A device developed by Zhejiang University (China) has accurately identified lung cancer patients in a recent trial.
In a study recently published in the journal ACS Sensors, the research team led by Zhejiang University reported that they have developed a device capable of detecting traces of lung cancer in breath.
Lung cancer is the leading cancer in both incidence and mortality – (Illustration AI: ANH THƯ).
A small-scale trial was conducted with 13 participants, including 5 lung cancer patients and 8 healthy individuals.
The research team’s prototype device accurately identified those who were ill.
According to the researchers, the technology they developed can detect isoprene compounds in breath.
This is an organic compound that can be produced by the human body and other animals. Lower-than-normal levels of isoprene have been identified as a potential indicator of lung cancer, but it’s a subtle change and very difficult to measure.
The new tool, with high sensitivity, accomplished this through a streamlined design based on advanced gas-sensing materials.
To achieve the necessary sensitivity in the breath-monitoring device, the researchers used nanoflake particles made from a combination of platinum, indium, nickel, and oxygen.
When isoprene comes into contact with the nanoflake particles, the release of electrons is triggered in a measurable way.
Previous laboratory research has also yielded promising results.
The authors stated that this could be a breakthrough for low-cost, accessible, and non-invasive cancer screening.
However, they still have a long way to go. The next research steps will include refining the technology and conducting larger-scale clinical trials.
Lung cancer is the leading cancer in both incidence and mortality worldwide, according to a report from the World Health Organization (WHO) released earlier this year. It is also one of the types of cancer that is often detected at a late stage when treatment options have become less effective. Therefore, accessible screening methods that help detect the disease in its early stages are crucial in the fight against lung cancer. |
