Investigating rectal mucus for detecting cancers in the aero-digestive tract.

Feasibility Study to Investigate the Genomic and Epigenetic Changes in Rectal Mucus in Non-Colorectal Cancers of the Aero-Digestive Tract (ORI-EGI-03).

Observational Origin Sciences · NCT05102110

This study is testing whether analyzing rectal mucus can help find cancers in the throat and digestive system for people who may need new ways to get diagnosed.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment450 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 99 Years
SexAll
SponsorOrigin Sciences Industry-sponsored
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy, immunotherapy
Locations1 site (Exeter)
Trial IDNCT05102110 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to evaluate the feasibility of using genomic and epigenetic analysis of rectal mucus to identify non-colorectal cancers in the aero-digestive tract. It involves collecting samples using the OriCol™ Sampling Device to assess changes in DNA mutation and methylation associated with these cancers. Additionally, the study will explore participant acceptability of the sampling device and contribute to a genomic library focused on rectal mucus. The research is motivated by the need for alternative diagnostic methods, especially highlighted during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and over who can provide informed consent and do not have contraindications for proctoscopic examination.

Not a fit: Patients with a history of cancer or those who have undergone previous cancer treatments such as radiotherapy, chemotherapy, or immunotherapy may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a non-invasive method for early detection of various cancers in the aero-digestive tract.

How similar studies have performed: While this approach is innovative, similar studies have not been widely reported, indicating that this may be a novel investigation.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

Aged 18 years or over Be able to give voluntary, written informed consent to participate in the study

Exclusion Criteria:

Participants with symptoms that would make proctoscopic examination inappropriate, including acute anal fissure, symptomatic thrombosed haemorrhoids or obstructing anorectal lesions as determined by rectal examination Participants with a previous history of cancer Participants who have received previously radiotherapy, chemotherapy or immunotherapy for a malignancy.

Where this trial is running

Exeter

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 Non Small Cell Lung CancerPancreatic CancerBladder CancerColorectal Cancer
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.