A study of a test to look for possible return of oesophageal cancer after chemoradiation treatment (CYTOFLOC)
Please note - this trial is no longer recruiting patients. We hope to add results when they are available.
Cancer type:
Status:
Phase:
This study is looking at a test called Cytosponge to see if it can be used to check for cancer of the food pipe (oesophageal cancer) after chemoradiation.
Chemoradiation is a treatment for oesophageal cancer where you have chemotherapy and radiotherapy together.
Cancer Research UK supports this study.
More about this trial
- many people can successfully use the Cytosponge
- safe the Cytosponge is to use for people who have had chemoradiation treatment for oesophageal cancer
- acceptable it is for people to use
- well it works
Who can enter
- have had chemoradiation treatment for your oesophageal cancer
- finished your chemoradiation treatment 4 to 16 weeks ago
- can swallow moist, soft, semi solid food
- can swallow tablets
- can have an endoscopy
- are at least 16 years old
- have enlarged veins close to the lining of the food pipe that might bleed (oesophageal varices) or a narrowing (stricture) that needs a tube (stent) to allow food and drink to pass through
- are taking medication that thins the blood such as warfarin unless you are able to stop taking them for a few days (if required)
- have any other medical condition, mental health condition or social condition that your doctor or the trial team think could affect you taking part in the study
Trial design
This is a feasibility study. The study team need 50 people to join.
You have the Cytosponge after chemoradiation.
If you are having a routine endoscopy, the study team aim for this to be at the same time.
If you are having surgery after chemoradiation, the study team aim for the Cytosponge to be done a few days before surgery or on the day of surgery.
You shouldn’t drink or eat for 4 hours before the Cytosponge.
You swallow a small capsule with a drink of water. The capsule contains a sponge, covered in gelatine, which is attached to a string.
After 5 minutes, the gelatine dissolves and the sponge can be gently removed by pulling on the string. You may have a spray to numb your throat () before pulling it out if needed.
As the sponge is pulled up and out of your mouth, it collects cells from the lining of your oesophagus, which can then be studied in the laboratory.
- your experience of having the Cytosponge
- if you would have it again
- whether you would recommend having the Cytosponge to someone else

Hospital visits
You have 2 extra hospital visits between 4 and 16 weeks after your chemoradiation. Although in some cases these 2 visits might be combined.
The 1st is to check that you can have the Cytosponge. The 2nd is to have the Cytosponge.
Side effects
Cytosponge has been used by over 2,000 people with other conditions in other clinical trials. It is very safe to use in and early oesophageal cancer.
The most common side effect is a mild sore throat for a day or 2 after.
Recruitment start:
Recruitment end:
How to join a clinical trial
Please note: In order to join a trial you will need to discuss it with your doctor, unless otherwise specified.
Chief Investigator
Professor Somnath Mukherjee
Supported by
Cancer Research UK
University of Oxford
University of Cambridge
Cambridge University Hospitals’ NHS Foundation Trust
If you have questions about the trial please contact our cancer information nurses
Freephone 0808 800 4040