Overview
- Imperial College London is leading the multi-centre validation trial with funding from Pancreatic Cancer UK of about £1.14 million.
- Participants will be enrolled through NHS urgent suspected cancer pathways across hospitals in England, Wales and Scotland.
- The test analyses patterns of volatile organic compounds in exhaled breath, following a smaller two-year study of roughly 700 patients that produced promising results.
- A one-off breath sample can be collected in about 30 seconds, with scientists aiming to return results to GPs in around three days if validated.
- With most pancreatic cancers diagnosed at stage four and very poor short-term survival reported, researchers hope for GP rollout within about five years if the trial confirms effectiveness.