2024 World Conference on Lung Cancer (WCLC) - Posters-P4.14C.04 Exhaled Breath Analysis for the Early Diagnosis of Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma and the Surveillance of Asbestos-Exposed At-Risk Subjects

P4.14C.04 Exhaled Breath Analysis for the Early Diagnosis of Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma and the Surveillance of Asbestos-Exposed At-Risk Subjects

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The study explores the use of exhaled breath analysis for early detection of Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma (MPM) and monitoring individuals at risk due to asbestos exposure. Given the challenges in diagnosing MPM late due to its long latency period and poor prognosis, the study aims to identify distinct patterns of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) that differentiate patients with MPM from healthy controls and formerly asbestos-exposed individuals. <br /><br />The study involved a cross-sectional recruitment of 60 participants, including MPM patients, healthy controls, and asbestos-exposed individuals. Exhaled breath samples were collected and analyzed using Thermal Desorption-Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (TD-GC/MS) to detect VOCs.<br /><br />Statistical analysis using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test identified specific VOC patterns distinguishing MPM patients from healthy controls. Principal Components Analysis (PCA) and Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA) further validated these findings, showing a high diagnostic accuracy with a sensitivity of 92% and an accuracy of 90%.<br /><br />The LDA model was also tested for its ability to classify asbestos-exposed individuals and found that four out of ten were misclassified as MPM, suggesting the need for more frequent clinical monitoring of such subjects. Additionally, breath samples from MPM patients undergoing chemotherapy were correctly classified, correlating with disease progression.<br /><br />In conclusion, the study demonstrates the potential of non-invasive breath analysis as a diagnostic tool for MPM, emphasizing its promise for integration into screening programs. However, further research with a larger and more homogenous population is necessary to confirm these findings and improve diagnostic and surveillance approaches for asbestos-related health risks.

Asset Subtitle

Domenico Galetta

Meta Tag

Speaker Domenico Galetta

Topic Mesothelioma, Thymoma & Other Thoracic Tumors

Keywords

exhaled breath analysis

Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma

asbestos exposure

Volatile Organic Compounds

Thermal Desorption-Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry

diagnostic accuracy

Wilcoxon signed-rank test

Principal Components Analysis

Linear Discriminant Analysis

non-invasive diagnostic tool