Swansea Bay leads world-first breath test trial for early pancreatic cancer detection
24 July
A groundbreaking breath test trial aimed at the early detection of pancreatic cancer is underway, led by Swansea Bay’s research and development teams, funded by Health and Care Research Wales.
This innovative trial, called VAPOR, is spearheaded by Professor George Hanna at Imperial College London and is being conducted at Swansea Bay University Health Board, the only participating Welsh centre.
The trial will explore whether breath samples taken in GP surgeries can expedite the diagnosis and treatment of pancreatic cancer, which often presents with non-specific symptoms.
One participant, Kay Jelley from Neath, was diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer last October. Kay said, “I don’t know how long I’ve got, but hopefully this test will work and help others in the future.”
Professor Bilal Al-Sarireh, a pancreatic surgery expert and Morriston Hospital consultant general surgeon, is the local principal investigator, working alongside Gemma Smith, the lead research nurse for the VAPOR study in Swansea Bay.
Gemma emphasised the non-invasive nature of the test. She said: “We are screening patients who have a confirmed pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. All you have to do is blow into a bag.”
Dr Nicola Williams, National Director of Support and Delivery at Health and Care Research Wales, highlighted the trial's potential to transform the early diagnosis of pancreatic cancer, which is typically diagnosed too late for effective treatment.
She said, “I am particularly moved by Kay’s involvement in VAPOR. She is an inspiration and a powerful reminder of the vital role that trial participants have in research.”
Pancreatic cancer, predominantly affecting individuals aged 50 to 80, has a low survival rate due to its late detection. VAPOR, funded by Pancreatic Cancer UK, is part of broader research to determine if breath tests can detect various cancers.
To date, 10 patients have participated, with a goal of reaching 30 by the study's conclusion later this year.
Find out more about the trial.
