Non-invasive breath test for early detection of oesophageal and gastric cancer

Augmented Response of Volatile Biomarkers in Assessment of Oesophagogastric Cancer

Not applicable Interventional Imperial College London · NCT05412758

This study is testing a new breath test to see if it can help find oesophageal and stomach cancers early in people who have symptoms.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment648 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 90 Years
SexAll
SponsorImperial College London Academic / other
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy
Locations1 site (London)
Trial IDNCT05412758 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to develop an enhanced breath test that detects volatile organic compounds associated with oesophageal and gastric cancers. A total of 648 patients will be recruited, including those with confirmed cancer and control patients with upper gastrointestinal symptoms. Participants will provide breath samples before and after consuming a standard nutrient drink, which may increase the production of these compounds. The samples will be analyzed using advanced chromatographic and mass spectrometric techniques to improve diagnostic accuracy.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults aged 18-90 with biopsy-proven adenocarcinoma of the oesophagus or stomach, as well as those with benign upper gastrointestinal conditions.

Not a fit: Patients with oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma, previous resections, or other specified exclusions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this test could lead to earlier detection of oesophageal and gastric cancers, potentially improving survival rates.

How similar studies have performed: While similar approaches to cancer detection using breath analysis have been explored, this specific method is innovative and not widely tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
AROMA 1 Inclusion Criteria:

1. Aged 18-90years
2. Oesophageal/gastric cancer cohort: participants with biopsy proven adenocarcinoma who are treatment naïve
3. Control cohort: participants with normal or benign upper gastrointestinal disease determined on: • Endoscopy within 1 year • Planned endoscopy

AROMA 1 Exclusion criteria:

Patients with the following characteristics will not be eligible for inclusion in this study:

1. Oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma
2. Previous oesophageal and gastric resection
3. Received neoadjuvant chemotherapy for oesophageal or gastric cancer
4. History of another cancer within three years
5. Any form of oesophageal dysplasia (control cohort only)
6. Previously diagnosed with Barrett's oesophagus (control cohort only)
7. Active infection, on immunosuppressive medications or antibiotic therapy within the last 8 weeks
8. Participants with co-morbidities preventing breath collection
9. Allergies to any of the constituents of the nutrient drink including glucose, glycerol, iron sulphate, Maltodextrin (Corn, Potato), Xanthan Gum, Potassium Chloride, tyrosine, phenylalanine, and glutamic acid
10. Unable or unwilling to provide informed written consent
11. Pregnant participants

BIORESOURCE inclusion criteria:

1. Aged 18- 90years
2. Oesophageal/gastric cancer cohort: participants with biopsy proven adenocarcinoma who are treatment naïve
3. Oesophageal/gastric control cohort: participants with normal or benign upper gastrointestinal disease determined on: • Planned endoscopy

BIORESOURCE exclusion criteria:

1. Oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma
2. Previous oesophageal and gastric resection
3. Received neoadjuvant chemotherapy for oesophageal or gastric cancer
4. History of another cancer within five years
5. Any form of oesophageal dysplasia (oesophageal/gastric control cohorts only)
6. Previously diagnosed with Barrett's oesophagus (oesophageal/gastric control cohorts only)
7. Active infection, on immunosuppressive medications or antibiotic therapy within the last 8 weeks
8. Participants with co-morbidities preventing breath collection
9. Unable or unwilling to provide informed written consent
10. Pregnant participants

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 Volatile Organic CompoundsMicrobiomeMicrobioataBreath AnalysisOesophageal CancerGastric CancerVolatalomicsMetabonomics/Lipidomics
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 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.