Further, looking specifically at the malignant nodules, "the sensor array distinguished between small and non–small cell lung cancer with an accuracy approaching 94% and between early and advanced disease with nearly 90% accuracy."
Although the test is a work in progress and not yet ready for clinical application, the findings suggest the possibility that a noninvasive breath analysis tool would be a useful, cost-effective diagnostic tool for managing nodule-positive patients, Dr. Bunn stressed. "We make advances one step at a time, and these are first steps, but they’re important," he said.
Dr. Bunn disclosed financial relationships with numerous pharmaceutical companies. Dr. Peled said she had no relevant financial disclosures. No disclosures were received from Dr. Erickson.