Quick and simple tests in GP surgeries could detect cancer of the oesophagus, stomach, pancreas, colon or liver
of the gut, including those of the oesophagus, stomach, pancreas and colon, but could also be used to pinpoint cases of liver cancer. In total, these tumours formed more than 20% of all cancer cases in the world, said the project’s leader, Prof George Hanna of Imperial College London.
“We have picked a panel of 15 of these chemicals which are particularly responsive to the arrival of a tumour. After a patient breathes into a bag, their exhaled air is transferred to stainless steel tubes and the gases are passed over an absorbent material. This material is then placed in a mass spectrometer where levels of the different volatiles can be measured.
The prime aim of this technology will be to streamline procedures for patients who currently have to undergo tests that can be lengthy, invasive and costly. By contrast, breath tests will give very quick answers. As the system is likely to be automated, it will also be relatively inexpensive. Once a positive result was produced, the patient would then be sent for further confirmation of their diagnosis before treatment began.