Cancer Research New breath test for non-invasive cancer diagnosis

Physicians develop a novel respiratory diagnostic tool to detect cancer
The diagnosis of a cancer usually depends on elaborate examinations. However, researchers have now developed a simple breath test that can help reliably detect two different forms of cancer. This could enable effective early detection and treatment of cancer.

Researchers at Imperial College in London found that a simple breath test can help identify two different types of cancer easily and early. The physicians published the results of their study at the "European Cancer Congress in Amsterdam".

There are all sorts of devices that allow us to check our breath for various factors. Physicians have now developed a simple breath test that detects two different forms of cancer. (Image: Company V / fotolia.com)

Breath tests examine the acidity in humans
The experts took hundreds of breath samples from participating patients for their study. These samples were then tested for acids that are found in our bodies and have been linked to various cancers, the doctors say. Through this research, experts hope to detect gastric and esophageal cancer more easily and more promptly.

Gastric and esophageal cancers are usually diagnosed too late
The initial results were very promising. The physicians now hope that such a breath test in the future allows early detection of cancer. Both gastric and esophageal cancers are usually diagnosed very late. This leads to worse survival rates than other faster detectable forms of cancer, the researchers explain.

Non-invasive diagnostic methods are urgently needed
Gastric and esophageal cancers are usually difficult to treat. From here, non-invasive diagnostic methods are urgently needed to detect the diseases at an earlier stage, say the authors. So increase the likelihood that the subsequent treatment is successful.

Further research is needed
The use of breath tests is a fascinating option and further research is now needed to determine if this technique can detect a variety of forms of cancer in its earliest stages, the researchers explain. It should also be noted that the use of such breath tests does not result in any potential harm to patients being unnecessarily examined.

Breath test could avoid many unnecessary endoscopy examinations
The breath test could prevent doctors from having to perform uncomfortable endoscopy examinations on patients. Currently, the only way to diagnose esophageal cancer or stomach cancer is to have an endoscopy, says author Dr. Sheraz Markar. However, this method is expensive, invasive and has a certain risk of causing complications. A breath test could be used as a non-invasive first test to reduce the number of unnecessary endoscopy examinations. In the longer term, this could mean an earlier diagnosis and a better survival of those affected, explain the physicians.

Researchers examine breath samples from 335 subjects
For the new study, breath samples from 335 patients were collected at three London hospitals. Of these subjects, 163 had esophageal cancer or gastric cancer. Endoscopy tests found that 172 participants did not have cancer.

Breath tests for various other cancers under development
The new breath test works reliably. It enables patients with cancer to be detected early. A misdiagnosis seems to be quite unlikely, say the authors. Over the next three years, scientists plan a larger follow-up. The team is also working on breath tests for other types of cancer, such as colon and pancreatic cancer. (As)