An Innovative, non-invasive method to detect breast cancer using exhaled breath and urine analysis has been announced by Israeli researchers
Researchers at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev and Soroka University Medical Center came up with a new and accurate method for early breast cancer screening, using inexpensive, commercially available processes.
The researchers isolated relevant data to more accurately identify breast cancer biomarkers using two different commercial electronic noses (ENs), and also analyzing urine samples with the use of Gas-Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS).
According to Professor Yehuda Zeiri “Inexpensive, commercial electronic noses are sufficient for classifying cancer patients at early stages… With further study, it may also be possible to analyze exhaled breath and urine samples to identify other cancer types, as well”.
Exhaled breath samples were collected from 48 breast cancer patients and 45 healthy women that served as a control group. Urine samples were collected from 37 patients who were diagnosed with breast cancer based on physical or mammography tests prior to any surgery, and from 36 healthy women.
Mammography screening is proven to significantly reduce breast-cancer mortality, but according to the researchers it isn’t always able to detect small tumors in dense breast tissue. Typical mammography sensitivity, which is 75- 85% accurate, decreases to 30-50% accuracy in women with dense breast tissue.
For more information:
Computers in Biology and Medicine/Volume 96, 1 May 2018, Pages 227-232 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0010482518300775
American Associates Ben-Gurion University of the Negev https://aabgu.org/breath-and-urine-tests-can-detect-early-breast-cancer/#
