Simple Breath Test may Detect Early Signs of Lung Cancer

A recent study reveals how a simple breath test may potentially identify early-stage lung cancer, according to researchers from the University of Louisville.

For their experiment, researchers used a breath test to determine if a person had early-stage lung cancer. They tested the exhaled breath of people with suspicious lung lesions that were detected via CT scans to find four cancer-specific substances known as "carbonyls" lingering in them.

All of the samples were then analyzed through the use of a special devise developed by the university that could better detect the cancer substances.

Elevated levels of three of the four carbonyls were a predictor of lung cancer in approximately 95 percent of the patients, according to background information from the study. Having normal levels of the substances predicted noncancerous growths in approximately 80 percent of patients.

The findings are expected to help avoid undergoing invasive procedures unnecessarily. "Instead of sending patients for invasive biopsy procedures when a suspicious lung mass is identified, our study suggests that exhaled breath could identify which patients may be directed for an immediate intraoperative biopsy and resection," study author Dr. Michael Bousamra, of the University of Louisville said, via a press release. "The novelty of this approach includes the simplicity of sample collection and ease for the patient."

After cancer patients had surgery to remove the cancer, elevated carbonyl levels returned to normal, with results that will be presented Tuesday at the Society of Thoriacic Surgeons meeting in Orlando, Fla.

"Instead of sending patients for invasive biopsy procedures when a suspicious lung mass is identified, our study suggests that exhaled breath could identify which patients" may be referred for immediate surgery, Bousamra concluded.

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