PAN Alimentary Cancer Exhaled Breath Analysis

Launched by IMPERIAL COLLEGE LONDON · Jan 2, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

The PAN Alimentary Cancer Exhaled Breath Analysis trial is studying a new breath test designed to help detect gastrointestinal cancers, such as those affecting the food pipe, stomach, pancreas, liver, and bowel. These cancers can be hard to spot early because their symptoms often resemble those of non-cancer conditions. By identifying specific molecules in a patient's breath, the test aims to flag those who might need further testing for cancer sooner, which can significantly improve chances of successful treatment.

To participate in the trial, individuals aged 18 and older who have been referred by their doctors for suspected gastrointestinal cancer can apply. This includes people with general symptoms that might suggest cancer. Participants will simply breathe into a bag, and their breath will be analyzed in a lab. The trial will involve around 8,000 patients to ensure the breath test is accurate and can be easily used in doctors' offices. The goal is to make this test a standard practice for early cancer detection, which could save lives.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Aged ≥ 18 years old.
• • Participants with non-specific symptoms referred from primary care along upper and lower gastrointestinal cancer pathways for the reference test (upper/lower gastrointestinal endoscopy, CT/MRI/ultrasound ± histological/cytological confirmation).
• • Willing and able to provide informed written consent to take part in study.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Previous oesophageal, gastric, liver, pancreatic or colonic resection
• • History of another cancer within three years
• • Co-morbidities preventing breath collection
• • Pregnant participants
• • Unable or unwilling to provide informed written consent.