PATIENTS with suspected lung cancer could in future be breathalysed to check if they have the disease.
Scientists have developed a sensor that can quickly detect lung cancer molecules on the breath.
They believe the technology could lead to cheap, portable breath-test devices with the potential to save large numbers of lives by spotting cancer early.
The lung cancer biomarkers were found by comparing breath samples from 40 diagnosed patients and 56 healthy individuals. The researchers identified 42 “volatile organic compounds” (VOCs) present in the breath of 83% of cancer patients.
In tests the device easily distinguished simulated “healthy” and “cancerous” breath made from artificial compound mixtures.
The Israeli scientists say: “Our results show great promise for fast, easy and cost-effective diagnosis and screening of lung cancer. The devices are expected to be relatively inexpensive.”
