Application of SAW gas chromatography in the early screening of lung cancer

Abstract

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in China and the whole world. Early diagnosis is key to reduce the mortality from lung cancer. Exhaled breath analysis can be used in the early screening of lung cancer. Many scientists in the world have carried out the research and nominated dozens of volatile organic compounds as biomarkers for lung cancer. But the results from different researchers were not consistent, because the human body odor is affected by eating habits, environment and numerous other factors, resulting in large variation, and the sample sizes were not large enough (maximum 285). In order to increase the sample size, a rapid analysis method is necessary. SAW gas chromatography can be used to realize the wide spectrum (volatile and semi volatile organic compounds), fast (few minutes) and high sensitivity (ppb~ppt) analysis. Using airbags sampling, direct injection mode, we have gotten several volatile organic compounds reported in the literature by GC/SAW analysis of the exhaled breath samples of 19 lung cancer patients and 19 healthy volunteers.