Cancer Prevention Group
Patient and Public Involvement
BEST4
BEST4 is a study looking to see if a new test, called a Cytosponge, can help pick up cancer of the oesophagus (food pipe) early. Before we start, we want to hear from people with heartburn, reflux or indigestion about their views on the idea of the Cytosponge and the study plans.
The Cytosponge is a pill (the size of a vitamin) on a string, which expands into a small sponge in the stomach. The sponge is then pulled up gently by a nurse and collects cells as it passes through the oesophagus. Experts then look to see if the cells are normal.
The Cytosponge test can find problems of the oesophagus that are more common among people with heartburn, reflux and/or indigestion. We hope that by looking for these problems and treating them early, we can stop oesophageal cancer from forming.
You don’t need to know anything about the Cytosponge or research to get involved.
There may be further ways to carry on helping the trial after these group sessions.
For any questions or to share your interest in taking part, please get in touch with us at cpg-ppi@kcl.ac.uk.
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