A Simple Breath Test to Detect Liver Cancer and Monitor Liver Conditions
The VOCAL2 study wants to find a faster and easier way to detect liver cancer. Right now, liver cancer is often found too late. This study is testing a simple, painless breath test to spot early signs of liver cancer and to keep an eye on conditions like liver cirrhosis. The test works by looking for tiny chemical signs in your breath. We're looking for adults aged 18 or over. You might be able to join if you have certain types of liver cancer, liver cirrhosis, or a condition called primary sclerosing cholangitis. You could also join if you have tummy problems but your liver scan was normal. Taking part involves giving a breath sample, answering some health questions, and letting us look at parts of your medical records. The appointment will be about an hour at an NHS hospital.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Liver cancer can be very serious, and unfortunately, it's often diagnosed when it's already quite advanced, making it harder to treat effectively. That's why researchers are looking for new, simpler ways to find it earlier. The VOCAL2 study is trying to develop a special breath test that could help with this. Think of it like a sniffer dog, but instead of a dog, it's a machine looking for tiny clues in your breath.
This breath test works by analysing what are called 'volatile organic compounds' (don't worry about the big name!). These are tiny chemical signals that your body releases, even through your breath. The idea is that if there's a problem with your liver, like cancer or another condition, these chemical signals might change in a specific way. By identifying these changes, the breath test could potentially flag up liver issues much sooner.
Catching liver cancer or other serious liver conditions early can make a big difference in how well treatments work. This study hopes to create a quick, easy, and painless test that doctors could use to help people get the right care at the right time. While this study won't directly treat you, your participation could help many people in the future.
Key takeaways
- Developing a simple breath test for earlier liver cancer detection.
- Looking for tiny chemical clues in your breath.
- No direct health benefit for participants, but could help many in the future.
- Participation: 1-hour visit with a breath sample, health questions, and medical records access.
- Completely safe with no risks involved.
- Led by Imperial College London, taking place in NHS hospitals.
Who may be eligible?
You might be able to take part in this study if you are 18 years old or older. The study is particularly looking for people who fall into one of these groups: you have been diagnosed with certain types of liver cancer (called hepatocellular carcinoma or cholangiocarcinoma), or you have been told you have liver cirrhosis or primary sclerosing cholangitis.
They are also interested in people who have tummy or digestive symptoms but who have had a normal liver scan, as this group will help the researchers compare results.
However, some things might mean you can't join. For example, if you've had a recent infection or are taking medicines that affect your immune system, or if you've had another type of cancer in the last five years. If you've already had surgery, chemotherapy, or radiotherapy for liver cancer, or if you're pregnant, you wouldn't be able to participate. Also, if collecting your breath sample would be difficult for you, or if you can't give your written consent to join, you wouldn't be eligible.
- Are you 18 years old or older?
- Do you have liver cancer (specific types mentioned) or liver cirrhosis or primary sclerosing cholangitis?
- Or do you have tummy symptoms but a normal liver scan?
- Have you *not* had another cancer in the last five years?
- Are you *not* pregnant?
This is a guide only — the research team will confirm whether you can take part.
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part in the study, you'll need to visit an NHS hospital. The whole visit should take about one hour. Before your appointment, you'll be asked to fast, which means not eating for six hours beforehand. During the visit, you will give a breath sample, which is a simple and quick process. You'll also be asked to answer a few questions about your health and medical history. Finally, you'll need to give permission for the study team to look at relevant parts of your current and past medical records to help with their research.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Imperial College LondonLondon, United Kingdom· Recruiting
Common questions
What is a 'breath test' for liver cancer?
It's a simple, painless test where you breathe into a device to collect tiny chemicals from your breath. Researchers hope these chemicals can show early signs of liver problems or cancer.
Will I get my test results back?
Because this is a research study developing a new test, the breath results won't be given back to you or used to change your current medical care. The goal is to develop a future test.
Is the breath test safe?
Yes, completely! Collecting a breath sample is non-invasive and has no risks. It's just like breathing normally, but into a special device.
What if I change my mind after joining?
You are free to leave the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your usual medical care. Just let the study team know.
Where is the study happening?
The study is being led by Imperial College London and is taking place in various NHS hospitals across the UK. You'll be told which hospital is most convenient for you.
How to find out more
Georgios Karagiannidis, MBBS(Hon)
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
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