Breath Test Detects Lung Cancer
February 27, 2007 by Gloria Gamat
Filed under Diseases & Conditions
Even early stage lung cancer can be moderately detected by a breath test.
The test comprises a chemical colour sensor, which detects tiny changes in the unique chemical signature of the breath of people with lung cancer.
Metabolic changes in lung cancer cells cause changes in the production and processing of volatile organic compounds, which are then breathed out.
As reported by the research team in Thorax (published ahead of print), the results showed that the test was able to accurately predict the presence of cancer in just under three out of four of those with lung cancer.
The study was led by Dr. Peter Mazzone, director of the lung cancer program at the Cleveland Clinic.
Lung cancer is “silent” cancer that is usually detected when it’s at a later stage. Screening for lung cancer is not only expensive but also tricky. However, like in any other cancer types, lung cancer is better detected early.
While a lot of work needs to be done on this breath test, the method will potentially save a lot of lives in the near future.
Read more details from Science Daily and The Washington Post
