Science
(2009-10-13)
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We can't smell it, but computer analysis of that breath may offer details into the presence of cancer.
In a small, pilot study, researchers at Georgia Tech and Emory used a portable machine similar to a breathalyzer. With it, they found a strong correlation between the presence of certain compounds in the breath and breast cancer in women.
Dr. Sheryl Gabram is co-director of the Georgia Cancer Center for Excellence at Grady, as well as Emory's Winship Cancer Institute. She says much of the excitement lies within the device's potential.
"Eventually we could have perhaps a direct read system where we could indicate if the patient is kind of low, medium or high risk for having some underlying disease process."
Researchers stress the results are preliminary, and that a portable cancer breathalyzer would only supplement traditional screenings.
Jim Burress, WABE News.
© Copyright 2009, WABE
