Not yet recruitingOBSERVATIONAL

BREATH RESEARCH NARROW VALIDATION FOR GASTROINTESTINAL CANCER DETECTION

We are working on a new breath test to help spot certain gut cancers earlier, such as those affecting the food pipe (oesophagus), stomach, pancreas, liver, and bowel. These cancers can be hard to diagnose early because their symptoms often seem like common, less serious problems. Catching cancer sooner usually leads to more effective treatment. The breath test works by looking for tiny chemicals, called volatile organic compounds (VOCs), in your breath. Some of these VOCs are linked to certain cancers and could help doctors decide which patients need further checks quickly. This study aims to check if this breath test reliably identifies these chemical signals in a new group of people. Participants will give a breath sample and answer some health questions, helping us see if this test is good enough for future use.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Sponsor

Imperial College London

Enrolment target

1,000

Start

20 Jul 2026

Estimated completion

02 Aug 2028

Oesophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Oesophageal Adenocarcinoma Gastric Adenocarcinoma Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma (PDAC)Cholangiocarcinoma Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC)Colorectal Adenocarcinoma

What is this study about?

Imagine a simple breath test that could help doctors find gut cancers sooner. That's what our researchers are developing! Cancers in parts of your gut, like your food pipe, stomach, pancreas, liver, and bowel, can be tricky to spot early. Often, the first signs can be vague, like a persistent tummy ache or feeling tired, which are also symptoms of many less serious conditions. This means it can take longer for doctors to realise it might be cancer, and during this time, the cancer could grow.

This new breath test works by looking for tiny chemical signals in the air you breathe out. These signals are called volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and some of them might be linked to certain cancers. If we can reliably find these cancer-related signals early on, it would mean faster referrals for proper diagnostic tests, like an endoscopy or a scan, for those who need them. For people whose tests come back clear, it could offer reassurance and avoid unnecessary, sometimes uncomfortable, procedures.

We've already done some studies that found specific VOCs that seem to tell the difference between people with and without these gut cancers. In this current study, we want to confirm these findings. We're asking new volunteers to take part, so we can be sure that our breath test is reliable and works for more people. The main goal is to see if this test could one day be a quick and easy way for GPs to help identify patients who need urgent investigations for possible gut cancer.

Key takeaways

Researchers are developing a simple breath test for earlier detection of gut cancers.
The test looks for tiny chemicals in your breath called VOCs.
Finding these cancers earlier could lead to better treatment options.
This study aims to confirm previous findings about these chemical signals.
Participation involves providing a breath sample and answering a questionnaire.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for adults aged 18 or over. We are seeking two main groups of participants for different types of gut cancers:

One group includes people who have already been diagnosed with oesophageal (food pipe), stomach, pancreatic, liver, or bowel cancer. The other group includes people who have been experiencing tummy symptoms but have had tests (like an endoscopy or colonoscopy) that showed no cancer, or whose scans of the pancreas or liver were normal.

However, some people cannot take part. This includes those who have already started treatment for their cancer (like chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or surgery). Also, if you've had a different type of cancer (other than harmless skin cancers) in the last three years, you won't be able to join. There are also a few other reasons, like if you have another health condition that would make it difficult to collect your breath sample, or if you're unable to give your full permission to take part.

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.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Have you been diagnosed with oesophageal, stomach, pancreatic, liver, or bowel cancer, OR do you have tummy symptoms but no cancer found in a recent check-up?
Have you NOT had chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or surgery for cancer yet?
Have you NOT had another cancer (apart from non-serious skin cancer) in the last three years?
Are you able to follow simple instructions for breathing into a device?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you'll need to provide a breath sample. This usually happens just before you are due to have another hospital procedure that you're already scheduled for. You'll breathe into a special device to collect the sample. You will also be asked to fill out a short questionnaire about your general health and any medications you are currently taking. Some participants might be asked to drink a special nutritional supplement first and then give a second breath sample a little later. This study involves a single visit for the breath samples and questionnaire, and there isn't any long-term follow-up required from your side.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study may offer the benefit of contributing to new research that could help detect gut cancers earlier in the future, potentially improving treatment outcomes for many people. It does not directly benefit you, the participant, through diagnosis or treatment, as the breath test is still under investigation. There are very few risks involved; providing a breath sample is a non-invasive and generally comfortable procedure. If you are asked to drink a nutritional supplement, it's important to make sure you don't have any allergies to its ingredients. Remember, you can always change your mind and decide to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, and this won't affect your medical care.

Locations (6)

Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust
Verified postcode
Maidstone, United Kingdom
Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Verified postcode
Liverpool, United Kingdom
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde
Verified postcode
Glasgow, United Kingdom
The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre NHS Foundation Trust
Verified postcode
Liverpool, United Kingdom
Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust
Verified postcode
London, United Kingdom
Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust
Verified postcode
London, United Kingdom

Common questions

What kind of cancers is this breath test trying to detect?

It's focusing on cancers in the gut, including those in the food pipe, stomach, pancreas, liver, and bowel.

How does the breath test work?

You breathe into a device, and it looks for tiny chemical signals in your breath that might be linked to cancer.

Will I get my test results?

No, you won't receive individual results from this research breath test, as it's still in the development stage. Its purpose is to collect data for research.

Do I have to do anything special before the breath test?

You will be given specific instructions, but generally, it involves breathing into a device. Some participants might drink a nutritional supplement first.

Who is running this study?

Researchers are conducting this study to develop a new breath test for earlier detection of gut cancers.

How to find out more

Jessie S McClymont, Medical Biosciences BSc

brave-study@imperial.ac.uk +44 7434937543 Official trial record

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