Augmented Response of Volatile Biomarkers in Assessment of Oesophagogastric Cancer (AROMA 1 / BIORESOURCE)
This research aims to develop a better breath test for detecting cancers of the stomach and gullet (oesophagus) at an early stage. These cancers are often found late, making them harder to treat. Doctors have found that these cancers, and certain bacteria linked to them, give off specific chemicals that can be found in your breath. This study wants to see if drinking a special stimulant can increase these chemicals, making them easier to spot and the test more accurate. By finding these cancers earlier, treatments can start sooner and potentially improve outcomes for patients.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Cancers of the stomach and gullet are serious illnesses. Unfortunately, they are often discovered when they are already quite advanced because early symptoms can be vague and easily confused with other common conditions. This means that treatments might not be as effective as they could be if the cancer was found earlier. That's why researchers are working hard to find new, simpler ways to detect these cancers as soon as possible.
This study explores a new approach: a breath test. It's known that cancers and accompanying bacteria in the gut can produce specific chemicals, called 'volatile organic compounds', which can be breathed out. The research team has already made progress in identifying these chemicals in people's breath. Now, they want to see if they can make this test even better. They believe that by giving people a special drink, it might encourage these chemicals to show up more clearly in the breath, making the test more accurate and reliable.
Ultimately, the goal is to develop a non-invasive (meaning it doesn't involve needles or surgery) and effective breath test that could help doctors diagnose stomach and gullet cancers earlier. Finding these cancers sooner could lead to earlier treatment and potentially better chances of recovery for patients.
Key takeaways
- The study aims to create a better breath test for stomach and gullet cancer.
- It involves drinking a special liquid and giving breath samples.
- The goal is to find cancer earlier, when it might be easier to treat.
- This is a research study, not a diagnostic test.
- Participation involves minimal risk, mainly allergic reaction to the drink.
- You can stop participating at any time.
Who may be eligible?
To join the main breath test study (AROMA 1), you need to be between 18 and 90 years old. If you have stomach or gullet cancer, it must be a specific type (adenocarcinoma), and you shouldn't have started treatment yet. If you don't have cancer, you'll need to have had an endoscopy (a camera test) within the last year, or be planning to have one, to check for any upper stomach problems.
There are also some reasons why you wouldn't be able to join. For example, if you have a different type of gullet cancer, have had stomach or gullet surgery before, or have had chemotherapy for these cancers. You also can't participate if you've had another cancer recently, or if you have certain conditions like a current infection, are taking medicines that weaken your immune system, or have taken antibiotics recently. Allergies to ingredients in the special drink would also stop you from joining, as would being pregnant or unable to provide written consent.
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?
- If you have stomach or gullet cancer, is it the type called adenocarcinoma, and have you not started treatment yet?
- If you don't have cancer, have you had an endoscopy recently or are you due to have one?
- Have you had stomach or gullet surgery before?
- Are you allergic to any ingredients like glucose or corn found in some sugary drinks?
- Have you had another cancer diagnosed in the last three years (or five years for the BIORESOURCE study)?
What does participation involve?
If you join the AROMA 1 study, you will first provide a breath sample. After this, you'll drink a special nutrient drink. You will then give two more breath samples, one immediately after finishing the drink and another 15 minutes later. All your breath samples will be collected by breathing into a special tube. These tubes will then be sent to a lab for detailed analysis. If you are part of the BIORESOURCE study, you will also provide breath, urine, saliva, blood, tissue (if you're having a biopsy anyway), and stomach fluid samples. The entire breath test part of the study (AROMA 1) will be completed in a single visit lasting a short period for the breath collection. The BIORESOURCE sample collection might take longer depending on the samples needed.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Imperial College NHS Foundation TrustVerified postcodeLondon, United Kingdom· Recruiting
Common questions
What is a breath test for cancer?
It's a test that looks for tiny chemical signals in the air you breathe out, which might be linked to cancer in your body.
What is the 'special drink' for?
The drink is designed to encourage your body to produce more of the cancer-related chemicals, making them easier to detect in your breath.
Is this breath test used in hospitals now?
No, this is a research study to develop and improve the test. It's not currently used for diagnosis in hospitals.
Will I get results from my breath test?
The results are for research purposes to improve the test. You won't receive individual results from your breath sample as it's not a diagnostic test yet.
What is 'gullet cancer'?
Gullet cancer, also known as oesophageal cancer, is a cancer that starts in the food pipe that connects your throat to your stomach.
How to find out more
Ayushi Pabari, BSc, MSc
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
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