MESOBREATH 4: validation of a VOC signature for mesothelioma and asbestos related respiratory diseases

Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a rare cancer, characterized by a long latency period between the presumed causal asbestos exposure and diagnosis, by an aspecific clinical manifestation, hampering early-stage diagnosis and dismal prognosis. Although different blood biomarkers have been investigated, none of them is currently applied for screening. The search for new, non-invasive biomarkers allowing early detection, has recently shifted towards the field of "breathomics". Our research group initiated the MesoBreath Studies evaluating the potential of breath analysis as a screening tool for an at-risk population. MesoBreath 1 and 2 pinpointed 5 breath compounds which are currently being identified and confirmed by in vitro analysis in MesoBreath 3. The aim of this 4thMesoBreath study is to perform an external validation of these compounds, in an international consortium. This prospective validation is the necessary step to go before clinical implementation.

Keywords:MESOTHELIOMA

Disciplines:Morphological sciences, Oncology, Respiratory medicine