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Catino A.1, Di Gilio A.2,3, Palmisani J.2,3, Nisi M.R. 2, Varesano N.1, Galetta D.1, de Gennaro G.2,3
1 Thoracic Oncology Unit, Istituto Tumori ‘Giovanni Paolo II’, Bari, Italy
2 Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Environment, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
3 Apulian Regional Centre for the Breath Analysis, Istituto Tumori ‘Giovanni Paolo II’, Bari, Italy
Introduction
Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma (MPM) is a rare neoplasm cancer with still a poor prognosis and mainly caused by previous asbestos exposure (both occupational and environmental). The management of MPM is challenging due to the long latency period between the exposure and the diagnosis and due to symptoms appearing only at an advanced stage [1]. Thus, there is an ever-increasing need to equip National Health Systems with a reliable diagnostic tool to integrate into large-scale screening programs. Quite recently, the chemical characterization of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) in human breath and the identification of disease-related metabolites pattern has been recognized as non-invasive and promising approach for the early detection of neoplastic diseases [2]. In the present study, we report the main outcomes of a cross-sectional study aimed at identifying MPM-related VOCs pattern in human breath. Furthermore, breath analysis potentialities in detection of metabolic alterations in participants with previous asbestos exposure were explored.
