‘Sponge on a string’ test expands in north east London

An innovative cancer test which is a quicker alternative to traditional techniques such as an endoscopy is now available to patients at Whipps Cross Hospital for the first time. Known as Cytosponge, or ‘Sponge on a String’, this remarkable tool features an expanding pill which turns into a sponge when swallowed, and when pulled back out of your mouth collects cells along the way.

Sounds tricky? Well, considering the entire appointment takes less than 30 minutes and doesn’t require sedation, this technique is much less invasive and disrupting to your day than other diagnostic tests. As one patient said, “I didn’t feel any pain, I feel like a could eat a full English breakfast now!”

North East London Cancer Alliance originally launched Cytosponge at Queen’s Hospital in Romford year and this expansion to Whipps Cross means that even more patients in north east London can access this quick and easy test.

How does it work?

A patient swallows a pill which expands into a small sponge in the stomach. The pill is also attached to a bit of string which the nurse holds.  Once the pill has expanded – which takes around 7 minutes - the nurse then pulls this back out of a patient's mouth with the string. The sponge collects cells on the way out which can then be sent off for analysis.

To see how this works, watch our video: https://youtu.be/GGet3ybabHs

What does it test for?

Cytosponge is used to test for, and monitor, Barrett’s oesophagus. This is considered a precancerous condition and increases the risk of oesophageal cancer.

While only a small percentage of patients with Barrett’s oesophagus end up developing oesophageal cancer, it is important to monitor the condition in case it begins to progress.

Over 9,000 people are diagnosed with oesophageal cancer each year in the UK. This is a cancer that is difficult to treat if not caught early, which is why screening of suspected cancer in this area is crucial – and why Cytosponge is a major breakthrough for patients.

What do patients think?

Feedback from Barts Health patients has been really positive so far since the launch at Whipps Cross Hospital. Some of the comments include:

“Much quicker and gentle”

“Very kind and helpful staff. Procedure simple and short”

“Very lovely people made me feel very relaxed. Thank you for everything”

“Less invasive procedure. Everything explained well.”

Jenni McGivney, Programme Manager for North East London Cancer Alliance, says: “Innovations such as Cytosponge really help us to boost our diagnostic capacity in north east London, helping more patients to get tested sooner.

“Early diagnosis is key, as that is when treatment is easier and more likely to be effective. At the same time as increasing capacity, the Cytosponge test is a lot quicker than traditional procedures, which helps to improve the patient experience. This is something we are continuously aiming to do as a cancer alliance.

“Staff at Queen’s and Whipps Cross Hospitals deserve a huge thank you for the way they have implemented Cytosponge so effectively. The way they are working with patients and setting a high standard of care is reflected in the positive feedback we are getting.”