Innovative Barrett’s oesophagus detection method to be trialled

Scientists in the UK are to conduct a multi-centre trial into a new method for use in detecting a condition with strong links to oesophageal cancer.

Led by Cancer Research UK, the new trial will evaluate the effectiveness of the cytosponge test in identifying patients with Barrett's oesophagus, a disease associated with the deadly cancer adenocarcinoma.

This test involves swallowing a small capsule with a string attached, which expands within the stomach to form a 3cm sponge that removes a small quantity of oesophageal cells as it is drawn back up through the throat.

It will allow samples to be obtained for testing for a much lower cost than a traditional endoscopy, as well as being far less invasive than the alternative.

Kate Law, director of clinical trials at Cancer Research UK, said: "Hopefully this trial will provide a simple means of screening people for Barrett's oesophagus on a much larger scale, so those at high risk can be offered closer monitoring."

Earlier this month, the research charity launched a new project to identify the genetic faults underpinning oesophageal cancer, information that will help to inform the development of new treatments in future.