Supporting Earlier Diagnosis of Oesophageal Cancer
Capsule Sponge is an innovative, minimally invasive test that helps identify people who may be at increased risk of developing oesophageal cancer.
The test involves swallowing a small capsule attached to a thread. Once the capsule reaches the stomach, it dissolves and releases a soft sponge. The sponge is then gently retrieved through the oesophagus, collecting cells from the lining of the oesophagus as it is withdrawn. These cells are analysed for changes associated with Barrett's oesophagus, a condition which can increase the risk of developing oesophageal cancer.
The procedure can be undertaken in an outpatient, community or primary care setting and offers a less invasive alternative to endoscopy for many patients. Evidence from more than a decade of clinical studies has demonstrated that Capsule Sponge is a safe, effective and well-tolerated approach for identifying people who may require further investigation.
Why Earlier Diagnosis Matters
Oesophageal cancer is often diagnosed at a late stage because symptoms may not develop until the disease has become more advanced. Earlier diagnosis increases the opportunity for more effective treatment and improved outcomes for patients.
Capsule Sponge helps identify patients with Barrett's oesophagus and other cellular changes earlier in the pathway, allowing those at highest risk to be prioritised for further investigation and treatment. It can also reduce the number of patients requiring endoscopy, helping improve patient experience while supporting more effective use of diagnostic capacity.
National NHS England Evaluation
The East of England Cancer Alliance played a key role in the NHS England national evaluation of Capsule Sponge technology between 2021 and 2023. The programme involved 17 Cancer Alliances and 30 hospital sites across England and evaluated the use of Capsule Sponge as a triage tool for patients with reflux symptoms who would otherwise have required endoscopy.
The evaluation demonstrated that Capsule Sponge could safely support clinical decision-making whilst reducing pressure on endoscopy services.
The programme demonstrated how innovation can support earlier diagnosis whilst helping to manage diagnostic demand and improve patient experience.
CYTOPRIME2
Building on the national evaluation, the East of England Cancer Alliance partnered with NHS England, SBRI Healthcare, Cyted Health and other Cancer Alliances to support CYTOPRIME2, a large-scale evaluation of Capsule Sponge testing delivered through community and primary care settings.
The programme aimed to identify people at increased risk of Barrett's oesophagus and oesophageal cancer earlier by providing access to Capsule Sponge testing closer to home. The evaluation was delivered across the East of England, Lancashire and South Cumbria, and Wessex Cancer Alliances.
The evaluation demonstrated significant benefits for both patients and the healthcare system.
CYTOPRIME2 also highlighted the potential for Capsule Sponge testing to be delivered successfully in community and primary care settings, improving accessibility and supporting earlier diagnosis whilst reducing burden on secondary care services.
Get Involved: Heartburn Health
The East of England Cancer Alliance is supporting Heartburn Health, a national research programme dedicated to finding new ways to improve care for people living with heartburn, indigestion and acid reflux.
Heartburn Health aims to improve the early detection of Barrett's oesophagus and oesophageal cancer through research, innovation and improved understanding of risk factors. By joining the programme, eligible participants may have opportunities to take part in important research studies, including the BEST4 Screening Trial, which is exploring new approaches to identifying people at increased risk of oesophageal cancer.
The programme is seeking at least 120,000 volunteers aged 55 to 79 who live in the UK and experience symptoms such as heartburn, indigestion or acid reflux.
By taking part, you can help researchers better understand these conditions, support the development of future screening programmes and contribute to improving outcomes for people across the UK.
How to take part
- Look out for a text message invitation from NHS Research.
- Register your interest through the Heartburn Health programme.
- Learn more about research opportunities that may be suitable for you.
For further information, visit:
Further Information and Support
If you would like to learn more about heartburn, acid reflux, Barrett's oesophagus and oesophageal cancer, the following resources may be helpful:
Heartburn Health Check: Patient Information Leaflet (long version 18 July)
Heartburn Health Check leaflets for patients (short version)
Heartburn Health Check leaflets for patients (easy read)
Heartburn Health Check leaflets for patients with barrett's oesophagus (long)
Heartburn Health Check leaflets for patients with barrett's with barrett's oesophagus (short)
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Animation on Heartburn Health Check
Working in Partnership
The East of England Cancer Alliance continues to work with NHS organisations, researchers, universities, industry partners and innovation networks to support the adoption and evaluation of technologies that can improve cancer outcomes.
Our work on Capsule Sponge supports the ambitions of the East of England Cancer Alliance Strategy, the National Cancer Plan for England and the NHS 10 Year Health Plan by:
- Supporting earlier diagnosis of cancer.
- Improving patient outcomes and experience.
- Reducing variation and inequalities.
- Enabling research and innovation.
- Making best use of diagnostic capacity.
- Supporting sustainable cancer services for the future.
Through partnership working and evidence-based innovation, we are helping ensure that patients across the East of England can benefit from earlier diagnosis and access to the latest advances in cancer care.