Specialists say the test, carried out with the help of a high-tech device, could save thousands of lives

Feb 16, 2015 10:53 GMT  ·  By

A new device manufactured by Cambridge-based Owlstone Nanotech Ltd. promises to help medical experts diagnose lung cancer simply by analyzing the chemical composition of patients' breath.

Even better, experts explain that the device in question is designed to detect lung cancer while the disease is still in its early stages. In doing so, it could help save thousands of lives.

How this innovative device works

In a report, specialists with the University of Leicester in the UK explain that Owlstone Nanotech Ltd.'s GC-FAIMS (Gas Chromatography - Field Asymmetric Ion Mobility Spectrometry) sensor works by measuring volatile organic compounds in a person's breath.

Based on the concentrations of these volatile organic compounds, doctors can determine whether a person is probably suffering from lung cancer and order further tests, the researchers go on to detail.

The best thing about this breath test for lung cancer is that, when compared to other techniques now used to diagnose this medical condition, it is by no means invasive. Besides, it promises to deliver almost immediate results.

Presently, early-stage lung cancer detection rates in the UK sit at about 14.5%. It is believed that, with the help of the GC-FAIMS sensor, they could be increased to an impressive 25% by the year 2020. This would help save the life of thousands of patients.

In fact, it is estimated that, if made available to medical experts across the country, the device could save as many as 10,000 lives, and in doing so, it could reduce the costs associated with battling this condition by about ₤250 million (€337 million / $384 million).

This is because, when it comes to cancer, early detection drastically affects a person's chances to survive such a diagnosis, the University of Leicester specialists explain.

“If you could change only one thing in the fight against cancer, it would be to detect the disease earlier where existing treatments are already proven to save lives,” Billy Boyle, co-founder of Owlstone Nanotech Ltd., also wishes to stress.

So, how long until the device becomes available?

It is understood that, later this year, a team of University of Leicester scientists will debut a clinical trial intended to establish just how efficient at detecting early-stage lung cancer Owlstone Nanotech Ltd.'s device really is. The trial is to be carried out at the Glenfield Hospital in Leicester.

Should the device prove its worth during this clinical trial, scheduled to last until 2016, it will be made available to medical experts working with several other hospitals across the UK. One day, such breath tests might replace invasive and costly procedures such as chest X-rays, CT scans and bronchoscopies.

New breath test promises to detect early-stage lung cancer
New breath test promises to detect early-stage lung cancer

Photo Gallery (2 Images)

Early diagnosis can save the life of thousands of cancer patients
New breath test promises to detect early-stage lung cancer
Open gallery