Breath Research Narrow Validation for Gastrointestinal Cancer Detection

Summary

The investigators of this study are developing a simple breath test to help detect gastrointestinal (gut) cancers earlier, including cancers of the oesophagus (food pipe), stomach, pancreas, liver and bowel. These cancers often cause non-specific symptoms that are similar to benign conditions, making early diagnosis difficult. Delays between the onset of symptoms and referral for a diagnostic test such as an endoscopy or a scan, can allow the cancer to progress.

The breath test detects small molecules called volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that are released in exhaled breath. Some of these VOCs are strongly associated with these cancers and may help identify high-risk patients who require urgent investigation.

In practice, patients who come to their GP with concerning symptoms will be offered the breath test. If the test is positive, patients can be referred promptly for a diagnostic test, while those with a negative result can be reassured and offered re-testing if symptoms persist. Earlier diagnosis could improve access to curative treatment while reducing unnecessary invasive investigations.

Previous studies have identified a panel of VOCs that appear to distinguish patients with gastrointestinal cancers from those without cancer. This study aims to confirm these findings in a new group of participants to determine whether the same biomarkers can be reliably identified.

Participants will provide a breath sample, usually before a hospital procedure they are already scheduled to undergo, and complete a short questionnaire about their medical history and medications. Some participants will also be asked to drink a nutritional supplement before providing a second breath sample. The results will help determine whether the breath test is reliable enough for further clinical evaluation

Conditions

• Oesophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
• Oesophageal Adenocarcinoma
• Gastric Adenocarcinoma
• Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma (PDAC)
• Cholangiocarcinoma
• Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC)
• Colorectal Adenocarcinoma

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust

  collaborator OTHER

• Maidstone & Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust

  collaborator OTHER

• Royal Liverpool University Hospital

  collaborator OTHER_GOV

• The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre NHS Foundation Trust

  collaborator OTHER

• Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust

  collaborator OTHER_GOV

• Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust

  collaborator UNKNOWN

• NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde

  collaborator OTHER

• Chelsea and Westminster NHS Foundation Trust

  collaborator OTHER

• St George's Healthcare NHS Trust

  collaborator OTHER

• Imperial College London

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• George Hanna, MBBS; PhD; FRSC · Imperial College London

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2026-07-20

Primary Completion

2028-02-02

Completion

2028-08-02

Countries

• United Kingdom

Study Locations