Share

Breath test for cancer

Testing exhaled breath with a small sensor array can detect lung cancer with moderate accuracy, researchers report.

The testing device, which contains 36 spots impregnated with chemically sensitive compounds, works by detecting patterns of volatile organic compounds in exhaled breath. These spots change colours when exposed to particular chemicals.

The goal of the study reported in the medical journal Thorax was to determine if various colour patterns could be identified that accurately detect lung cancer.

The study included 49 patients with non-small-cell lung cancer, 73 with various other, non-malignant lung diseases, and 21 healthy "controls." Data from 70 percent of the subjects were used to identify a pattern that indicated the presence of lung cancer, which was then tested in the remaining 30 percent.

73% of cancers spotted
The predictive pattern identified by the researchers was able to spot 73 percent of cancers, while it incorrectly identified 28 percent of non-malignant conditions as cancerous.

"Further work may clarify the nature of the distinct breath constituents," conclude Dr Peter J. Mazzone, from The Cleveland Clinic, Ohio, and colleagues. "This would help to guide refinement of the sensor array and breath collection system to maximise the diagnostic accuracy of the test."

SOURCE: Thorax, July 2007. – (ReutersHealth)

Read more:
Stop smoking Centre

July 2007

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE