Early Diagnosis of Upper Digestive Tract Disease
This study aims to discover a new, simpler way to detect cancers in the upper digestive system, which includes areas from your mouth down to your small intestine. These cancers are often found late, making them harder to treat. Instead of invasive procedures, researchers are investigating if special chemicals, called 'volatile organic compounds' (VOCs), can be found in your breath, spit, and urine. These VOCs are tiny particles released when your body breaks down food. The hope is that these non-invasive tests could help doctors spot these cancers much earlier, leading to better treatment outcomes and overall survival rates for patients.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Cancers in the upper part of your digestive system, such as those affecting the mouth, throat, or stomach, can be very serious. Unfortunately, they are often diagnosed at a late stage, meaning they're further along and can be harder to treat effectively. Currently, diagnosing these conditions usually involves an endoscopy, where a thin, flexible tube with a camera is passed down your throat, which can be an uncomfortable procedure.
Researchers are looking for a kinder, simpler way to find these cancers early. They believe that when your body has cancer, it produces tiny amounts of specific chemicals, called 'volatile organic compounds' (VOCs), which can be detected in your breath, spit (saliva), and urine. Think of it like a very subtle scent your body might give off when it's unwell, which a special machine can pick up.
This study will involve people who have these cancers and also those who don't, to see if there are clear differences in the chemicals found in their breath, spit, and urine. The goal is to see if this new, easy and painless test could help doctors diagnose upper digestive tract cancers much earlier. If successful, this could mean that more people get treatment at an early stage, which significantly improves their chances of recovery and overall health.
Key takeaways
- Researchers are seeking a new, simpler way to detect upper digestive tract cancers early.
- The study explores if specific chemicals in breath, spit, and urine can indicate cancer.
- Participants will provide breath, saliva, and urine samples, a painless and non-invasive process.
- Early detection could significantly improve treatment success rates for these cancers.
- This research aims to find a simple test that could eventually be used alongside standard medical care.
Who may be eligible?
You might be able to join this study if you are an adult between 18 and 90 years old. You would be considered if you are already having an endoscopy (a procedure to look inside your digestive system) as part of your regular medical care.
We are also looking for people who are having surgery or other treatments for a digestive system condition, specifically those affecting the mouth to the small intestine, as part of their routine healthcare.
However, you cannot take part if you are under 18 years old or over 90 years old. You also won't be able to join if you can't understand what the study involves or are unable to give your agreement to participate.
- Are you between 18 and 90 years old?
- Are you already scheduled for an endoscopy as part of your usual care?
- Are you scheduled for surgery or treatment for a digestive condition (from mouth to small intestine)?
- Can you understand what the study involves and agree to take part?
This is a guide only — the research team will confirm whether you can take part.
What does participation involve?
The study aims to identify specific chemicals in your body that could help detect cancer earlier. If you participate, you will be asked to provide samples of your breath, saliva (spit), and urine. There are no specific medications required for this study, nor any extensive follow-up beyond providing these samples. The process for giving samples is straightforward and non-invasive. The total duration of your active participation will be short, limited to the time it takes to provide these samples on the day of your endoscopy or other scheduled medical appointment.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Imperial College LondonLondon, United Kingdom· Recruiting
Common questions
What kind of cancers are you trying to find?
We are focusing on cancers in the upper digestive system, which include areas from your mouth, through your throat, and down to your stomach and the first part of your small intestine.
Is this test already available to the public?
No, this is a research study to see if this new method works. If successful, it could become a widely available test in the future.
How long will I need to be involved in the study?
Your participation will be brief, only requiring you to provide breath, spit, and urine samples during a single visit, likely when you're already at the hospital for another appointment.
Will I get my test results?
The focus of this study is research, not individual diagnosis. The results will be analysed together with many other participants’ data, so individual results won't be provided.
Is it safe to participate?
Yes, it is very safe. The study only involves collecting samples of your breath, spit, and urine, which are completely non-invasive and painless with no known risks.
How to find out more
Yan Mei Goh, MBChB, MRCS
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
Discussion
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