No heartburn? no problem? simple swallow test spots hidden esophagus risk

NCT ID NCT04880044

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study tested a new, office-based test called EsoCheck/EsoGuard to detect Barrett's esophagus in 132 people who do not have chronic heartburn but have other risk factors like being over 50, white, male, or having central obesity. Participants swallowed a capsule on a string to collect a sample from the esophagus, which was then tested for DNA markers. Those with a positive result underwent a standard endoscopy to confirm. The goal was to see how well this simpler test could identify Barrett's esophagus without needing a full endoscopic procedure.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

EsoCheck/EsoGuard (EC/EG) diagnostic test

What this could lead to

If successful, this could offer a simple, non-endoscopic way to screen for Barrett's esophagus in people without heartburn, potentially catching the condition earlier.

What could go wrong

This is a small, completed study focused on diagnostic accuracy, not a treatment trial. The test may not be widely adopted or may miss some cases.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Barrett esophagus

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Seidman Cancer Center, Case Comprehensive Cancer Center

    Cleveland, Ohio, 44106-5065, United States