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Contact the study team using the details below to take part. If there are no contact details below please ask your doctor in the first instance.
Ms
Claire
Levermore
best4-management@qmul.ac.uk
More information about this study, what is involved and how to take part can be found on the study website.
Barrett's oesophagus
This information is provided directly by researchers, and we recognise that it isn't always easy to understand. We are working with researchers to improve the accessibility of this information. In some summaries, you may come across links to external websites. These websites will have more information to help you better understand the study.
Oesophageal cancer is a poor prognosis cancer, and the current clinical pathways are ineffective for early diagnosis. The capsule sponge test provides a quick, less invasive method to test for signs of Barrett’s Oesophagus and early cancer and we now need to understand the impact of the capsule sponge test on mortality before adopting this test into a national population-based targeted screening programme.
This study aims to:
1. Conduct a trial of targeted screening using the capsule sponge test to evaluate the effect on oesophageal adenocarcinoma-associated illness and death
2. Establish a biobank of samples and data with gastro-oesophageal reflux disease for use in other research studies
3. Establish a cohort of patients with gastro-oesophageal reflux disease who are willing to be contacted regarding further research studies such as behavioural studies, lifestyle interventions, and chemopreventive medications to reduce the risk of progression of the disease.
Start dates may differ between countries and research sites. The research team are responsible for keeping the information up-to-date.
The recruitment start and end dates are as follows:
You can take part if:
Current inclusion criteria as of 07/10/2025:
Heartburn Health Programme:
1. Have given electronic informed consent to participate
2. UK resident
3. Males aged 55 - 79 years and Females aged 65 - 79 years (sex at birth)
4. Have a mobile phone number
5. Patient reported symptoms and/or use medication for heartburn, acid reflux and indigestion.
Screening Trial:
1. Meet same criteria as Heartburn Health
2. Patient reported regular symptoms of heartburn, acid reflux and indigestion
in the last 6 months AND/OR
3. Confirmed regular use of a prescription or over the counter acid-suppressant medication in the last 6 months
4. Express
You may not be able to take part if:
Current exclusion criteria as of 07/10/2025:
Screening Trial:1. Patient reported difficulty swallowing pills2. Patient reported previous diagnosis of BO3. Patient reported upper GI endoscopy in the last 3 years4. Patient reported Cytosponge/capsule sponge procedure in the last 3 years5. Patient reported diagnosis of oesophageal cancer6. Patient reported prior surgical intervention to the oesophagus or upper stomach
_____
Previous exclusion criteria:
Screening Trial:1. Patient-reported a previous diagnosis of BO confirmed on histology 2. Patient-reported upper GI endoscopy in the last 5 years 3. Patient-reported Cytosponge/Capsule Sponge procedure in the last 5 years 4. Meet the guidelines for an urgent endoscopy referral according to NICE guidelines (dyspepsia with acute GI bleed, dyspepsia that fails to respond to PPI or H2R antagonist with negative Helicobacter Pylori test, unintentional weight loss, persistent vomiting, iron deficiency anaemia, epigastric mass, suspicious barium meal indicating risk of cancer)5. Recorded diagnosis of an oro-pharynx, oesophageal or gastro-oesophageal tumour (T2 staging and above), or symptoms of dysphagia 6. Difficulty in swallowing due to a known cerebrovascular accident or neurological disorder 7. Recorded oesophageal varices, cirrhosis of the liver, portal hypertension 8. Received prior endoscopic (photodynamic therapy or radiofrequency ablation) or surgical intervention to the oesophagus 9. Inability to temporarily discontinue anti-thrombotic medication prior to the procedure as per clinical JAG guidelines 10. Known pregnancy 11. Lack of capacity to provide informed consent 12. Procedural: Having eaten or drank within the last 4 hours
Below are the locations for where you can take part in the trial. Please note that not all sites may be open.
Ms
Claire
Levermore
best4-management@qmul.ac.uk
More information about this study, what is involved and how to take part can be found on the study website.
The study is sponsored by Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and funded by Cancer Research UK; NIHR Evaluation, Trials and Studies Co-ordinating Centre (NETSCC).
Your feedback is important to us. It will help us improve the quality of the study information on this site. Please answer both questions.
Or CPMS: 57984
You can print or share the study information with your GP/healthcare provider or contact the research team directly.
