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New noninvasive screening technologies are poised to improve the diagnostic yield of advanced imaging in lung cancer and, by so doing, improve patient outcomes. A blood test for detecting genetic mutations in circulating tumor cells of lung cancer specimens and a colorimetric sensor array that identifies cancerous compounds in exhaled human breath are among the technologies that could lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment, said Dr. Paul A. Bunn, executive director of the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC).
Lung cancer treatment has been hampered in the past by late diagnoses, typically achieved using invasive procedures only after symptoms have presented, said Dr. Bunn, the James Dudley Professor of Lung Cancer Research at the University of Colorado at Denver.
"Major breakthroughs are leading to interventions that make a huge difference and make it an exciting time for lung cancer," he said.
In particular, a test identifying lung cancer biomarkers through exhaled breath may also help clinicians and researchers identify which patients with abnormal CT scans need more aggressive follow-up. Dr. Nir Peled of Tel Hashomer, Israel, presented data from a comparative survey using breath analyses, in which investigators captured the "metabolic biosignatures" – the pattern of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) – of 74 patients with solitary pulmonary nodules to determine the VOC profiles for malignant and benign lung nodules.
"On analysis, two [VOCs] in patients’ exhaled breath showed statistically significant differences in concentration for benign and malignant lung nodules, and the sensor array distinguished between the corresponding collective VOC patterns with nearly 90% accuracy," Dr. Peled said in an interview.
Further, looking specifically at the malignant nodules, "the sensor array distinguished between small and non–small cell lung cancer with an accuracy approaching 94% and between early and advanced disease with nearly 90% accuracy."
Dr. Peled reported no disclosures.
New noninvasive screening technologies are poised to improve the diagnostic yield of advanced imaging in lung cancer and, by so doing, improve patient outcomes. A blood test for detecting genetic mutations in circulating tumor cells of lung cancer specimens and a colorimetric sensor array that identifies cancerous compounds in exhaled human breath are among the technologies that could lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment, said Dr. Paul A. Bunn, executive director of the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC).
Lung cancer treatment has been hampered in the past by late diagnoses, typically achieved using invasive procedures only after symptoms have presented, said Dr. Bunn, the James Dudley Professor of Lung Cancer Research at the University of Colorado at Denver.
"Major breakthroughs are leading to interventions that make a huge difference and make it an exciting time for lung cancer," he said.
In particular, a test identifying lung cancer biomarkers through exhaled breath may also help clinicians and researchers identify which patients with abnormal CT scans need more aggressive follow-up. Dr. Nir Peled of Tel Hashomer, Israel, presented data from a comparative survey using breath analyses, in which investigators captured the "metabolic biosignatures" – the pattern of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) – of 74 patients with solitary pulmonary nodules to determine the VOC profiles for malignant and benign lung nodules.
"On analysis, two [VOCs] in patients’ exhaled breath showed statistically significant differences in concentration for benign and malignant lung nodules, and the sensor array distinguished between the corresponding collective VOC patterns with nearly 90% accuracy," Dr. Peled said in an interview.
Further, looking specifically at the malignant nodules, "the sensor array distinguished between small and non–small cell lung cancer with an accuracy approaching 94% and between early and advanced disease with nearly 90% accuracy."
Dr. Peled reported no disclosures.
New noninvasive screening technologies are poised to improve the diagnostic yield of advanced imaging in lung cancer and, by so doing, improve patient outcomes. A blood test for detecting genetic mutations in circulating tumor cells of lung cancer specimens and a colorimetric sensor array that identifies cancerous compounds in exhaled human breath are among the technologies that could lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment, said Dr. Paul A. Bunn, executive director of the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC).
Lung cancer treatment has been hampered in the past by late diagnoses, typically achieved using invasive procedures only after symptoms have presented, said Dr. Bunn, the James Dudley Professor of Lung Cancer Research at the University of Colorado at Denver.
"Major breakthroughs are leading to interventions that make a huge difference and make it an exciting time for lung cancer," he said.
In particular, a test identifying lung cancer biomarkers through exhaled breath may also help clinicians and researchers identify which patients with abnormal CT scans need more aggressive follow-up. Dr. Nir Peled of Tel Hashomer, Israel, presented data from a comparative survey using breath analyses, in which investigators captured the "metabolic biosignatures" – the pattern of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) – of 74 patients with solitary pulmonary nodules to determine the VOC profiles for malignant and benign lung nodules.
"On analysis, two [VOCs] in patients’ exhaled breath showed statistically significant differences in concentration for benign and malignant lung nodules, and the sensor array distinguished between the corresponding collective VOC patterns with nearly 90% accuracy," Dr. Peled said in an interview.
Further, looking specifically at the malignant nodules, "the sensor array distinguished between small and non–small cell lung cancer with an accuracy approaching 94% and between early and advanced disease with nearly 90% accuracy."
Dr. Peled reported no disclosures.