Volatile Organic Compound Assessment in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma
Doctors often find pancreatic cancer late, when treatment options are limited and survival rates are low. This is because early symptoms can be vague or non-existent. Currently, only people with severe symptoms get fast referrals for diagnostic tests. This study is looking into a new, simple breath test that could help identify pancreatic cancer much earlier. It works by detecting tiny chemicals, called volatile organic compounds, in your breath that may change if you have pancreatic cancer. For people with general tummy problems, this test could help their GP decide if they need further, more specialised tests for pancreatic cancer. The aim is to help deliver quicker diagnoses and open up more treatment options.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Finding pancreatic cancer early is really important because it often doesn't show clear signs until it's more advanced. At the moment, if someone has symptoms like yellow skin (jaundice), unexplained weight loss, or severe pain, they're usually sent for tests quickly. However, by this stage, the cancer can be harder to treat. Many people have milder symptoms that could be caused by lots of other common conditions, or even no symptoms at all. This means that pancreatic cancer is often diagnosed too late, limiting treatment choices and impacting how well someone might recover.
This research project is trying to change that. They are working on a new kind of test that's simple and doesn't involve needles or discomfort – a breath test. This test aims to spot tiny chemical changes in your breath that might be linked to pancreatic cancer. Think of it like a detector for specific smells that a cancer might produce.
The idea is that if you have general tummy troubles or other non-specific symptoms, taking this breath test could help your GP figure out if you need to be referred for more detailed scans or tests for pancreatic cancer. This could lead to much earlier detection, allowing treatments to begin sooner, which gives patients a better chance.
Key takeaways
- Researchers are developing a new breath test for pancreatic cancer.
- This test aims to find pancreatic cancer earlier than current methods.
- It works by detecting tiny chemical changes in your breath.
- Participation involves providing various samples, like breath, blood, and urine.
- The study helps improve early diagnosis for future patients.
Who may be eligible?
This study is looking for both men and women who are 18 years old or older.
For the 'VAPOR 1' part of the study, you might be eligible if you have a confirmed diagnosis of pancreatic cancer, or if you have new-onset diabetes or long-term inflammation of the pancreas (chronic pancreatitis). They are also looking for people who have general tummy symptoms but whose pancreas looks normal on scans.
For the 'VAPOR Bioresource' part of the study, they are looking for patients who are having surgery for confirmed pancreatic cancer, or for certain non-cancerous conditions of the pancreas like some types of pancreatic cysts or chronic pancreatitis. It's important to note that if you're having surgery for suspected pancreatic cancer, you might still be included if the cancer is confirmed after your operation.
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?
- Do you have a confirmed diagnosis of pancreatic cancer, or new-onset diabetes, or chronic pancreatitis?
- Do you have general tummy symptoms but a normal pancreas on scans?
- Are you having surgery for pancreatic cancer or certain benign pancreatic conditions?
- Have you NOT received chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or surgery for pancreatic cancer yet?
- Are you NOT pregnant and can you give your written consent to participate?
What does participation involve?
If you take part, you'll be asked to provide several samples. This might include breath, saliva, blood, and urine. Some patients who are having surgery will also provide a small sample of pancreatic tissue during their operation. For the breath test, you'll need to fast (not eat or drink) for 6 hours beforehand. You'll then rinse your mouth with water and breathe into special collection bags, where your breath is collected and stored for analysis. All collected samples will be stored securely for future research. The study does not mention specific visits, follow-up, or total duration beyond the sample collection.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Imperial College Healthcare NHS TrustVerified postcodeLondon, United Kingdom· Recruiting
Common questions
What is pancreatic cancer?
Pancreatic cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the pancreas, a gland behind your stomach. It can be hard to find early because symptoms often only show up when the cancer is advanced.
What is a 'breath test'?
A breath test is a simple and non-invasive way to check for certain medical conditions. You just breathe into a special device or bag, and scientists can analyse what's in your breath.
What are 'volatile organic compounds' (VOCs)?
VOCs are tiny chemical substances found in your breath. Our bodies produce these naturally, and sometimes their levels can change if you have certain illnesses, like cancer.
Will taking part benefit me directly?
While this study helps develop new tests for the future, it's unlikely to directly benefit you right away. Your participation is a valuable contribution to medical research.
How long will my samples be used for?
Your samples will be stored in a 'biobank' and used for a range of future studies to understand more about pancreatic cancer, its causes, and how to detect it early.
How to find out more
Miss Caoimhe M Walsh, MBBS, MRCS
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
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