Previous studies have established altered VOC profiles in oesophageal cancer, but all assessed breath at a single time point using cross-sectional designs. Longitudinal variation in exhaled VOCs, urinary VOCs, the contribution of the upper GI microbiome, and the effect of therapeutic intervention remain unknown. Understanding this variation is critical for interpreting intra-subject variability and likely mechanisms of VOC production. An expected decline in target VOCs following therapy would verify the tumour–VOC link and offer opportunities for monitoring treatment response and disease recurrence.
Aims
Methods
Longitudinal, single-centre cohort study at Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle. 50 patients with oesophageal cancer. Breath and biofluids (urine and saliva) collected at four time points: (1) before treatment; (2) after neoadjuvant therapy; (3) following surgical resection (hospital discharge); (4) routine postoperative follow-up (6u201312 months). Breath collected on TD tubes and transported to Imperial College London VOC Laboratory.
Recruitment to this trial takes place through participating NHS centres. If you think you may be eligible, please speak with your GP or hospital clinician who can refer you through the appropriate pathway.
Healthcare professional enquiries: Greg S J Dewar