The potential of breath analysis to improve outcome for patients with lung cancer
Lung cancer remains the most common cause of cancer related death in both the UK and USA.
Development of diagnostic approaches that have the ability to detect lung cancer early are a
research priority with potential to improve survival. Analysis of exhaled breath metabolites, or
volatile organic compounds (VOCs) is an area of considerable interest as it could fulfil such
requirements. Numerous studies have shown that VOC profiles are different in the breath of patients
with lung cancer compared to healthy individuals or those with non-malignant lung diseases. This
review provides a scientific and clinical assessment of the potential value of a breath test in lung
cancer. It discusses the current understanding of metabolic pathways that contribute to exhaled VOC
production in lung cancer and reviews the research conducted to date. Finally, we highlight
important areas for future research and discuss how a breath test could be incorporated into various
clinical pathways.
Source: Journal of Breath Research - Category: Respiratory Medicine Authors: S X Antoniou, E Gaude, M Ruparel, M P van der Schee, S M Janes, R C Rintoul and on behalf of LuCID research group Source Type: research