New cytosponge service revolutionises gastrointestinal physiology

Though Healthcare Science Week may have passed, our gastrointestinal physiology service based at Sandwell has recently started a cytosponge service as part of an innovative NHS England pilot.

Cytosponge, also known as a pill on a string, is a new diagnostic test to help detect the early stages of oesophageal cancer in patients with reflux disease.

“The test involves a patient swallowing a capsule consisting of a spherical sponge in a dissolvable capsule, which is attached to a thread, said John Hayman, Clinical Scientist.

“When the capsule is swallowed, the outer coating of the capsule dissolves within seven minutes resulting in the sponge expanding into small, rough-textured sponge in a person's stomach. The sponge is then pulled back up by pulling on the string and it collects cells from the lining of proximal stomach and the oesophagus as it goes.”

Clinical trials have shown it to be a safe, acceptable, and accurate way of detecting cancer and other oesophageal conditions such as eosinophilic oesophagitis (EoE), oesophageal candida, and oesophagitis.

Traditionally these patients would have undergone an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy to diagnose these conditions, however cytosponge is being used to help reduce backlogs post COVID and acts as a less invasive alternative to normal upper gastrointestinal endoscopy in selected patients. It also helps patients as it reduces pressure on the endoscopy department, meaning that more complex patients can be seen quicker.

John believes the cytosponge service will be hugely beneficial for our patients.

He said: “The service will benefit our patients massively as studies have shown that cytosponge is more acceptable for patients when compared to conventional endoscopy. It is generally better tolerated, and it does not involve any sedation, avoiding associated risks and prolonged recovery times meaning patients can go home straight away.”

He added: “It is a quick and painless test and helps to reduce pressures on the endoscopy unit. Patients can be seen in a normal clinic room with tests lasting no longer than 30 minutes from start to finish. The general feedback so far from patients has been extremely positive, with it being a welltolerated and quick test.”