RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Longitudinal Assessment of Biomarkers After Oesophagogastric Cancer Surgery

Oesophageal and stomach cancer (often called gullet and stomach cancer) affects many people in the UK, and unfortunately, survival rates can be low. This research aims to understand these cancers better, especially why some grow and spread. Scientists believe there might be a link between the tiny germs (microbiome) in our gut and certain body cells that cause inflammation, potentially contributing to cancer progression. This study builds on earlier work by collecting more samples from patients who have had surgery for their oesophageal or stomach cancer. By looking at these samples over time, researchers hope to discover 'biomarkers' – biological clues in your body – that could help predict how well a treatment will work, if the cancer might return, or your general health in the long run. This could lead to better care and more personalised treatments in the future.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

Imperial College London

Enrolment target

100

Start

01 Feb 2025

Estimated completion

01 Jun 2029

Oesophageal Adenocarcinoma Gastric Adenocarcinoma

What is this study about?

This study is all about understanding oesophageal and stomach cancer, which are types of cancer affecting the food pipe (gullet) and the stomach. These cancers are quite common in England and Wales, with many new diagnoses each year. Unfortunately, they can be difficult to treat, and survival rates aren't as high as doctors would like. This means there's a big need to find better ways to understand, treat, and predict how these cancers will behave.

Researchers are particularly interested in how the body's tiny living things, like bacteria (called the 'microbiome'), and certain cells involved in inflammation might affect how cancer grows and spreads. They believe there could be an important connection there. This study is a follow-up to an earlier project called BIORESOURCE 1, which created a collection of different types of samples from patients with these cancers.

The main goal now is to continue collecting samples from patients after they've had surgery for their oesophageal or stomach cancer. By doing this over a period of time, the scientists hope to find 'biomarkers'. Imagine biomarkers as specific signs or clues in your body (like in your blood or other samples) that can tell doctors important things. These clues might help predict if a treatment is likely to work well for you, if there's a chance the cancer could come back, or what your long-term health outlook might be. Finding these biomarkers could lead to more personalised and effective care for people with these cancers.

Key takeaways

This study aims to understand gullet and stomach cancer better.
It collects samples from patients who have had surgery for these cancers.
Researchers are looking for 'biomarkers' to predict treatment success or if cancer might return.
The findings could lead to more personalised and effective treatments in the future.
Participation involves providing biological samples over time.

Who may be eligible?

To be part of this study, you would generally need to be an adult between 18 and 90 years old. Importantly, you must have been diagnosed with a specific type of cancer called 'oesophageal adenocarcinoma' or 'gastric adenocarcinoma' – which are particular kinds of cancer affecting the gullet or stomach – and have already taken part in the BIORESOURCE 1 study.

There are also some reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you have a different type of gullet cancer called 'oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma', or if you've already had surgery on your gullet or stomach for other reasons. You also wouldn't be able to join if you've had another type of cancer within the last five years. If a new cancer is found during the study, they would stop taking samples from you.

Lastly, you can't be pregnant, and you need to be able to understand the study and agree in writing to take part. Also, if you have other health issues that would make it difficult to collect a breath sample, you might not be suitable for this 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 between 18 and 90 years old?
Have you been diagnosed with oesophageal adenocarcinoma or gastric adenocarcinoma?
Did you take part in the earlier BIORESOURCE 1 study?
Have you *not* had gullet squamous cell cancer or previous gullet/stomach surgery?
Have you *not* had another type of cancer within the last five years?
Are you able to understand and sign a consent form?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, the main thing you'll be doing is providing further samples, in addition to those collected during the initial BIORESOURCE 1 study. This will happen during the follow-up period after your cancer surgery. The study involves collecting 'biosamples', which typically means things like blood, tissue, or breath samples. The researchers will explain exactly what types of samples and how often these will be collected during your follow-up appointments. The overall duration of your involvement will depend on your individual follow-up schedule after surgery, as samples will be collected longitudinally over time.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in this study might not directly benefit you personally, but the information gained could greatly help future patients with oesophageal and stomach cancer by leading to better understanding, diagnosis, and treatment. The risks involved are generally low and are mostly associated with the sample collection procedures, such as minor discomfort or bruising from blood draws. The research team will explain all procedures and potential discomforts. You are completely free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your usual medical care.

Locations (1)

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

Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust
Verified postcode
London, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is 'oesophagogastric cancer'?

It's a medical term for cancers that affect your gullet (oesophagus) and/or your stomach.

What are 'biomarkers'?

These are clues in your body, like certain substances in your blood, that can help doctors understand your health or how your body is responding to treatment.

Will this study help me directly?

While it might not directly change your current treatment, the information gained could help many others with this cancer in the future.

What does giving a 'biosample' involve?

It typically means providing samples like blood, tissue (if already being removed for other medical reasons), or sometimes breath or urine, for researchers to study.

Can I stop being part of the study if I change my mind?

Yes, absolutely. You can withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, and it won't affect your medical care.

How to find out more

Bhamini Vadhwana, MRCS, PhD

b.vadhwana@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.