Summary
Raman Spectroscopy and Colorectal Cancer: Towards Early Diagnosis and Personalised Medicine
Funder: Welsh Government’s Efficiency Through Technology Fund
Background and study aims
Bowel cancer is one of the commonest cancers worldwide. Earlier detection causes better outcomes for patients and longer survival. Symptoms of bowel cancer are non-specific and are shared by harmless bowel disorders. It is a challenge for doctors in general practice to diagnose bowel cancer and many symptomatic patients are sent to hospital for tests to rule it out. This is normally a colonoscopy, which is expensive, uncomfortable and can be harmful. The current approach to diagnosis causes great anxiety in patients waiting for these tests and is not a prudent approach to diagnosis. To allow earlier diagnosis by GPs we have studied whether a newly designed blood test taken in primary care is accurate and effective in patients with bowel symptoms that could be linked with cancer. This would benefit a large number of patients who are concerned about their bowel symptoms without the need for referral to hospital. It could also lead to diagnosis of bowel cancer at an earlier stage improving survival in the longer term. The aim of this study is to use a newly developed blood test for bowel cancer in primary care to achieve an earlier diagnosis. This would allow more timely appropriate treatment both for patients diagnosed with bowel cancer and those who are cancer free.
Who can participate?
Adults aged 50 years and older who have symptoms of bowel cancer.
What does the study involve?
Participants are randomly allocated to one of two groups. Those in the first group have their Raman spectroscopy blood test done immediately and those in the second grou have their sample tested after they’ve had a diagnosis. The amount of participants who are referred on the USC pathway from each group are assessed after 12 months.
What are the possible benefits and risks of participating?
For the patients allocated to the Raman test being conducted immediately, the GP will be notified of the result and can make an informed decision on the planned referral / treatment decision for the patient. A negative Raman result may result in avoiding an unnecessary intrusive investigation of the colon. A positive Raman result will ensure a speedy triage and investigations in secondary care. There are a few risks involved in this trial. The patient is only providing one extra blood sample beyond what would be expected for standard care. There may be a small risk associated with having to fast for the sample but the patient can elect to have their sample taken early in the morning to avoid any potential issues. Additionally, there is a possibility that we will have false negative tests from the Raman test which may cause a delay in treatment for the patient. However, the GP retains the right to refer the patient on the USC pathway, irrespective of the Raman result.
Where is the study run from?
Swansea Bay University Health Board (UK)
When is the study starting and how long is it expected to run for?
January 2017 to December 2017
RAMAN-CRC in the news
Nanotechnology research could improve tests for bowel cancer
Swansea Bay University Health Board
Swansea Uni Scientists Hit the Headlines
Cancer Research Wales
Nanotechnology research could improve tests for bowel cancer
Swansea University
Contact Details
Trial Manager / Lead Contact: Dr Kym Carter
Phone: 01792 606372
Email: k.carter@swansea.ac.uk
ISCRTN Number: 37247461 ;