Dogs Can Smell Cancer
Recently published reports involving blinded studies have shown conclusively that dogs can detect specific odors associated with cancer. This research confirms that certain, yet still unknown, volatile gas phase molecules are uniquely associated with cancer cells.
Ekips Advances Biomarker Measurement
Until now, volatile gas phase molecules have been difficult and time consuming to measure using traditional analytical chemistry methods such as mass spectroscopy. We at Ekips believe that laser-based sensors can be developed to match the performance of canine olfaction. Our initial work in this area is focused on measuring acetaldehyde (C2H4O) in exhaled breath, a potential biomarker molecule for cancer detection based on measurements of cultured (in vitro) lung cancer cells. Using mid-infrared laser technology, we have successfully measured acetaldehyde in exhaled breath samples following ethanol ingestion (acetaldehyde is a known ethanol metabolite). Ability to measure low concentrations of breath acetaldehyde rapidly and reliably (because of internal calibration features) will make it possible to evaluate the utility of breath testing for early detection of lung cancer.
Recently published reports involving blinded studies have shown conclusively that dogs can detect specific odors associated with cancer. This research confirms that certain, yet still unknown, volatile gas phase molecules are uniquely associated with cancer cells.
Ekips Advances Biomarker Measurement
Until now, volatile gas phase molecules have been difficult and time consuming to measure using traditional analytical chemistry methods such as mass spectroscopy. We at Ekips believe that laser-based sensors can be developed to match the performance of canine olfaction. Our initial work in this area is focused on measuring acetaldehyde (C2H4O) in exhaled breath, a potential biomarker molecule for cancer detection based on measurements of cultured (in vitro) lung cancer cells. Using mid-infrared laser technology, we have successfully measured acetaldehyde in exhaled breath samples following ethanol ingestion (acetaldehyde is a known ethanol metabolite). Ability to measure low concentrations of breath acetaldehyde rapidly and reliably (because of internal calibration features) will make it possible to evaluate the utility of breath testing for early detection of lung cancer.
