Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Observational Ages 18 to 90

Early diagnosis of upper digestive tract diseases using breath tests

Official title: Early Diagnosis of Upper Digestive Tract Disease

Run by Imperial College London · NCT04475952 · Data updated 2026-11-12

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.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Ages18 Years to 90 Years
SexAll
Enrollment180 (estimated)
SponsorImperial College London
Academic / other
Locations1 site (London)
StatusRecruiting
StartedSeptember 13, 2019
Main results expectedSeptember 13, 2025
Study endsSeptember 13, 2025
Registry record updatedFebruary 10, 2025
Trial IDNCT04475952 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18 to 90 who are undergoing endoscopy or surgical treatment for orodigestive tract diseases.

Probably not a fit

Patients who lack the capacity to provide informed consent or are outside the age range of 18 to 90 years 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 improve the early diagnosis of upper digestive tract cancers, which are often detected late, leading to poor survival rates. It utilizes non-invasive breath testing technology that measures volatile organic compounds (VOCs) produced by metabolic processes in patients. By analyzing these biomarkers through mass spectrometry, the study seeks to identify patients with upper gastrointestinal cancers at an earlier stage than traditional diagnostic methods. The study includes patients undergoing endoscopy or surgical treatment for digestive tract diseases as part of their routine clinical care.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to earlier detection of upper digestive tract cancers, significantly improving patient outcomes.

How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promise in using breath analysis for early cancer detection, indicating potential success for this approach.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Any patient who:

  * is ≥ 18 years old and below 90 years of age, AND:
  * is undergoing endoscopy as part of their routine clinical care, OR:
  * is undergoing surgical resection of orodigestive tract disease as part of their routine clinical care, OR:
  * is undergoing treatment of orodigestive tract disease as part of their routine clinical care

Exclusion Criteria:

* Any patient who:

  * Lacks capacity or is unable to provide informed consent.
  * Any patient below 18 years of age or over 90 years of age.

Where it's running

  • Imperial College London
    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.