BEST4: A Groundbreaking Trial in Partnership with the NHS
We are excited to announce that we are supporting The BEST4 research programme, finding ways to improve care for people heartburn, indigestion and acid reflux.
The BEST4 trial is exploring new ways to detect and prevent oesophageal cancer in people with persistent heartburn, indigestion, or acid reflux. The programme is looking for at least 120,000 volunteers who live in the UK and experience these symptoms.
As part of the trial, participants will be invited (by text message) to a research screening programme for heartburn, indigestion and acid reflux.
You may be invited if you are:
- A woman aged between 65 to 79
- A man aged between 55 to 79 (the age range is different for men and women because men are at increased risk at a younger age)
- Someone who takes regular medication for heartburn, indigestion or acid reflux
- Part of the Heartburn Health programme and randomly selected to join the Best4 trial
If you choose to take part you will be invited to have a one-off capsule sponge test at one of the BEST4 mobile units.
The capsule sponge test can identify conditions like Barrett’s Oesophagus earlier. Using the capsule sponge test to screen for health problems will allow us to find these earlier when they are easier to treat.
The trial will collect health information held about people by central UK NHS bodies for up to 12 years. This will show us whether screening for health problems using the capsule sponge test improves long-term health. If successful, this test could become part of a National Screening Programme, helping to reduce complications and improve survival rates.
Join now to make your health data matter and help improve the lives of people with heartburn, indigestion and acid reflux.
Look out for your text message invite from NHSresearch to take part. Visit best4trial.org for more information.
Update June 2025:Â The Best4 Research Programme was recently featured on the ITV news! You can watch it here.
Update December 2025: The Best4 Trial featured in an article in The Times, you can read the article here.
