Exhaled breath analysis for the early detection of lung cancer: recent developments and future prospects

Abstract

Inbar Nardi-Agmon,1,2 Nir Peled1,2 1Thoracic Cancer Unit, Davidoff Cancer Center, Rabin Medical Center, Petach Tiqwa, 2Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel Abstract: In lung cancer, the prognosis and treatment options depend directly on tumor size and its spread at the time of diagnosis. There is therefore a constant search for methods that will allow early detection of cancerous lung nodules. With advancing imaging technology and implantation of screening routines in high-risk populations by low-dose computerized ­tomography, a significant increase in the number of diagnosed small peripheral lesions can be expected. While early detection of small cancerous lesions carries the benefit of wider treatment options and better prognosis, the process of obtaining a biopsy to confirm a cancerous tissue is not free of complications and bears inconveniences and stress to the patient. This review discusses the potential use of exhaled breath analysis as a simple, noninvasive tool for early detection of lung cancer and characterization of suspicious lung nodules. Keywords: breath sampling, volatile organic compounds, lung cancer, early detection, electronic nose

Keywords

• breath analysis
• volatile organic compounds
• lung cancer
• early detection
• electronic nose