Lung Cancer Breath Test
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The Development of a lung cancer breath test for use in pharmacies using biomarkers found in exhaled breath condensates- a proof of principal study
IRAS ID
128539
Contact name
Rachel Airley
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Inhalation Consultancy Ltd
Research summary
Patients at most risk of lung cancer include smokers and those with initially non-malignant lung diseases such as chronic bronchitis and emphysema. These patients are seen regularly in the 12,000 plus pharmacies in the UK as part of smoking cessation programmes or when receiving repeat medication for their conditions. Pharmacists are potentially an ideal early warning network for lung cancer. To predict lung cancer successfully, we need tests that will pick up disease accurately and before symptoms arise, as generally this is too late for successful treatment. We also need to encourage uptake of the test by making it as easy to carry out, accessible and minimally invasive as possible. This pilot study asks whether we can detect lung cancer earlier by analysing biological material found in a simple “breath test” which may be carried out in community pharmacies. To see if this is possible, we will collect, analyse and compare breath samples from hospital patients with lung cancer and bronchitis/emphysema, with healthy volunteers in a pilot study. We will analyse these samples to see if differences in genes, proteins and chemicals present in the breath can be used to detect patients with early lung cancer from those at-risk groups. We will also take blood samples from participants giving breath samples in the hospital setting and when available we will be using resected lung tissue from lung carcinomas removed surgically at Hull University Hospital.
REC name
North West - Haydock Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
14/NW/1148
Date of REC Opinion
3 Nov 2014
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion