Researchers Identify Two Compounds That Are Linked With Larynx Cancer

In a latest finding, researchers have identified two compounds present in human breath that act as potential biomarkers for larynx cancer.

Human breath is known to be flooded with thousands of volatile organic compounds (VOC) and a few of these compounds can be used as non-invasive biomarkers for various types of head and neck cancer, including larynx cancer.

In the latest study, researchers at the Alcorcon Hospital (Madrid) identified two compounds namely ethanol and 2-butanone, which are present in high concentrations in cancer patients.

The finding is based on an experiment conducted on 31 participants, out of which 20 were healthy subject. The remaining 11 had cancer of the larynx in several stages and were receiving treatment at the Alcoron Hospital, Madrid.

As a part of the study, the participants were made to breathe into tedlar bags after fasting for almost eight hours, just to make sure that their breath was not contaminated with leftover food or drinks.

The samples of breath were further examined with various techniques that include solid phase micro-extraction, gas chromatography and mass spectrometry techniques. These techniques enabled the researchers to separate and identify every minute substance. The concentration of the compounds are equal to or more than the detection limits of the equipment i.e. 40 nanograms/mL.

On analyzing the breath samples, the researchers saw that the air exhaled by those who were seriously ill and were in the stage T3 had various concentrations of seven compounds when compared to the levels of healthy participants.

In the graphics of those with advanced cancer, they noticed that the concentration of ethanol and 2-butanone was high. Hence they reveal that these two compounds are marked as the potential markers for laryngeal carcinoma. 

The main aim of the research was to generate an electronic nose that can be put to use at hospitals and health centers for early detection of such chronic disease. The researchers are currently working on creating sensors that can detect the disease with a simple breath analysis.

"At the moment it is still a preliminary study and a wider sample has to be obtained," Rafael García, professor of Chemical Engineering at the URJC and co-author of the study told SINC, "but it is a step in the right direction, an alternative with regard to identifying biomarkers, not only for this type of cancer but for other more prevalent and serious ones such as lung cancer, where early detection is key".

The finding was documented in Chromatographia.