, allowing them to get treatment much sooner when it's most likely to be effective, ultimately saving lives.

Key takeaways

A simple breath test is being studied to find gut cancers earlier.
Early diagnosis of gut cancers leads to better treatment chances.
The test looks for specific tiny chemicals in your breath.
You would breathe into a bag as part of the test.
The study aims to see if the breath test is accurate and how it can be used by GPs.
There are no known risks from taking the breath test.

Who may be eligible?

To be part of this study, you need to be at least 18 years old. You should also be someone who has been sent by your GP for tests because they suspect you might have a problem with your stomach or gut, like needing a camera test or scan. It's really important that you are willing and able to understand and sign a form giving your permission to take part.

There are some reasons why you wouldn't be able to join. For example, if you've already had surgery on your food pipe, stomach, liver, pancreas, or bowel. Also, if you've had another type of cancer in the last three years, or if you have other health issues that would stop you from giving a breath sample, you wouldn't be able to participate. Pregnant people are also not able to join this study. And, of course, if you can't or don't want to give your written permission, you won't be able to 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?
Has your GP referred you for tests for suspected gut problems?
Have you had surgery on your stomach, bowel, food pipe, liver, or pancreas before?
Have you had any other cancer in the last three years?
Are you able and willing to sign a consent form?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join this study, you'll be asked to do a simple breath test. This will happen in an NHS hospital, usually before you have other planned tests like a camera test or scan. The breath test involves you gently breathing out into a special bag. Your breath is then collected into small tubes, which are sent to a lab for analysis. There are no medications involved in this study. Researchers will then follow your medical journey to see if you are diagnosed with a gut cancer or not, which helps them understand how well the breath test worked. The exact total duration of your participation isn't specified, but it primarily involves the breath test and subsequent follow-up of your diagnosis which would happen as part of your normal care.

Potential risks and benefits

The potential benefits of this study include helping to develop a simple, quick, and non-invasive breath test that could lead to earlier diagnosis of serious gut cancers in the future. This could improve treatment outcomes for many people. There are no known risks directly associated with the breath test itself, as it's a very straightforward procedure. As with any study, you have the right to withdraw at any time without explaining why, and it won't affect your medical care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Imperial NHS Trust
Verified postcode
London, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What kind of cancers is this study looking at?

It's focusing on cancers of the food pipe (oesophagus), stomach, pancreas, liver, and bowel.

Is the breath test painful?

No, it's a simple, pain-free test where you just breathe into a bag.

How long does the breath test take?

The breath test is quick, and takes only a short time to complete.

Will I get my breath test results?

The study aims to develop a test for the future. Individual breath test results will be used for research and won't be given to you directly.

Who is running this study?

The study is called PAN Alimentary Cancer Exhaled Breath Analysis and is being conducted by researchers in national NHS hospitals.

How to find out more

Michael Fadel, BSc MBBS MRCS

m.fadel@imperial.ac.uk +44 (0)20 7594 3396 Official trial record

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