The good news
Investigators from China and Spain have recently published an article describing a new technology integrating ultrasensitive Pt@InNiOX nanoflakes into a portable electronic device. This device may be used to diagnose lung cancer by breath analysis. (Cheng Y et al, American Chemical Society Sensors, Nov. 6, 2024)
Why it’s important
Gas sensors have been used in a variety of fields including healthcare. The makeup of human breath is very complicated because it contains many different compounds. Isoprene is one of these compounds that has the potential for detecting lung cancer. The idea of analyzing breath to diagnose lung cancer is not new and has not been successful. Many challenges are involved in breath analysis, including the ability to selectively detect isoprene at very low levels. Additional problems include the breath’s natural humidity and the difficulty in analyzing breath in real time so that it is a practical tool. The researchers have developed an indium (III) oxide (In2O3)-based nanoflake sensor (Pt@InNiOX) that detects isoprene at very low levels (2 parts per billion, ppb), is more selective for isoprene, has a consistent performance, and is able to be incorporated into a portable device.
What it means for patients
The researchers tested the device in 13 patients, 5 of whom had lung cancer. According to the results, exhaled isoprene concentrations in lung cancer patients consistently fell below 40 ppb, in contrast to levels exceeding 60 ppb in healthy individuals. This portable sensor has the potential to be a cost-effective way of diagnosing lung cancer. If further research is successful, this technology could be used as a screening tool in conjunction with standard screening involving low dose computerized tomography (LDCT). Since there is a significant incidence of lung cancer in never smokers who do not meet screening criteria, it could also be important in detecting lung cancer in these individuals. The device is not ready for “prime time.” Rigorous clinical trials will need to be done to assess the relationship between isoprene detection and the diagnosis of lung cancer.
What to look for
Expect to see clinical trials employing this device as an adjunct to cancer diagnosis and screening. These studies will be used to refine the technology and determine the best way to employ this tool in the detection and management of lung cancer. The sensing device could provide a breakthrough in noninvasive lung cancer screening and has the potential to improve healthcare and even save lives.