NCT06864195

A Simple Breath Test to Detect Liver Cancer and Monitor Liver Conditions

Development of a Breath Test Using Volatile Organic Markers for Monitoring Cirrhosis and Detecting Primary Liver Tumours (VOCAL2)

• Status: Recruiting
• Phase: —
• Study type: Observational
• Enrollment: 750 (estimated)
• Sponsor: Imperial College London · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 18 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Accepted

Summary

Liver cancer is often diagnosed too late for effective treatment. The VOCAL2 study is developing a simple, non-invasive breath test to help detect liver cancer earlier and monitor liver conditions like cirrhosis. The test analyzes tiny chemicals in exhaled breath called volatile organic compounds (VOCs) to identify signs of liver disease. Who can take part? Adults aged 18 or older who: Have liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma or cholangiocarcinoma), or Have liver cirrhosis or primary sclerosing cholangitis, or Have tummy symptoms but a normal liver scan. What's involved? Participants will: Give a breath sample after fasting for 6 hours. Answer a few health questions. Allow access to relevant medical records. The appointment lasts about 1 hour at an NHS hospital. Benefits \& Risks This research could lead to an earlier, easier way to detect liver cancer, but there's no direct health benefit for participants. There are no risks, as breath sampling is completely non-invasive and safe. Where is the study happening? Led by Imperial College London, running in NHS hospitals across the UK. Who is funding the study? The study is funded by Rosetrees and Stoneygate Trust. Contact Information Email: [e-mail] Phone: [phone]

Conditions

• Liver Cirrhosis
• Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC)
• Cholangiocarcinoma
• Cholangitis, Sclerosing

Timeline

• Start date: 2025-02-13
• Primary completion: 2027-01-31
• Completion: 2027-02-28
• First posted: 2025-03-07
• Last updated: 2025-03-07

Locations

1 site across 1 country: United Kingdom