Breath test for detecting gastrointestinal cancers
Official title: PAN Alimentary Cancer Exhaled Breath Analysis (PANACEA) Study
Run by Imperial College London · NCT06764641 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing whether a simple breath test can help find gastrointestinal cancers early in people who might have them.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 8000 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Imperial College London Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (London) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | March 5, 2025 |
| Main results expected | April 2027 |
| Study ends | April 2027 |
| Registry record updated | March 14, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT06764641 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates for this study are individuals aged 18 and older with non-specific gastrointestinal symptoms who have been referred for further investigation.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with a history of gastrointestinal surgery, other cancers within the last three years, or those unable to provide informed consent may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This observational study aims to validate the use of breath analysis for detecting volatile organic compounds (VOCs) associated with gastrointestinal cancers, including oesophageal, gastric, pancreatic, liver, and colorectal cancers. By recruiting at least 8,000 individuals with suspected cancer from 40 centers, the study will assess the effectiveness of a simple breath test in identifying these cancers early. The research will also explore the optimal implementation strategy for this test in primary care settings and evaluate its cost-effectiveness. The goal is to improve early diagnosis and ultimately enhance survival rates for patients with gastrointestinal cancers.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to earlier detection of gastrointestinal cancers, significantly improving patient outcomes and survival rates.
How similar studies have gone: While breath analysis for cancer detection is a relatively novel approach, preliminary studies have shown promise in identifying specific volatile compounds linked to various cancers.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Aged ≥ 18 years old. * Participants with non-specific symptoms referred from primary care along upper and lower gastrointestinal cancer pathways for the reference test (upper/lower gastrointestinal endoscopy, CT/MRI/ultrasound ± histological/cytological confirmation). * Willing and able to provide informed written consent to take part in study. Exclusion Criteria: * Previous oesophageal, gastric, liver, pancreatic or colonic resection * History of another cancer within three years * Co-morbidities preventing breath collection * Pregnant participants * Unable or unwilling to provide informed written consent.
Where it's running
-
Imperial NHS Trust
London, United Kingdom Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Michael Fadel, BSc MBBS MRCS
- Email: m.fadel@imperial.ac.uk
- Phone: +44 (0)20 7594 3396
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
Early diagnosis of upper digestive tract diseases using breath tests
This study is testing a breath test to see if it can help find upper digestive tract cancers earlier in patients who are already getting checked for digestive issues.
-
REAL-MS: A Look at Autologous Stem Cell Transplant vs High-Efficacy MS Therapies in Real-World Care
This study tests how AHSCT compares to high-efficacy MS medicines in adults treated in routine clinical care.
-
Factors Linked to Worsening or Improving Knee Osteoarthritis Over Time in Early Knee OA or Prior Acute Knee Injury
This observational study follows adults with early knee osteoarthritis or a prior knee injury to see if certain blood or knee-fluid markers, or genetic factors, can predict whether their knee condition will get worse or improve.
-
Breath test to help detect gastrointestinal cancers early
A breath test that looks for signals in exhaled air to see if someone with gut cancer symptoms might have oesophageal, stomach, pancreatic, liver, or colorectal cancer and need urgent testing.
-
Immune Responses to RSV in Older Adults After Nasal RSV Challenge
This study tests how the immune system responds to RSV in healthy adults aged 65–75 by giving them a controlled nasal infection in a monitored setting.
-
EMG-Directed Virtual-Reality Training for Arm Rehab After Stroke or SCI
This study tests whether EMG-controlled virtual reality rehab can help improve arm and hand movement in people after stroke or spinal cord injury.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.