Pill-Sized device could replace endoscopy for esophageal cancer risk
NCT ID NCT03830801
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This pilot study tests a new swallowable capsule that uses optical coherence tomography (OCT) to take detailed images of the esophagus and collect targeted tissue samples from areas of concern in people with Barrett's esophagus. The goal is to see if this less invasive method can provide enough tissue for genomic analysis to better predict the risk of developing esophageal cancer. The study involves 30 participants and focuses on the feasibility of the technique.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- IVLCM tethered capsule (device)
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could lead to a less invasive way to collect tissue samples from Barrett's esophagus, potentially improving early detection of esophageal cancer risk without the need for traditional endoscopy.
- What could go wrong
- This is a very early pilot study with only 30 participants, so it is not yet proven to work in practice. The technology may not reliably collect enough tissue for analysis, and results may not apply to all patients.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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About 30 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Dec 2017
- Expected to finish
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Dec 2028
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 years and older
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
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Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Participants must have a current or prior diagnosis of Barrett's Esophagus * Participants must be over the age of 18. * Participants must be able to give informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: * Pregnant women. * Participants who are on anti-platelet medications or anti-coagulation medications, and NSAIDS at the time of procedure. * Participants with a history of hemostasis disorders. * Participants with esophageal strictures, resulting in a luminal diameter smaller than the diameter of the capsule. * Participants with a know history of esophageal varices * Participants above 80 years of age
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Genom att skicka in godkänner du våra Användarvillkor
Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The study's own enquiry address
This study publishes an address for enquiries. See it below .
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The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Show contact details
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Genom att skicka in godkänner du våra Användarvillkor
Study contacts
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Contact
Email: •••••@•••••
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Contact
Email: •••••@•••••
Locations
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Massachusetts General Hospital
RECRUITINGBoston, Massachusetts, 02114, United States
Contact Email: •••••@•••••
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- Which biopsy method best spots early esophageal cancer?
- New cutting tool may outperform heat therapy for Barrett's esophagus