The Icons
  • SDG
  • ESG
  • Leadership
  • Business
  • World
  • Health
  • Succession
  • Innovation
  • More
    • Entertainment
    • Academic
    • Culture
    • Lastest
    • Lifestyle
    • Tech
    • Opinion
    • About《The Icons》
  • Chinese 中文
Login
No Result
View All Result
The Icons
No Result
View All Result
Home Academic

NHS Chief Executive Amanda Pritchard: Cambridge’s Latest Capsule Sponge Test Puts Oesophageal Cancer Further at Bay!

Jason Chen 陳福國 by Jason Chen 陳福國
April 26, 2024
(Photography:Steve Back)

(Photography:Steve Back)


In an interview with《The Icons》, it was revealed that a novel diagnostic test developed by researchers from the University of Cambridge and trialled by the NHS has significantly reduced the necessity for invasive endoscopy in thousands of patients at low risk. This innovation has been instrumental in alleviating the demand for endoscopies, thus prioritising capacity for patients at higher risk and those urgently referred for oesophageal cancer tests.

You might also like

Sandra Chukwudozie, CEO of Salpha Energy: Lighting Up Africa’s Sustainable Future with a Single Solar Lamp

Founder of the Kazuo Inamori Philosophy Cultural Association, Joyceman Chang: Paving a Future of Inner Harmony and Sustainability Through the Way of Philosophy

30 Youth Nations Unite in Bangkok to Co-Create a Sustainability Declaration! UN OICT Consultant Jack Huang: Youth Must Be More Than Advocates—They Must Become Curators of Action

The NHS pilot, which assessed over 8,500 patients using the ‘capsule sponge test’, demonstrated that nearly eight out of ten patients who underwent the test were discharged without the need for further examinations. This has notably freed up endoscopy resources for patients at a higher risk and those urgently needing tests for oesophageal cancer.

A novel diagnostic test developed by researchers from Cambridge and trialled by the NHS has significantly reduced the necessity for invasive endoscopy in thousands of patients at low risk. (Photography: University of Cambridge)

The procedure entails patients swallowing a diminutive capsule-like device containing a tiny sponge designed to collect cell samples for analysis. Following collection, the sponge is retrieved through a string thread attached to it. The innovative test was developed by Professor Rebecca Fitzgerald, Director of the Early Cancer Institute at the University of Cambridge.

Professor Fitzgerald expressed her enthusiasm about the NHS England’s real-world pilot’s positive outcomes for the capsule-sponge test. She remarked, “It is tremendously exciting to witness the favourable results of the NHS England real-world pilot for our capsule-sponge test. This marks a significant advancement in making this straightforward test more widely available beyond clinical trials. Prompt diagnosis is crucial for enhancing patient outcomes.”

Barrett’s oesophagus, a condition affecting the oesophagus that may lead to oesophageal cancer in some patients, is typically diagnosed or excluded through an endoscopy following a referral from a GP to a gastroenterologist or another specialist capable of performing the procedure.

The sponge-on-a-string test trialled by the NHS offers a quick and non-sedative alternative during a brief appointment.

Amanda Pritchard, Chief Executive of the NHS, stated, “Thousands have now benefited from this incredibly efficient test within the NHS – whilst the sponge on a string is compact in size, it can significantly impact patients – allowing them to conveniently incorporate the test into their day. It often obviates the need for an endoscopy whilst also aiding in reducing waiting lists by freeing up staff and resources.”

In a survey conducted among over 250 patients who had undergone the capsule sponge test, many reported they would recommend the test to friends or family, with 94% experiencing only mild or no discomfort whatsoever.

New NHS England chief exec Amanda Pritchard with health secretary Sajid Javid. (Photography: Sajid Javid via Twitter)

The NHS initiated the test pilot during the pandemic amid heightened service pressures and a growing backlog for endoscopies.

Gastro-oesophageal reflux, or acid reflux, affects approximately one to two in every ten individuals to some extent, with some of these individuals potentially having or developing Barrett’s oesophagus, a precursor to oesophageal cancer.

There are around 9,300 new cases of oesophageal cancer in the UK annually. Detecting Barrett’s oesophagus at an earlier stage before it becomes cancerous is key to saving lives.

The NHS pilot was launched across 30 hospital sites in 17 areas in England, including Manchester, Plymouth, London, Kent, and Cumbria. The evaluation of the pilot indicated that the capsule sponge is highly cost-effective compared to using only endoscopy for diagnosis, saving approximately £400 per patient.

Patients with positive results from the capsule sponge test referred for an endoscopy had a 27.2% prevalence of Barrett’s oesophagus, compared to none among patients with negative results who completed an endoscopy.

One of the first pilot sites, at East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust, has now conducted around 1,400 capsule sponge tests – offered to patients with reflux symptoms through a new consultant-led, nurse-run early diagnosis service, as well as to patients on an existing Barrett’s surveillance programme.

In the first 1,000 patients, the capsule test identified Barrett’s in 6% of patients with reflux symptoms and discovered two new cancers and three cases of dysplasia, potentially hastening the diagnosis time. Furthermore, 72% of patients with reflux symptoms were discharged back to their GP without the need for an endoscopy.

As of January, 368 patients have had a positive test result, approximately half of whom have confirmed Barrett’s oesophagus.

Dr Danielle Morris, a consultant gastroenterologist at East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust, commented, “Employing the capsule sponge test as a diagnostic triage tool has provided immense benefits for patients, avoiding the necessity for an unnecessary gastroscopy in almost seven out of ten patients, and assisting in reducing endoscopy waiting lists. This enables us to prioritise those who truly require an endoscopy to have it conducted promptly.

“The test is performed by a single trained practitioner in an outpatient setting, making it significantly resource-efficient compared to a gastroscopy. Our patients are very supportive of the service – with nearly nine out of ten patients favouring the capsule sponge over a gastroscopy.”

Amanda Pritchard, Chief Executive of the NHS, stated that thousands have now benefited from this incredibly efficient test within the NHS.(Photography: Steve Back)

Recommend for you:

Navigating Sustainable Transformation! Catherine Huang, Sustainability Director of Victor Taichung of Taiwan, Chairperson of TDEA: Persist in Doing the Right Things, Leading the New Generation of Entrepreneurs to Transform Fundamentally

Is the Global ESG Standard a Mess? TXA Private Board Secretary General Steve Hsu: Become the “Market Definer”!

Tags: Amanda PritchardBarrett's oesophaguscapsule sponge testNHSoesophageal cancerRebecca FitzgeraldUniversity of Cambridge
ShareShareTweet
Jason Chen 陳福國

Jason Chen 陳福國

Someone who is currently learning the true meaning of life, other than the fact that it is a certain number. 現在在學習生活真正的意義,除了它是某一個數字。

Recommended For You

Sandra Chukwudozie, CEO of Salpha Energy. (Photography: Vanguardngr)

Sandra Chukwudozie, CEO of Salpha Energy: Lighting Up Africa’s Sustainable Future with a Single Solar Lamp

by Alicia Tan
May 28, 2025

...

Founder of the Kazuo Inamori Philosophy Cultural Association, Joyceman Chang. (Photography: Joyceman Chang)

Founder of the Kazuo Inamori Philosophy Cultural Association, Joyceman Chang: Paving a Future of Inner Harmony and Sustainability Through the Way of Philosophy

by Gary Kung
May 23, 2025

...

UN OICT Consultant Jack Huang. (Photography: 2025 UN-SDGs Bootcamp & Forum)

30 Youth Nations Unite in Bangkok to Co-Create a Sustainability Declaration! UN OICT Consultant Jack Huang: Youth Must Be More Than Advocates—They Must Become Curators of Action

by Kawin Lee
May 14, 2025

...

Dr. Pattarada Rungruang, Vice President of Southeast Bangkok College (left), Jay Wei, Chairman of the Chinese Youth Growth Foundation (center), and Kimanzi Margaret Wanjiru, Youth Representative from Kenya (right). (Photography: 2025 UN-SDGs Bootcamp & Forum)

30 Youth Nations Unite in Bangkok to Present the Bangkok Youth Sustainability Declaration UN SDG Forum Initiator Jay Wei: When the World Needs Rebuilding, Education Must Be Redefined

by Alicia Tan
May 12, 2025

...

De Pure Founder Debby Chen. (Photography: De Pure)

De Pure Founders Debby Chen and Lilian Chen’s Gentle Revolution: When Women Begin a Private Dialogue with Themselves, the World Begins to Change

by Ricky Wang 王瑞琪
May 5, 2025

...

Next Post
(Photography: Lee Tianqi)

Resilience, Tenacity, and Making Friends Worldwide! Chairman Lee Tianqi of the World Taiwanese Chambers of Commerce: The Enduring Story of Taiwanese Entrepreneurs Continues!

Top Views

(Photography: Leo International)

Leo International Group Chairman and Founder Leo Wang: A Century-Old Business’s DNA Must Be Etched with Empathy for the World

May 16, 2024
Artist Grace Tan. (Photography: Grace Tan)

Transcending Cultures and Time — Artist Grace Tan: Art Finds Its True Vitality When It Resonates with Others

March 31, 2025
NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang(Photography: BusinessToday)

NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang: AI and Sustainability Dual Engines Driving a New Era

July 2, 2024
Leo Wang, Chairman of Leo International Group(Photography: Leo International Group)

Expanding Into the Global Healthcare Market! Leo International Group Chairman and Founder Leo Wang: Building a Sustainable Business Model Through Continuous Acquisition of High-Quality Enterprises

February 12, 2025
Initiate ESG, Influence The World with A Piece of Paper! President of Taiwan Lung Meng Advanced Composite Materials CO., LTD, Henry Liang: Use Stone Paper to Create Midas Touch

Initiate ESG, Influence The World with A Piece of Paper! President of Taiwan Lung Meng Advanced Composite Materials CO., LTD, Henry Liang: Use Stone Paper to Create Midas Touch

December 16, 2022
Kate Wylie, CHANEL's Chief Sustainability Officer. (Photography: CHANEL)

Vision and Commitment to Sustainable Development! CHANEL Chief Sustainability Officer, Kate Wylie: Climate Change is No Longer a Future Problem but a Present Reality We Must Face

September 30, 2024

The Icons

  • About 《The Icons》
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use

CATEGORIES

SDG Business Succession Academic Lifestyle
ESG World Innovation Culture Tech
Leadership Health Entertainment Latest Opinion

CONTACT US

Email: hello@theicons.net

© 2025 THE ICONS COLLECTIVE LTD. All Rights Reserved.

Sign in or create your account
OR USE
Please wait. Signing you in...
Forgot Password?
Signin with another account
OR USE
Please wait. Signing you in...
Already have an account? Login.
OR USE
Please wait. Signing you in...
Enter your email address or username to continue.
No Result
View All Result
  • Chinese 中文
  • SDG
  • ESG
  • Leadership
  • Business
  • World
  • Health
  • Succession
  • Innovation
  • Entertainment
  • Academic
  • Culture
  • Lastest
  • Lifestyle
  • Tech
  • Opinion
  • About《The Icons》
  • Login

© 2025 THE ICONS COLLECTIVE LTD. All Rights Reserved.

Are you sure want to unlock this post?
Unlock left : 0
Are you sure want to cancel subscription?