Electronic nose to diagnose lung disease in high risk groups

Early detection of life-threatening lung diseases by breath analysis



Funding year: 2010



Amount funded: $86,475



Lead researcher:
Ms Annette Dent BAppSc MedTech



Research team:
Professor Kwun Fong MBBS PhD FRACP
Dr Daniel Chambers MBBS MRCP FRACP MD
Associate Professor Paul Zimmerman MBBS MD FRACP
Dr Peter Hopkins MBBS FRACP
Associate Professor Rayleen Bowman MBBS PhD FRACP GradCertMedEduc



Location of research:
The Prince Charles Hospital



Project description:
Life-threatening diseases such as lung cancer and post lung transplant rejection and infection will benefit from early detection. In most cases, by the time symptoms become apparent the disease is well advanced and there is no effective treatment available. Measurement of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in a subject’s exhaled breath may represent a non invasive tool that may detect early stage disease. Early diagnosis would provide opportunities to start treatment earlier which may provide a better outcome.

The aim of this study is to measure the exhaled breath VOCs for the early detection of lung cancer in high risk groups and post lung transplantation rejection and infection. With early detection of disease the outcome can be improved with early intervention."