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

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating a new, simple breath test that analyzes volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in exhaled breath to help detect liver cancer earlier and monitor liver conditions such as cirrhosis and primary sclerosing cholangitis. This study focuses on adults aged 18 and older who have liver cancer, liver cirrhosis, primary sclerosing cholangitis, or tummy symptoms with a normal liver scan. The goal is to improve early detection and monitoring of liver diseases that are often diagnosed too late for effective treatment. Participants will provide a breath sample after fasting for 6 hours during a one-hour appointment at an NHS hospital. They will also answer health questions and allow access to relevant medical records. The study includes groups of participants with liver cancer, benign liver disorders, and healthy controls with non-specific gastrointestinal symptoms but normal liver scans. There are no treatments or drugs involved as it is an observational study. During the visit, researchers will collect breath samples and health information to measure the diagnostic accuracy of the breath test for detecting liver cancer. The breath collection is non-invasive and safe. Participants will not receive direct health benefits from taking part, but the results may help develop an easier way to detect liver disease in the future. The study is led by Imperial College London and takes place in NHS hospitals across the UK.

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