Using a swallowable sponge to collect esophageal samples for Barrett's esophagus detection

Assessment of a Minimally Invasive Collection Device for Molecular Analysis of Esophageal Samples for the Non-endoscopic Detection of Barrett's Esophagus With and Without Dysplasia

Not applicable Interventional Mayo Clinic · NCT06071845

This study is testing a swallowable sponge to see if it can safely collect samples from the esophagus to help detect Barrett's esophagus and esophageal cancer in patients who may have these conditions.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment400 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 90 Years
SexAll
SponsorMayo Clinic Academic / other
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy, radiation
Locations5 sites (Scottsdale, Arizona and 4 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06071845 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial evaluates the Cytosponge, a minimally invasive device, for collecting esophageal samples to detect Barrett's esophagus (BE) and esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC). Patients will either have known or suspected BE or will be controls without a history of BE, and will undergo sample collection followed by standard endoscopy. The study aims to measure DNA yield from the samples and assess the accuracy of the Oncoguard Esophagus test in identifying biomarkers for BE/EAC. Additionally, the tolerability of the Cytosponge device will be evaluated through patient surveys.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults aged 18-90 with known or suspected Barrett's esophagus or those undergoing clinically indicated endoscopy without a history of BE.

Not a fit: Patients who are pregnant, unable to consent, or have certain esophageal conditions or are on specific anticoagulant medications may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide a simpler and more cost-effective method for early detection of Barrett's esophagus and esophageal adenocarcinoma.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise with similar non-endoscopic approaches for Barrett's esophagus screening, indicating potential for success.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Subjects with known or suspected Barrett's esophagus (BE) (cases)

  * Patients between the ages of 18-90.
  * Patients with a BE segment ≥ 1cm in maximal extent endoscopically or suspected BE in medical record.
  * Histology showing evidence of intestinal metaplasia with or without presence of dysplasia or suspected BE in medical record.
  * Undergoing clinically indicated endoscopy.
* Subjects without known history of BE (controls)

  * Undergoing clinically indicated diagnostic endoscopy

Exclusion Criteria:

* For subjects with or without known evidence of BE (on history or review of medical records)

  * Pregnant or lactating females.
  * Patients who are unable to consent.
  * Patients with current history of uninvestigated dysphagia.
  * History of eosinophilic esophagitis, achalasia.
  * Patients on oral anticoagulation including Coumadin, Warfarin.
  * Patients on antiplatelet agents including Clopidogrel, unless discontinued for three to five days prior to the Cytosponge procedure.
  * Patients on oral thrombin inhibitors including Dabigatran and oral factor Xa inhibitors such as rivaroxaban, apixaban and edoxaban, unless discontinued for three to five days prior to the Cytosponge procedure.
  * Patients with history of known esophageal or gastric varices or cirrhosis.
  * Patients with history of surgical esophageal resection for esophageal carcinoma.
  * Patients with congenital or acquired bleeding diatheses.
  * Patients with a history of esophageal squamous dysplasia.
  * Patient has known carcinoma of the foregut (pancreatic, bile duct, ampullary, stomach, or duodenum) within 5 years prior to study enrollment.
  * Patient has received chemotherapy class drugs or radiation to treat mediastinal or esophageal cancer.

Where this trial is running

Scottsdale, Arizona and 4 other locations

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 Barrett EsophagusBarretts Esophagus With DysplasiaBarrett's Esophagus Without DysplasiaEsophageal Adenocarcinoma
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.