Lung cancer breath test: a possibility?
Monitoring exhaled breath in individuals at risk of lung cancer could be used as a diagnostic tool.
Researchers at Cleveland Clinic (IL, USA) have recently discovered that a test on a patient’s exhaled breath could detect lung cancer. The team’s early studies suggested that a biomarker found in exhaled breath could be developed for use as a clinical test.
Peter Mazzone, director of the lung cancer program for the Respiratory Institute at Cleveland Clinic commented on the research, “We believe that cancer cells release a unique chemical signature related to the tumor-growing process. We are currently developing a breath-based test based on the results of our research.”
Cleveland Clinic scientists compared breath profiles of 82 people who had biopsy-confirmed lung cancer, but had not yet received treatment, with 155 people in a control group, who were either at risk for lung cancer or had benign lung nodules. The team used a colorimetric sensor array to analyze the individual’s breath while they breathed normally. The array displays a pattern of color changes when exposed to markers for lung cancer. After continuous monitoring of the subjects breath, the sensor changes accurately distinguished the breath of the control group from the individuals with lung cancer.
Michael Baumann, president-elect, American College of Chest Physicians commented on the importance of this research, “Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the USA. We welcome the cutting-edge research that can help in diagnosis and treatment of this devastating illness.”
