Author: Bolysbek Dana
Editor: Merentsova Anastasia
The prevalence of head and neck cancer is 6% of all cancers, and the death rate is over 300,000 people a year worldwide. This is a group of tumor diseases, the primary focus of which is in the mucous membrane of the upper respiratory tract and the upper part of the gastrointestinal tract.
The main factors in the development of cancer are smoking, alcohol and poor oral hygiene (mostly in the elderly). In the last decade, another risk factor has been identified - the human papillomavirus (HPV). Interestingly, the cancer associated with this virus affects a much younger population.
Australian scientists collected respiratory samples from 181 patients with suspected head and neck squamous cell carcinoma at an early stage prior to treatment. They used an ion flow tube mass spectrometer to analyze respiration for volatile organic compounds.
Using statistical modeling, Flinders' researchers were able to develop a breath test that can differentiate cancer patients from control patients (benign disease) with an average sensitivity and specificity of 85%. The diagnosis was confirmed by tissue biopsy analysis.
“Given the positive results of the experiment, we hope to test this method in primary health care facilities (such as general practice clinics) to further popularize it in medicine as a screening method,” said co-lead author Dr. Nuwan Dharmavardana.
Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2020-10-breath-test-cancer.html
