RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Volatile Organic Compound Assessment in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma (VAPOR2)

This study is looking at a new breath test designed to help doctors find pancreatic cancer earlier. Pancreatic cancer can be difficult to diagnose because its early signs are often mild and similar to everyday common illnesses. This means people are sometimes diagnosed later, which can limit treatment options. The breath test works by looking for tiny molecules, called volatile organic compounds, that might be made by pancreatic cancer cells. We've previously found differences in these 'smells' on the breath of people with and without pancreatic cancer. This new study will involve many more patients who are being checked for possible pancreatic cancer, to see how accurate the test is. Our hope is that this easy, non-invasive test could help doctors decide who needs more detailed checks, leading to earlier diagnosis, more treatment choices, and better survival rates.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

Imperial College London

Enrolment target

6,079

Start

21 Oct 2025

Estimated completion

01 Aug 2028

Pancreatic Cancer PDAC - Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma

What is this study about?

Pancreatic cancer can be a really challenging disease because it often doesn't cause obvious symptoms until it's quite advanced. The early symptoms, like tummy pain or feeling tired, are common to many less serious conditions, which makes it very hard for doctors to know when to suspect pancreatic cancer and when to simply treat a common illness. Unfortunately, when pancreatic cancer is found at a later stage, there are fewer treatment options available.

That's why our research team is working hard to develop a simple breath test. This test looks for specific tiny molecules in your breath, called volatile organic compounds, which we believe might be produced by pancreatic cancer. We've already done some early studies that showed differences in these molecules between people with and without pancreatic cancer. This new, larger study, called VAPOR2, aims to see how well our breath test works in a much bigger group of patients.

We hope this breath test could help doctors decide which patients, experiencing vague symptoms, need to be sent for specialised tests for pancreatic cancer. By identifying pancreatic cancer earlier, we hope to improve the chances of successful treatment and potentially save more lives. This study is an important step in making sure the breath test is accurate and reliable for everyone.

Key takeaways

The study aims to develop a simpler breath test for pancreatic cancer.
Early diagnosis of pancreatic cancer can lead to more treatment options.
The breath test looks for tiny 'smells' (molecules) on your breath.
This is a large study to check how accurate the breath test is.
Participation involves providing a simple breath sample.
Your regular medical care will not be affected by taking part.

Who may be eligible?

You might be able to take part in this study if you are an adult, aged 18 or older. You should have been referred by your GP because they are concerned you might have pancreatic cancer, or you've been sent directly to a special meeting for pancreatic cancer discussions.

However, there are some reasons why you wouldn't be able to join. For example, if you've already had surgery on your pancreas, or if you've had another type of cancer (apart from some common skin cancers) in the last three years. We also can't include pregnant women or anyone who has other health conditions that would make it difficult to collect a breath sample.

Finally, it's really important that everyone who takes part understands the study and freely agrees to, or gives their informed consent, to participate. If you're unable or unwilling to do this, then you won't be able to join 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?
Has your GP referred you for possible pancreatic cancer, or are you being seen by a specialist team for it?
Have you *not* had pancreatic surgery before?
Have you *not* had another type of cancer (other than some skin cancers) in the last three years?
Are you *not* pregnant?
Are you able to provide a breath sample easily?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you take part in this study, the main thing you'll need to do is provide a breath sample. This is similar to blowing into a special bag or device. The doctors and scientists involved in the study will not know your breath test results when they review your other medical tests, and similarly, the people analysing your breath test won't know your medical diagnosis. This is done to make sure the results are as fair and unbiased as possible. We will compare your breath sample results with the results from the usual tests you have, such as scans or biopsies, to see how well the breath test performs. We don't specify the exact number of visits, but it primarily involves giving that breath sample during your existing medical appointments. The study only looks at your current situation related to your referral for potential pancreatic cancer.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could potentially help us develop a new, easier way to detect pancreatic cancer, which could benefit many people in the future. The risks of giving a breath sample are very low, as it's a non-invasive and safe procedure. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, and this will not affect your medical care in any way. Any information collected will be kept confidential.

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 a 'volatile organic compound'?

These are tiny molecules that can be found in the air we breathe out, which sometimes indicate what's happening inside our bodies.

Is the breath test painful?

No, the breath test is completely painless and non-invasive. You just breathe normally into a collection device.

How long will it take to get my breath test results?

This study is for research, so you won't get individual results from the breath test right away. The results are used to analyse the test's overall accuracy.

Will taking part affect my regular medical care?

No, your decision to participate or not will not affect your standard medical care or treatment in any way.

Where does this study take place?

This is a 'multicentre' study, meaning it's happening at several different hospitals across the country where patients are referred for pancreatic cancer investigations.

How to find out more

Emma Austin

vapor@imperial.ac.uk +44 (0)20 7594 3653 Official trial record

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