Can a Breath Test Diagnose Mesothelioma in the Early Stages?

Much of mesothelioma research centers on identifying new and noninvasive biomarkers for earlier detection of the asbestos-related cancer. Progress has been made in finding biomarkers in blood and pleural effusions, but researchers in Belgium now believe the next breakthrough in early diagnosis for mesothelioma cancer may be a breath test. Researchers at Ghent University Hospital and Antwerp University Hospital recently highlighted the potential of breath analysis, called breathomics, as a noninvasive screening tool for malignant pleural mesothelioma. The Oncotarget medical journal published the study in May. Breath tests or electronic noses are not a new innovation, but the science behind them — especially as an early detection device for cancer — is improving. The tool uses spectrometric, chromatographic and sensor techniques to identify organic molecules in breath as biomarkers. There are still challenges, including improving effectiveness and ease-of-use, lowering test-related costs and shortening the time for achieving an analytical result. There is also a need for more clinical studies with larger patient cohorts. But breath tests seem to be the most promising avenue for early detection. Current mesothelioma screening tools generally detect the cancer in advance stages. “We believe a breathomics-based biomarker approach should be further explored to improve the follow-up and management of asbestos exposed individuals,” lead researcher Sabrina Lagniau wrote ...
Source: Asbestos and Mesothelioma News - Category: Environmental Health Authors: Tags: Antwerp University Hospital biomarkers breath tests biomarkers for mesothelioma biopsies mesothelioma breath analysis mesothelioma breath test mesothelioma breathomics chromatography-mass spectrometry early detection of mesothelioma elec Source Type: news