All studies
Not yet recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Evaluation of the NEOmom® Gastric Video Capsule for Gastric Cancer Screening

This study is looking at a new way to check for stomach cancer, a serious illness often found too late. Currently, a tube with a camera (endoscopy) is used, but this can be uncomfortable. This new method uses a tiny camera pill, called NEOmom®, that you swallow. A special robot uses magnets to guide the pill around your stomach, and artificial intelligence helps find any potential problems. The goal is to see if this magnet-guided camera pill can find early signs of stomach cancer just as well as, or even better than, the current method, but in a way that's much more comfortable and easier for people to go through. This could help save more lives by catching the disease sooner.

At a glance

Status
Not yet recruiting
Phase
NA
Sponsor
Nantes University Hospital
Enrolment target
100
Start
15 Dec 2025
Estimated completion
07 Jun 2026

What is this study about?

Stomach cancer is a serious illness, and unfortunately, it's often not found until it's quite advanced. When stomach cancer is caught early, the chances of successful treatment are very high, with most people recovering well. However, if it's found later, treatment becomes much more difficult, and the outlook isn't as good. This big difference highlights why it's so important to find better ways to detect stomach cancer sooner.

This study aims to tackle this problem by testing a brand-new approach. Instead of the usual procedure where a doctor puts a tube with a camera down your throat (an endoscopy), this study is looking at using a small camera pill called NEOmom®. You swallow this tiny capsule, and then a special robot uses magnets to gently guide it around your stomach. The camera inside takes pictures, and clever computer software (artificial intelligence or AI) helps the doctors spot anything unusual. The main goal is to see if this new, less invasive method can spot early warning signs of stomach cancer just as accurately as the current methods.

If this NEOmom® system works well, it could change how we screen for stomach cancer. It could make the checking process much easier and more comfortable for people, encouraging more individuals to get screened, especially those at higher risk. This could lead to many more cases of stomach cancer being found at an early, treatable stage, ultimately helping to reduce the number of people who die from this disease. The study will also look at how acceptable this new method is to patients, how long it takes, and if it could be a cost-effective option for the NHS in the future.

Key takeaways

  • This study is testing a new, gentle way to check for stomach cancer.
  • It uses a small camera pill guided by magnets and smart computer software.
  • The goal is to find stomach cancer earlier, when it's easier to treat.
  • Could make checking for stomach cancer more comfortable and accessible.
  • Researchers will compare it to the current standard examination.
  • Your feedback on the process is an important part of the study.

Who may be eligible?

This study is for men and women aged between 50 and 74 years old who are generally well and have a good life expectancy. You would also need to be having a routine check for bowel cancer or polyps at the same time.

There are several reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you've already had stomach cancer, previous stomach surgery, certain serious heart conditions, or if you have difficulty swallowing. If you have a pacemaker or other metallic implants (apart from dental fillings), you also wouldn't be able to take part due to the magnetic guidance system. It’s important that you understand and agree to take part, so anyone under guardianship or unable to give active consent cannot participate. Pregnant or breastfeeding women cannot join the study.

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.

  1. Are you between 50 and 74 years old?
  2. Are you having a routine bowel screening or surveillance check?
  3. Do you have good general health and no serious heart conditions?
  4. Do you not have a pacemaker or other metal implants (except dental work)?
  5. Have you not had previous stomach cancer or stomach surgery?
  6. Are you able to provide your own consent to take part?
Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you'll first receive detailed information about the study and have time to ask questions before giving your consent. The main part of the study involves swallowing the NEOmom® camera pill. This will be guided by a robot with magnets and helped by artificial intelligence to take pictures inside your stomach. This new procedure will be compared with the standard endoscopy that you would typically have. The study also aims to understand your experience and how acceptable you find the new method. The total duration of your active participation, including assessments, will be discussed in detail by the study team.

Potential risks and benefits

Potential benefits of taking part include helping to test a new, potentially less invasive and more comfortable way to check for stomach cancer, which could eventually help many others. You might also gain a thorough check of your stomach. All medical procedures carry some risks, and while every effort is made to ensure your safety, there are always very small risks associated with swallowing a capsule or undergoing medical examinations. It's important to remember that you are free to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, and this will not affect your usual medical care.

Locations (1)

  • Nantes University Hospital
    Verified postcode
    Nantes, France

Common questions

What is the NEOmom camera pill?

It's a tiny capsule with a camera inside that you swallow. A special robot uses magnets to guide it to take pictures of your stomach.

Why is this new method being tested?

It's hoped to be a more comfortable and easier way to check for stomach cancer earlier than current methods, which can be unpleasant.

Will I still need the usual stomach examination?

The study will compare this new method with the 'gold standard' procedure (a regular endoscopy) to see how well they match up.

Is the camera pill magnetic?

The pill is guided by external magnets from a robot, so if you have a pacemaker or other metal in your body (other than dental work), you can't take part.

How long does the study last for me?

The study involves a single visit for the procedure and assessments, and the team will explain the full process and timings.

How to find out more

Selma El Andaloussi, Project Manager

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

Interested in taking part?

Register your interest

Share your details and the research team for "Evaluation of the NEOmom® Gastric Video Capsule for Gastric …" will contact you if you may be eligible. Always speak to your GP before agreeing to take part.

Discussion

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