Health, UK (Commonwealth Union) – A resident of Cambridge has become the inaugural participant in the surveillance phase of a clinical trial that has the potential to integrate regular screening for oesophageal cancer into the NHS, potentially reducing annual deaths from this cancer by half.
The innovative capsule sponge, commonly referred to as the pill-on-a-thread, serves as a rapid and straightforward test for Barrett’s oesophagus, a precursor to cancer. Barrett’s oesophagus is often associated with symptoms such as heartburn, indicating a cellular transformation in the esophagus.
The BEST4 trial, initiated at Addenbrooke’s Hospital, marks the conclusive phase in evaluating whether the capsule sponge can effectively prevent oesophageal cancer when employed for screening or monitoring individuals at the highest risk of developing the disease. If successful, this approach could be implemented as a nationwide screening program within the NHS, similar to mammograms for breast cancer detection, as indicated by researchers of the study.
The initial segment of the trial, BEST4 Surveillance, is designed for individuals already diagnosed with Barrett’s oesophagus. The study aims to determine if the capsule sponge test can serve as a viable alternative to endoscopies in monitoring their condition. Participants will undergo both examinations during the trial, and the results will be analyzed to evaluate their risk of developing oesophageal cancer.
The upcoming phase of the trial, BEST4 Screening, is set to commence during the summer and aims to enlist 120,000 individuals aged 55 and above, undergoing prolonged treatment for heartburn.
Financed collaboratively, this multi-million-pound trial is an extension of extensive research spearheaded by Professor Rebecca Fitzgerald at the University of Cambridge. Professor Fitzgerald, along with a team comprising scientists, clinicians, and nurses who have developed and refined the capsule sponge test.
Expressing optimism, Professor Fitzgerald indicated that the capsule sponge, that serves as a swift and uncomplicated test for Barrett’s esophagus, has the potential to reduce annual deaths from esophageal cancer by half. Professor Fitzgerald further indicated that the incidence of esophageal cancer has surged sixfold since the 1990s, with only 12% of patients, on average, surviving beyond five years post-diagnosis and stated that many remain unaware of the issue until they encounter difficulty swallowing, by which point intervention is often too late.
“The first phase of the trial looks at whether the capsule sponge can be used as a cancer early warning system for patients diagnosed with Barrett’s. Using the capsule sponge and a new set of lab tests, we will be monitoring patients to see if we can prevent more cases of cancer.”
Tim Cowper, a 49-year-old brewer hailing from Cambridge, has grappled with acid reflux or heartburn nightly since the age of 16. A routine health examination during his university years led to the unexpected revelation of Barrett’s esophagus. Subsequently, Tim has undergone continuous monitoring post-diagnosis.
Reflecting on his experience, Tim shared, that learning that Barrett’s entailed pre-cancerous cells in my gullet was alarming. Tim also pointed out that the term ‘cancer’ is never pleasant, especially being relatively young. He indicated that he felt fortunate, that his condition has been under careful observation since then.
“Since my diagnosis, I’ve been going for an endoscopy at least once every three years to monitor my oesophagus. It is not pleasant at all. Each time I have a thick tube pushed down through my mouth and I can feel every single one of the biopsies taken by the camera. Swallowing a capsule sponge is a much better experience and I now get the test before my regular endoscopy appointment.”
Presently, the identification of Barrett’s esophagus involves an endoscopy and a biopsy conducted in a hospital following a GP referral. This process is not only time-consuming and unpleasant for patients but also quite invasive, posing a financial burden on the healthcare system.In contrast, the capsule sponge represents a more patient-friendly alternative.
