RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Volatile Organic Compounds as Breath Biomarkers in Squamous Oesophageal Neoplasms

This study is investigating a new, simple breath test for a type of food pipe cancer called oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma. This cancer is often found late, making it harder to treat. Catching it early, however, significantly improves a person's chances of recovery. Current detection methods, like camera tests, can be uncomfortable. Researchers believe a breath test, which looks for tiny molecules produced by cancer, could offer a pain-free and easy way to screen people with general symptoms that might be linked to the condition. If successful, this test could help doctors decide who needs further checks, making early diagnosis much more achievable.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

Imperial College London

Enrolment target

518

Start

01 Dec 2023

Estimated completion

31 Dec 2026

Oesophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Oesophageal Cancer

What is this study about?

This study is focused on a type of cancer that affects the food pipe, also known as the oesophagus. This specific type is called oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Unfortunately, this cancer is often found at a late stage, meaning it has had more time to grow, making it much harder to treat effectively. Currently, less than 20 out of every 100 people diagnosed live for five years or more. However, if this cancer is found early, more than 70 out of every 100 people live for five years or more. This big difference shows why finding this cancer early is so important.

At the moment, there isn't an easy way to check for this cancer broadly. The main way to find it is through a camera test that looks inside the food pipe. This test can be uncomfortable and has some risks. Also, the early signs of this cancer can be very general, like feeling a bit unwell, and are often missed by both patients and doctors. More serious symptoms, like losing weight or having trouble swallowing, usually mean the cancer is already advanced.

This study hopes to change that by developing a simple breath test. The idea is that cancer cells produce tiny chemicals, called volatile organic compounds, which can be detected in your breath. This breath test would be much easier and more comfortable than a camera test. If successful, GPs could offer this test to patients with general symptoms. People who get a positive result would then be sent for a camera test to confirm, while those with a negative result could be reassured.

Key takeaways

This study aims to develop a simple breath test for early detection of food pipe cancer.
Early detection significantly improves treatment success rates for this cancer.
The breath test is non-invasive and easy, unlike current detection methods.
It works by identifying chemical signals (VOCs) in breath that are produced by cancer.
Your participation could help improve future cancer diagnosis for many people.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, everyone must be between 18 and 90 years old, male or female. The study is looking for two main groups of people. One group includes patients who have been recently diagnosed with this specific type of food pipe cancer and have not yet started any treatment.

The other group includes patients who are having a camera test to investigate symptoms in their upper tummy area and whose results show either a normal stomach and food pipe or a mild, non-cancerous problem in that area.

You cannot join the study if you have already started treatment for the cancer, have had another type of cancer in the last five years, or have a different type of food pipe cancer. Also, people who have had certain stomach or food pipe operations in the past, have a particular pre-cancerous condition called Barrett's oesophagus, or are pregnant cannot 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 between 18 and 90 years old?
Do you have a new diagnosis of oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma and haven't started treatment yet?
Are you having a camera test for upper tummy symptoms, with results showing a normal food pipe/stomach or mild, non-cancerous issues?
Have you NOT had any surgery on your food pipe or stomach before?
Are you NOT pregnant?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you are eligible and agree to take part in this study, your participation will be quite straightforward. You will be asked to provide two breath samples. This involves simply breathing out into special, single-use bags. After you've provided your breath samples, some room air samples will also be collected using a similar method.

There are no medications to take as part of this study, and you won't need follow-up visits related specifically to this research. The collected breath samples will then be sent to a lab for analysis. The total time spent providing the samples will be quite short, and you will not need to make multiple visits to the clinic for this study.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study involves minimal risk, as it only requires you to provide breath samples, which is a very safe and non-invasive procedure. There are no direct medical benefits to you personally from taking part, as this study is about developing a future test. However, by participating, you will be helping researchers develop a new, less invasive way to detect food pipe cancer early, which could greatly benefit future patients. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, and this will not affect your medical care.

Locations (13)

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
Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
Verified postcode
Cottingham, United Kingdom· Recruiting
Cardiff and Vale University Health Board
Verified postcode
Cardiff, United Kingdom· Not yet recruiting
Velindre NHS Trust
Verified postcode
Cardiff, United Kingdom· Not yet recruiting
University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust
Verified postcode
Coventry, United Kingdom· Recruiting
University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Foundation Trust
Verified postcode
Leicester, United Kingdom· Recruiting
Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Verified postcode
Liverpool, United Kingdom· Not yet recruiting
The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre NHS Foundation Trust
Verified postcode
Liverpool, United Kingdom· Recruiting
Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Verified postcode
Luton, United Kingdom· Not yet recruiting
Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Trust
Verified postcode
Newcastle, United Kingdom· Recruiting
Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Verified postcode
Norwich, United Kingdom· Recruiting
Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust
Verified postcode
Oxford, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is 'squamous oesophageal neoplasms'?

It's a type of cancer that starts in the lining of your food pipe (oesophagus).

What is a 'breath biomarker'?

This refers to tiny chemicals in your breath that could be a sign of a disease, like cancer.

Is the breath test painful?

No, it's a simple, non-invasive test where you just breathe into a special bag. It should not be painful or uncomfortable.

How will my breath samples be used?

The samples will be analysed in a lab to find specific chemicals linked to the cancer. This helps researchers develop the new diagnostic test.

Will I get results from my breath test?

This study is for research, so you won't get individual results from your specific samples. The aim is to develop a test for future use.

How to find out more

Sameera Sharma, MBBS; MRCS

vison@imperial.ac.uk 07576583519 Official trial record

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