Identification of lung cancer using urine testing technology V1
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Identification of benign/malignant lung lesions using a non-invasive volatile organic compound (VOCs) biological platform with urine specimens.
IRAS ID
366131
Contact name
Tal Helbitz
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Early OM
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 0 months, 0 days
Research summary
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide, mainly because it is often diagnosed at an advanced stage. Detecting lung cancer earlier can save lives, but current screening methods, such as low-dose CT scans, sometimes give false-positive results. These can lead to unnecessary anxiety, further tests, or even invasive procedures.
EARLY Labs has developed a new, non-invasive test that aims to detect lung cancer using a simple urine sample. The test analyzes naturally occurring substances called volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released from the body, which can carry a unique chemical “fingerprint” when cancer is present. By analyzing these compounds with advanced biological sensors and artificial-intelligence algorithms, the test may be able to distinguish between patients with malignant (cancerous) and benign (non-cancerous) lung nodules.
In this study, Cleveland Clinic London will collect urine samples from approximately 100 adult participants with lung nodules detected by CT scan. These samples will be anonymized, frozen, and securely shipped to EARLY Labs’ laboratory in Israel for analysis. The research does not involve any treatment, medication, or radiation exposure - only urine collection.
The goal is to assess how accurately the test can identify lung cancer, and whether it could be used in the future to support lung-screening programs and help doctors make more informed decisions. There is no direct benefit to participants, but the findings could contribute to earlier, less invasive, and more cost-effective cancer detection methods in the future.REC name
London - Bromley Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
26/LO/0175
Date of REC Opinion
8 Apr 2026
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion