Can new 'Electronic Nose' Device Diagnose Mesothelioma by Somone's Breath? Researchers Say Yes

Can cancer be detected by smell? Some researchers believe so. Italian and Dutch researchers created an "electronic nose" device that may be able to determine if someone has malignant pleural mesothelioma simply by sampling a patient's breath. One day, this may mean no more biopsies, no more CT scans and no more complications involved with the diagnostic process.That, at least, is the hope. A Breakthrough Product The device, called a Cyranose 320, evaluates an individual's "breath print" in search of dangerous organic compounds related to mesothelioma. Identification of certain compounds within a patient's breath will alert the device that the cancer may exist, allowing doctors to take the necessary action to mitigate the detriment Early testing has yielded promising results. The device, in 80 percent of cases, was able to determine people who had pleural mesothelioma compared to healthy individuals and those with some long-term asbestos exposure but no cancer. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer of the lining of the lungs and is typically caused by asbestos exposure. Between 2,000 and 3,000 cases of this cancer are found each year, with expectations that the incidence rate won't peak until 2020. Promising Results Data was conducted by analyzing 39 people in three groups: 13 patients with confirmed cases of pleural mesothelioma, confirmed by way of biopsy; 13 healthy individuals with no known asbestos exposure; and 13 people with known asbestos exposure but no signs of pleural meso...
Source: Asbestos and Mesothelioma News - Category: Environmental Health Authors: Tags: Research & Clinical Trials Source Type: news