Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Observational Ages 18 and up

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 typeObservational
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
Enrollment8000 (estimated)
SponsorImperial College London
Academic / other
Locations1 site (London)
StatusRecruiting
StartedMarch 5, 2025
Main results expectedApril 2027
Study endsApril 2027
Registry record updatedMarch 14, 2025
Trial IDNCT06764641 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

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.