An innovative ‘sponge-on-a-string’ test is helping the NHS rule out cancer earlier and free up crucial capacity for higher-risk patients to cut waiting lists.
Launched as a pilot during the pandemic, the test identifies patients with Barrett’s oesophagus which can be a precursor to oesophageal cancer and is typically diagnosed via more invasive endoscopy.
The so-called sponge-on-a-string test, however, involves the patient swallowing a small coated pill surrounded by sponge which, on its way back up, collects cell samples for analysis.
This can be done quickly and without the need for sedation.
NHS England (NHSE) says the sponge test has proven to be highly cost effective compared to the endoscopy alternative, with savings at around £400 per patient.
“…while the sponge on a string is small in size, it can make a big difference for patients…”
An evaluation of a selection of patients who underwent this procedure found that nearly eight in 10 discharged without the need for further testing, allowing more in-need patients vital time and attention.
A survey of more than 350 patients also showed that almost 19 in 20 patients feel mild or no discomfort at all during the test.
NHSE’s chief executive, Amanda Pritchard, says: “Thousands of people have now benefitted from this incredibly efficient test on the NHS – while the sponge on a string is small in size, it can make a big difference for patients”.
Pritchard adds that the capsule-sponge test is convenient for patients, and replaces the need for endoscopy which helps reduce waiting lists.
It is “just one example of many pioneering tools” trialled by the NHS to aid detection and diagnosis in recent years.
There are over 9,000 new cases of oesophageal cancer every year in the UK. NHSE’s pilot has tested more than 8,500 patients so far.
The test was developed by Professor Rebecca Fitzgerald, director of the University of Cambridge’s early cancer institute.
“This is a major step forward to making this simple test more routinely available outside of clinical trials,” explains Prof Fitzgerald. “Timely diagnosis is vital for improving outcomes for patients.”
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