Early diagnosis of upper digestive tract diseases using breath tests

Early Diagnosis of Upper Digestive Tract Disease

Observational Imperial College London · NCT04475952

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
Enrollment180 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 90 Years
SexAll
SponsorImperial College London Academic / other
Locations1 site (London)
Trial IDNCT04475952 on ClinicalTrials.gov

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.

Who should consider this trial

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

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.

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

Eligibility criteria

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 this trial is running

London

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Squamous Cell CarcinomaBreath TestDigestive System DiseaseDiagnose Disease
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.