Analytical methods based on exhaled breath for early detection of lung cancer

Lung cancer is among the most common malignancies and among the most difficult to treat, mainly due to the lack of symptoms, which means that the vast majority of tumors to be diagnosed are at an advanced stage.After reviewing the literature on this subject, with special emphasis on both canine smell and the potential of omics biomarkers for detecting lung cancer, we discuss the role of analytical chemists in the new steps to be taken for early detection. We also comment on the steps to be developed (from sampling to full validation of the biomarkers found).

► Canine scent for lung-cancer detection should involve analytical chemists.
► Biomarkers detect lung cancer in patients’ breath at very low concentrations.
► Proteomics and metabolomics are key to lung-cancer detection through breath.