Diagnosis of esophageal cancer: Sponge capsule instead of endoscopy

British scientists find new ways to diagnose esophageal cancer by examining the Cytosponge capsule made of sponges.

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After the patient swallowed Cytosponge capsules into the throat, it was taken backwards. On the way out exposed capsules, collecting tissue tissue.

Since then, researchers have tested the adherent cell tissue on capsules to diagnose the disease.

Through clinical trials of 1,000 British patients, the sponge capsule was found, well tolerated, providing accurate diagnostic results for most patients with esophageal cancer.

Cytosponge capsules made from foam help accurately diagnose esophageal cancer at low cost - (Photo: BBC News)

Traditionally, doctors use biopsies - small cell samples and throat endoscopy to diagnose and monitor patients at risk of esophageal cancer.

However, researchers at the Cancer Council at Cambridge University said that Cytosponge could replace the above biopsy method.

Another trial with 600 patients with heartburn symptoms and esophageal reflux had swallowed Cytosponge, and performed endoscopy.

The results showed that most patients prefer swallowing Cytosponge capsules than endoscopy. Nine out of every 10 patients have successfully performed a Cytosponge test.

In addition, Professor Rebecca Fitzgerald and colleagues said: 'Unlike endoscopy, Cytosponge is easy to use in GP surgery, safe and does not require any anesthesia'.

With a single Cytosponge capsule test, the patient only costs about 25 pounds (840,000 VND) compared to a traditional endoscopy of 600 pounds.

The results of this test will be presented at the annual meeting of the National Cancer Research Institute at Liverpool this week.