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Malignant mesothelioma (MM) is a rare tumour found in the thin membrane that lines the chest and abdomen. The biggest cause of the cancer is exposure to asbestos.
It is difficult to detect in its early stages, but earlier detection of the cancer could potentially improve survival chances.
New research published in the European Respiratory Journal examined whether using an electronic nose could be used to analyse breath samples and test for the presence of mesothelioma.
The electronic nose is a device used to identify different characteristics in a sample of breath. For this study, the technology was used to detect substances called volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are characteristic of different diseases.
The researchers analysed 20 patients with mesothelioma, 18 patients with other asbestos-related diseases and 42 people who did not have an asbestos-related condition.
The results showed that the electronic nose could detect mesothelioma correctly in 88% of cases. It also successfully identified mesothelioma separately to other diseases caused by asbestos exposure.
The researchers suggest this could be an effective technique for early diagnosis of the condition.
For more information
A breath test for malignant mesothelioma using an electronic noseA breath test for malignant mesothelioma using an electronic nose.
Authors: Eleanor A. Chapman, Paul S. Thomas, Emily Stone, Craig Lewis and Deborah H. Yates
European Lung Foundation
(MDN)
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