RecruitingObservational

Accelerated community multi cancer diagnostic evaluation platform

Many people visit their GP with everyday symptoms like stomach pain, bloating, nausea, loss of appetite, or unexplained weight loss. These symptoms are usually caused by common, harmless conditions, but they can occasionally be an early warning sign of cancer. Because they have many possible causes, deciding who needs specialist hospital tests can be challenging for doctors. The ARMADILO study, led by the University of Oxford, is evaluating new blood tests designed to detect signals from several types of cancer at once. The goal is to see how accurate these tests are in real NHS clinics. If you are aged 50 or older and having a blood test for these symptoms, you may be invited to give an extra blood sample. Taking part does not change your routine NHS treatment, and your usual medical investigations will carry on as normal.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

University of Oxford

Enrolment target

9,000

Start

15 Oct 2026

Estimated completion

01 Oct 2028

Cancer

What is this study about?

Going to your GP with tummy trouble, feeling full quickly, or losing weight without trying can be worrying. Most of the time, these symptoms turn out to be nothing serious, such as indigestion or irritable bowel syndrome. However, doctors always want to rule out cancer. Because these symptoms are so broad, it is often hard for GPs to know which specialist hospital tests to arrange first.

Researchers are now developing new 'multi-cancer' blood tests. These tests search for tiny biological clues shed into the bloodstream by various different cancers. If proven reliable, a single blood test could one day help GPs quickly see who needs urgent hospital investigations. The ARMADILO study has been set up to find out whether these tests work accurately in everyday NHS care.

This is an observational study, which means it tests the blood samples in a laboratory to check their accuracy, but the results are not used to make decisions about your health right now. Whether you take part or not, you will still receive all of your usual NHS care, scans, and treatments just as you normally would.

Key takeaways

The ARMADILO study is evaluating new blood tests that aim to spot multiple cancers early.
It is open to people aged 50 and over who are having NHS blood tests for unexplained gut or stomach symptoms.
Taking part involves giving one extra blood sample, usually during a routine GP visit.
The study does not replace or change your standard NHS investigations, appointments, or treatments.
Test results are for research only and will not be sent to you or your GP.

Who may be eligible?

You may be able to join this study if you are 50 years of age or older and your GP has arranged an NHS blood test to check on certain symptoms. These symptoms include tummy (abdominal) pain, feeling bloated, loss of appetite, feeling sick (nausea), or losing weight without trying. You must also be happy to give an extra blood sample and agree to share information from your medical records.

You will not be able to take part if you have already joined the ARMADILO study before. You are also not eligible if you have been diagnosed with or treated for an invasive cancer or blood cancer (such as leukaemia or lymphoma) in the last three years. However, taking ongoing hormone tablets to prevent breast or prostate cancer from returning is generally allowed.

Your GP surgery or healthcare team can confirm if your current symptoms and medical background make this study a good match for you.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

I am 50 years of age or older.
I am having an NHS blood test for tummy pain, bloating, nausea, poor appetite, or weight loss.
I am willing to donate an extra blood sample for research.
I have not had invasive cancer or blood cancer treatment in the past three years.
I am happy for researchers to check my NHS health records over the next few years.

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

Taking part usually involves just one appointment, which is arranged at the same time as your routine NHS blood test so you do not have to make an extra trip. During this visit, a healthcare professional will take one research blood sample (up to 80 ml, or about a few small tubes), often using the same needle as your normal NHS test. You will also be asked to answer a few brief questions about your health and lifestyle.

There are no trial medicines to take and no extra hospital trips required. Researchers will follow your progress by checking your electronic NHS health records for at least 12 months, and possibly up to 5 years, to see if you are later diagnosed with any health condition. Some people may also be invited to take part in a short optional interview to share their thoughts on the study process.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part will not directly improve your health because the multi-cancer test results will not be returned to you or your GP while the tests are still being studied. However, your contribution could help researchers find better ways to detect cancer earlier for future NHS patients. The physical risks are very small and match those of any normal blood test, such as mild bruising, brief discomfort, or feeling a little faint. Joining is completely voluntary, and you can change your mind and leave the study at any time without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (12)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

North East and North Cumbria RRDN
City only
Newcastle upon Tyne, England
Yorkshire and Humber RRDN
City only
Leeds, England
North West RRDN
City only
Manchester, England
West Midlands RRDN
City only
Wolverhampton, England
East of England RRDN
City only
Norwich, England
North London RRDN
Unverified
London, England
South London RRDN
Unverified
London, England
South Central RRDN
Unverified
Southampton, England
South East RRDN
Unverified
Guildford, England
South West Central RRDN
Unverified
Bristol, England
South West Peninsula RRDN
Unverified
Exeter, England
East Midlands RRDN
Unverified
Leicester, England

Common questions

Will I or my GP get the results of the multi-cancer blood test?

No. Because researchers are still checking how well these tests work, the results are not shared and cannot be used to guide your medical care.

Will joining the study delay my normal NHS tests or treatment?

Not at all. Your GP will continue to investigate your symptoms and refer you for NHS tests or hospital appointments exactly as planned.

Do I need to visit a hospital to take part?

No. The study is run through local GP surgeries and community clinics, and the blood sample is usually taken at your regular GP appointment.

How much extra blood is taken?

The team will take up to 80 ml of blood (about 5 to 6 tablespoons). This is a safe amount for adults and is usually collected during your routine blood draw.

Can I leave the study if I change my mind?

Yes, you are free to withdraw at any point without giving a reason. Your normal NHS care and relationship with your doctor will not be affected.

How to find out more

ARMADILO Study Team

armadilo_pcctu@phc.ox.ac.uk - Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.