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A trial using the Cytosponge test in GP surgeries for people with heartburn symptoms (BEST3)

Overview

Cancer types:

Oesophageal cancer

Status:

Results

Phase:

Other

Details

This trial was done to see if using a capsule sponge could help diagnose Barrett’s oesophagus in people who are on medication for long term heartburn. And to see if it could help detect early cancerous changes.

You might see the capsule sponge called a Cytosponge.

Cancer Research UK supported this trial. People could join between 2017 and 2019.

The team published several results articles between 2020 and 2023.

Recruitment start: 1 April 2017

Recruitment end: 1 April 2019

How to join

Please note: In order to you will need to discuss it with your doctor, unless otherwise specified.

Chief investigators

Professor Rebecca Fitzgerald

Professor Peter Sasieni

Supported by

Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Cancer Research UK

King’s College London

Medtronic

MRC Cancer Unit - University of Cambridge

National Institute for Health Research (NIHR)

Queen Mary University of London

Last reviewed: 09 Dec 2025

CRUK internal database number: 14511

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