Volatile fingerprints of cancer specific genetic mutations

Abstract

We report on a new concept for profiling genetic mutations of (lung) cancer cells, based on the detection of patterns of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted from cell membranes, using an array of nanomaterial-based sensors. In this in-vitro pilot study we have derived a volatile fingerprint assay for representative genetic mutations in cancer cells that are known to be associated with targeted cancer therapy. Five VOCs were associated with the studied oncogenes, using complementary chemical analysis, and were discussed in terms of possible metabolic pathways. The reported approach could lead to the development of novel methods for guiding treatments, so that patients could benefit from safer, more timely and effective interventions that improve survival and quality of life while avoiding unnecessary invasive procedures. Studying clinical samples (tissue/blood/breath) will be required as next step in order to determine whether this cell-line study can be translated into a clinically useful tool.

Assessment of the exhalation kinetics of volatile cancer biomarkers based on their physicochemical properties

“…Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) have been found in breath, blood [1], headspace of cancer cells [2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10], and in headspace of resected cancer tissues [11]. Exhaled breath, which may change its chemical signature depending on the physiological or pathophysiological state of disease [12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24], is considered as one of the most fascinating body fluids/sources.…”

Advances in the Early Detection of Lung Cancer using Analysis of Volatile Organic Compounds: From Imaging to Sensors

“…In 2013, Peled et al reported that 5 VOCs in the headspace of lung cancer cell lines with 3 different genetic mutations and corresponding wild-type cell lines are different from each other. At last, a good classification (with 84%-96% accuracy) among them was reached by using GNP sensors (Peled et al, 2013). …”

“…Most recently, Peled et al reported a study on VOCs in the headspace of lung cancer cells with different genetic mutations, in which 5 VOCs were found to be related to specific mutations of lung cancer cells (Peled et al, 2013).…”

Sensor Arrays Based on Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons: Chemiresistors versus Quartz-Crystal Microbalance

“…[1][2][3][4][5] These arrays could meet the growing demand for rapid and flexible online detection of a wide range of chemical and biological agents in different branches of industry, homeland security, 5,6 environmental monitoring, 5,7,8 and medical diagnostics [1][2][3][4][5][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20] . Combined with statistical algorithms, these sensor arrays can provide convenient bionics of the mammalian olfactory system for identifying complex gas samples, without the necessity of identifying their separate ingredients.…”