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 type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 90 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 180 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Imperial College London Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (London) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | September 13, 2019 |
| Main results expected | September 13, 2025 |
| Study ends | September 13, 2025 |
| Registry record updated | February 10, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT04475952 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
- Study coordinator: Yan Mei Goh, MBChB, MRCS
- Email: y.goh@imperial.ac.uk
- Phone: 0207 594 3396
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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.