Breath Research Narrow Validation for Gastrointestinal Cancer Detection
This is not medical advice. AI-assisted translation — inaccuracies may occur. Always verify the original and consult your oncologist before taking any steps.
About the trial
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
Original English text from ClinicalTrials.gov
Who can (and can't) join
✓ Qualifies
- •Dorośli powyżej 18 lat
- •Dla grupy jelita grubego: potwierdzony rak jelita grubego lub objawy brzuszne przy normalnym badaniu
- •Dla grupy trzustki: potwierdzony rak trzustki lub objawy brzuszne przy normalnym obrazie trzustki
- •Dla grupy przełyku i żołądka: potwierdzony rak lub objawy brzuszne przy normalnym badaniu górnego przewodu pokarmowego
- •Dla grupy wątroby: potwierdzony rak wątroby lub objawy brzuszne przy normalnym obrazie wątroby
✗ Disqualifies
- •Pacjenci, którzy już otrzymali chemioterapię, radioterapię lub operację z powodu nowotworu
- •Rak inny niż skórny w ciągu ostatnich 3 lat
- •Schorzenia uniemożliwiające pobranie próbki oddechowej
- •Brak zgody na udział w badaniu
- •Alergia na składniki napoju odżywczego (dla grupy przełyku i żołądka)
- •Przygotowanie jelit w ciągu ostatnich 7 dni (dla grupy jelita grubego)
Simplified criteria — AI translation
Trial details
- Minimum age
- 18 Years
- Last updated (source)
- September 11, 2026
- Sex
- No restrictions
Locations (6)
Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust
Maidstone, United Kingdom
Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Liverpool, United Kingdom
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde
Glasgow, United Kingdom
The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre NHS Foundation Trust
Liverpool, United Kingdom
Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust
London, United Kingdom
Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust
London, United Kingdom
Trial contact
Jessie S McClymont, Medical Biosciences BSc
Contact information from ClinicalTrials.gov. Contact in English.
Share this trial
Data from ClinicalTrials.gov. AI-assisted translation, last sync: 9/12/2026.
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