NCT07714538 Breath Research Narrow Validation for Gastrointestinal Cancer Detection
| NCT ID | NCT07714538 |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Phase | — |
| Sponsor | Imperial College London |
| Condition | Oesophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma |
| Study Type | OBSERVATIONAL |
| Enrollment | 1,000 participants |
| Start Date | 2026-07-26 |
| Primary Completion | 2028-02-02 |
Eligibility & Interventions
Eligibility Fast-Check
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What to Expect as a Participant
This is an observational study. You will not receive an experimental treatment; researchers will collect data based on your existing condition or standard treatment.
This trial targets 1,000 participants in total. It began in 2026-07-26 with a primary completion date of 2028-02-02.
⚠ This information is for research awareness only. Always consult your physician before joining any clinical trial. Participation is voluntary and you may withdraw at any time.
Brief Summary
The investigators of this study are developing a simple breath test to help detect gastrointestinal (gut) cancers earlier, including cancers of the oesophagus (food pipe), stomach, pancreas, liver and bowel. These cancers often cause non-specific symptoms that are similar to benign conditions, making early diagnosis difficult. Delays between the onset of symptoms and referral for a diagnostic test such as an endoscopy or a scan, can allow the cancer to progress. The breath test detects small molecules called volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that are released in exhaled breath. Some of these VOCs are strongly associated with these cancers and may help identify high-risk patients who require urgent investigation. In practice, patients who come to their GP with concerning symptoms will be offered the breath test. If the test is positive, patients can be referred promptly for a diagnostic test, while those with a negative result can be reassured and offered re-testing if symptoms persist. Earlier diagnosis could improve access to curative treatment while reducing unnecessary invasive investigations. Previous studies have identified a panel of VOCs that appear to distinguish patients with gastrointestinal cancers from those without cancer. This study aims to confirm these findings in a new group of participants to determine whether the same biomarkers can be reliably identified. Participants will provide a breath sample, usually before a hospital procedure they are already scheduled to undergo, and complete a short questionnaire about their medical history and medications. Some participants will also be asked to drink a nutritional supplement before providing a second breath sample. The results will help determine whether the breath test is reliable enough for further clinical evaluation
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria: Adult participants ≥ 18 years old who meet at least one of the following criteria Colorectal arm: 1. Cancer: Histologically-confirmed CRC\* 2. Control: Non-specific abdominal symptoms with normal or benign colonoscopy findings Pancreatic arm: 1. Cancer: Histologically-confirmed PDAC\* 2. Control: Non-specific abdominal symptoms with a radiologically-normal pancreas Oesophagogastric arm: 1. Cancer: Histologically-confirmed OGC\* 2. Control: Non-specific abdominal symptoms with normal or benign upper gastrointestinal endoscopy findings Oesophageal squamous arm: 1. Cancer: Histologically-confirmed OSCC\* 2. Control: Non-specific abdominal symptoms with normal or benign upper gastrointestinal endoscopy findings Liver arm: 1. Cancer: Histologically- or radiologically-confirmed HCC or CCC\* 2. Control: Non-specific abdominal symptoms with a radiologically-normal liver * Patients with suspected cancer (e.g. based on imaging) but who do not have histological confirmation prior to participating in the study may still be recruited and followed up to determine whether or not a diagnosis of cancer was subsequently confirmed. Exclusion Criteria: * Patients who have already received chemotherapy, radiotherapy or surgery for their cancer * History of another cancer (other than non-melanoma skin cancers) within three years * Participants with co-morbidities preventing breath collection * Unable or unwilling to provide informed consent * (For Oesophagogastric arm only): 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 * (For Colorectal arm only): Participants receiving bowel prep in the previous 7 days
Contact & Investigator
George Hanna, MBBS; PhD; FRSC
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Imperial College London
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can join the NCT07714538 clinical trial?
This trial is open to participants of all sexes, aged 18 Years or older, studying Oesophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria are listed in the Eligibility Criteria section. Always confirm your eligibility with the research team before applying.
Is NCT07714538 currently recruiting?
Yes, NCT07714538 is actively recruiting participants. Contact the research team at brave-study@imperial.ac.uk for enrollment information.
Where is the NCT07714538 trial being conducted?
This trial is being conducted at Maidstone, United Kingdom, Liverpool, United Kingdom, Glasgow, United Kingdom, Liverpool, United Kingdom and 2 additional locations.
Who is sponsoring the NCT07714538 clinical trial?
NCT07714538 is sponsored by Imperial College London. The principal investigator is George Hanna, MBBS; PhD; FRSC at Imperial College London. The trial plans to enroll 1,000 participants.