COlorectal BReath Analysis (COBRA2)
This study is working on a new breath test to help doctors detect bowel cancer earlier. Bowel cancer is a serious illness, but detecting it early significantly improves the chances of successful treatment. Currently, it can be hard for GPs to decide who needs a more in-depth check, like a colonoscopy, especially when symptoms aren't clear. This breath test looks for specific chemicals (called VOCs) in your breath that might indicate bowel cancer. The goal is to create a reliable tool that GPs can use alongside other information to identify people who need further checks quickly. This could mean faster diagnosis and treatment for those who have bowel cancer.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Bowel cancer is a significant health concern in the UK, being the second most common cause of cancer deaths. However, if it's found at an early stage, the chance of recovery is much higher – over 90%. When symptoms of bowel cancer are vague, it can be difficult for GPs to decide who needs further investigation, such as a colonoscopy, which is a more invasive procedure.
This study, called COBRA2, is exploring a new, simple breath test. The idea is that bowel cancer might produce unique chemicals that can be detected in your breath. This test aims to identify these 'signature' chemicals, known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs). If successful, this breath test could become a valuable tool for GPs to help them decide which patients with non-specific symptoms should be referred for more specialised bowel cancer tests, like a colonoscopy.
The main goal of COBRA2 is to develop and thoroughly test this breath test and see how well it can predict the presence of bowel cancer. The researchers also want to compare it with another common test called the faecal immunochemical test (FIT) and explore whether using both tests together could lead to even better and more accurate detection of bowel cancer.
Key takeaways
- New study developing a breath test for bowel cancer.
- Aims for earlier detection to improve treatment success.
- Specifically looks for unique chemicals (VOCs) in breath.
- Could help GPs decide who needs further bowel checks.
- Compares breath test with standard faecal (FIT) test.
Who may be eligible?
The study is looking for two main groups of people. Firstly, people aged 18 or over who have been referred by their GP for a colonoscopy because their doctor suspects they might have bowel cancer. This group helps the researchers understand the breath test's performance in people with symptoms.
Secondly, the study is recruiting people who have already been diagnosed with bowel cancer but haven't started treatment yet. This helps the researchers confirm what the breath test looks like when bowel cancer is definitely present.
You would not be able to take part if you've had previous surgery that changed your lower bowel, if you've already received cancer treatment for bowel cancer, or if you've had a different type of cancer within the last three years. Also, if you need to take bowel preparation for your colonoscopy appointment, you wouldn't be able to participate. You also need to be able to understand the study and agree 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?
- Have you been referred by your GP for a colonoscopy due to suspected bowel cancer symptoms?
- Have you been diagnosed with bowel cancer but haven't started treatment yet?
- Have you NOT had surgery on your lower bowel that changed its shape?
- Have you NOT had any other type of cancer in the last three years?
- Do you NOT need bowel preparation for your colonoscopy?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part in this study, you will be asked to follow a clear fluid diet for about 4 to 6 hours before providing a breath sample. This means avoiding solid food and certain drinks during that time. You won't need to do any bowel preparation if you are in the group having a colonoscopy.
To provide the breath sample, you will simply breathe into special single-use bags. The air from these bags will then be collected onto small tubes using a pump. These samples will then be sent off for analysis to look for the specific chemicals the researchers are interested in. The entire process of giving your breath sample should be quick and straightforward.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (5)
- Chelsea and Westminster HospitalVerified postcodeLondon, United Kingdom· Recruiting
- Royal Marsden HospitalVerified postcodeLondon, United Kingdom· Active not recruiting
- St Mark's HospitalVerified postcodeLondon, United Kingdom· Active not recruiting
- St Mary's HospitalVerified postcodeLondon, United Kingdom· Recruiting
- West Middlesex University HospitalVerified postcodeLondon, United Kingdom· Recruiting
Common questions
What is a 'breath test' for cancer?
It's a simple test where you breathe into a device to check for specific chemicals in your breath that might indicate the presence of cancer.
Why is early detection of bowel cancer important?
Finding bowel cancer at an early stage means treatment is much more likely to be successful, significantly improving a person's chances of recovery.
What are 'volatile organic compounds' (VOCs)?
These are tiny chemical particles that can be found in your breath. The study hopes to find VOCs that are uniquely produced by bowel cancer.
Will taking part in this study affect my usual medical care?
No, your decision to participate or not will not affect your ongoing medical care or treatment in any way.
Is the breath test painful or invasive?
No, providing a breath sample is completely non-invasive and painless, similar to blowing up a balloon.
How to find out more
Mr Michael G Fadel, BSc MBBS MRCS
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
Discussion
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