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Scientists at Imperial College London, led by Professor George Hanna, are trialling a groundbreaking breath test that could transform the early detection of pancreatic cancer, one of the deadliest forms of cancer. Funded by Pancreatic Cancer UK with £1.1 million, this world-first national trial will involve 6,000 patients across 40 sites in England, Wales, and Scotland. The goal is to create a simple, non-invasive diagnostic tool that could be used in GP surgeries within five years—potentially catching the disease earlier when treatment is more effective.
Pancreatic cancer is often diagnosed late because its symptoms, such as back pain and indigestion, are vague and easily mistaken for other conditions. Currently, more than 60% of cases in England and Wales are diagnosed at stage four, when survival chances are extremely poor—around one in five patients die within 30 days of diagnosis. The new breath test could change that trajectory by allowing doctors to identify the disease before it spreads.
The test works by analysing volatile organic compounds (VOCs)—tiny molecules released into the bloodstream by the body’s metabolic processes and expelled in breath. Researchers have found that unique patterns of these VOCs can indicate the presence of pancreatic cancer, even at very early stages. In previous smaller studies involving 700 patients, this approach produced “promising” results, giving scientists confidence to expand testing to a much larger, more diverse population.
If successful, this technology could be the first non-invasive screening tool for pancreatic cancer and a major advance in cancer diagnostics overall. Professor Hanna said the team hopes to validate the test’s accuracy in patients with undiagnosed conditions and reshape how pancreatic cancer referrals are made. Diana Jupp, Chief Executive of Pancreatic Cancer UK, called the project “the most significant step toward a life-saving breakthrough in 50 years,” marking a rare moment of real optimism in the fight against this often-overlooked disease.
