2024 World Conference on Lung Cancer (WCLC) - Posters-P4.04C.09 Exhaled VOC Detection in Lung Cancer Screening: A Comprehensive Meta-Analysis

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The study titled "Exhaled VOC Detection in Lung Cancer Screening: A Comprehensive Meta-Analysis" by Xianzhe Fan evaluates the potential of using exhaled volatile organic compounds (VOCs) for lung cancer (LC) screening. The meta-analysis, guided by PRISMA for study selection and QUADAS-2 for quality assessment, reveals promising results with a pooled sensitivity and specificity of 85% and 86%, respectively, and an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.93, indicating high diagnostic accuracy. Out of 190 VOCs identified in LC patients’ breath across various studies, only 37 VOCs appeared in three or more publications, highlighting the need for further investigation into their origins and reliability as biomarkers.<br /><br />While the traditional method of gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) is considered the gold standard for VOC detection, its widespread application is hampered by high costs and operational complexities. Newer methods like gas chromatography-flame ionization detection (GC-FID) and selected ion flow tube mass spectrometry (SIFT-MS) may offer better sensitivity and specificity, making them viable alternatives for clinical use.<br /><br />Lung cancer screening traditionally involves methods like low-dose computed tomography (LDCT), which, though effective in improving survival rates, suffer from high false-positive rates. This study suggests that breath analysis for VOCs holds significant promise due to its non-invasive nature, speed, and high patient adherence.<br /><br />The study concludes that VOC detection exhibits high accuracy and has substantial potential for clinical application. It recommends future research to categorize populations based on characteristics and to develop comprehensive VOC spectra to improve the clinical usability of this screening method. The findings underscore breath analysis as a promising avenue for early lung cancer detection.

Asset Subtitle

Xianzhe Fan

Meta Tag

Speaker Xianzhe Fan

Topic Screening & Early Detection

Keywords

lung cancer screening

exhaled VOCs

meta-analysis

diagnostic accuracy

gas chromatography-mass spectrometry

biomarkers

non-invasive

sensitivity and specificity

breath analysis

early detection