Work

Exhaled breath patterns following tumour resection in patients with non-small cell lung cancer

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Background Lung cancer remains a leading cause of cancer-related mortality. Early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) can be treated curatively. However, recurrence is common and detecting residual disease post-treatment is of utmost importance. Metabolic profiling of exhaled air through volatile organic compound (VOC) analysis has shown promise as a diagnostic tool for detection of lung cancer. While the origins of the VOC alterations are not fully understood, they are thought to be influenced by both the tumour and the host’s response. It is unclear whether VOC profiles change after tumour resection and whether breath analysis can be used to assess residual disease. This study explores the metabolic profile of exhaled air in patients with NSCLC after surgery.Patients and methods A prospective multicentre cohort study was conducted with patients undergoing curative surgery. Preoperative and postoperative breath samples were analysed using an Aeonose, which employs an externally validated algorithm to detect NSCLC with a sensitivity and specificity of 95% and 51%, respectively. The primary endpoint was the specificity of postoperative breath patterns.Results Forty-eight patients were included in the analysis. Postoperative breath patterns remained positive according to the lung cancer algorithm. Analysis classified 3 (6%) patients as negative, 2 (4%) of whom had already been classified as negative prior to surgery.Conclusion Postoperative VOC profiles did not differ significantly from preoperative patterns, suggesting that factors beyond tumour presence influence VOC composition. Further studies are needed to better understand the biological processes behind VOCs and their potential role in postoperative lung cancer prognostication.

Source: BMJ Open Respiratory Research

DOI: 10.1136/bmjresp-2026-004235