RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

New bioMarkers tO straTIfy cOlorectal caNcer Referrals

This study is investigating new blood tests that could help find bowel cancer or polyps (growths that can sometimes turn into cancer) more accurately and easily. Currently, many people referred for urgent checks for bowel symptoms don't have cancer, leading to unnecessary worry and procedures. Researchers want to see if measuring certain markers in the blood (hPG80 and TEs) can better predict who has cancer or polyps. Participants will give a blood sample during their routine hospital visit, and researchers will compare the blood test results with their final diagnosis. The study also asks patients about their preferences for different diagnostic tests, including blood tests versus more invasive options.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

Queen Mary University of London

Enrolment target

582

Start

30 Jun 2025

Estimated completion

01 Oct 2026

Colorectal Carcinoma Polyp Colorectal Adenoma

What is this study about?

When people have symptoms that could mean bowel cancer, they are often referred for urgent investigations through a system known as the '2-week wait' pathway. While this pathway is crucial for catching cancers early, a lot of people go through these tests and find out they don't have cancer. This can cause unnecessary stress for patients and puts a lot of pressure on the NHS.

This study aims to make this process better. Researchers are looking into developing simpler, more accurate blood tests to help identify people who really do have bowel cancer or polyps (types of growths that can sometimes develop into cancer). If these blood tests prove to be effective, they could help doctors decide who needs more invasive tests, like a colonoscopy, and who doesn't. This could mean less waiting, less anxiety, and fewer unnecessary procedures for many patients.

The study will focus on two specific things in the blood: `hPG80` and `Transposable Elements (TEs)`. `hPG80` is a substance that is usually very low in healthy people but can be higher in those with certain cancers. `TEs` are tiny bits of genetic material that are also being explored as potential signs of cancer. By checking the levels of these in blood samples from patients already undergoing urgent checks, the researchers hope to find out if these can accurately predict who has bowel cancer or polyps, helping to improve diagnosis for the future.

Key takeaways

Investigating new blood tests for bowel cancer and polyps.
Aims to improve accuracy of diagnosis and reduce unnecessary invasive tests.
Participants give a single blood sample during their routine hospital visit.
Does not change your standard medical care or planned investigations.
Also exploring patient preferences for different diagnostic methods.

Who may be eligible?

You might be able to take part in this study if you are an adult, aged 18 or over, and have been referred by your doctor for urgent checks for suspected bowel cancer through the '2-week wait' or 'Straight to Test' pathway.

However, you won't be able to join if you were referred for these checks for an emergency, if your referral isn't part of the standard '2-week wait' pathway, or if you have certain existing health conditions like inflammatory bowel disease or a known family history of bowel cancer.

It's also important that you are well enough to have the usual tests your doctor has planned for you (like a colonoscopy or CT scan) and that you are able to understand and agree to take part in the study.

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 for urgent bowel checks (2-week wait or Straight to Test)?
Do you not have inflammatory bowel disease (like Crohn's or Colitis)?
Are you generally well enough for standard hospital tests (e.g., colonoscopy)?
Are you able to understand the study and agree to take part?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, your involvement will be quite straightforward. During one of your routine hospital visits for your urgent checks, you will be asked to provide a blood sample, which will be about 20ml (around a tablespoon and a half). This will happen at the same time as any other blood tests you might be having, so it shouldn't add extra inconvenience.

You will continue to have all the standard tests and investigations your doctors have already arranged for you, such as a colonoscopy or CT scan. The study will not change your medical care in any way. After your tests are complete and you have a diagnosis, the researchers will compare your blood test results with your final diagnosis (whether you have cancer, polyps, or neither).

Additionally, some participants will be asked to fill out a short online questionnaire after their investigations. This questionnaire will ask about your opinions and experiences with the different diagnostic tests for bowel cancer, including your thoughts on having a blood test compared to more invasive procedures. Your participation in the study won't involve any extra hospital visits beyond what your doctors have already planned.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study will not involve any new risks beyond those of a standard blood test, which can include slight discomfort, bruising, or a small infection at the site of the blood draw. The study aims to help improve future diagnosis of bowel cancer, potentially leading to earlier and less invasive detection methods for others. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, and this will not affect your medical care.

Locations (1)

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

Barts Health NHS Trust
Verified postcode
London, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is a '2-week wait' referral?

It's an urgent referral from your GP to a specialist when you have symptoms that could suggest something serious, like cancer. You should be seen within two weeks.

Will taking part change my medical treatment?

No, taking part in this study will not change any of the medical tests or treatments your doctors have planned for you. You will still receive standard care.

Is the blood test instead of a colonoscopy?

No, not at this stage. This study is researching if new blood tests could predict cancer better, but it's not a replacement for your planned investigations during the study.

What are polyps?

Polyps are small growths on the lining of your bowel. Most are harmless, but some can, over time, develop into cancer. Doctors usually remove them just in case.

How will my personal information be handled?

The study will use your blood samples and diagnosis information. Researchers will protect your privacy, usually by using coded IDs instead of your name.

How to find out more

Valentin Butnari, MBBS, MSc

v.butnari@qmul.ac.uk +442078828747 Official trial record

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