Exhaled volatile organic compound profiles as potential biomarkers for lung cancer: A study of ethanol, formaldehyde, and toluene

Context: The early diagnosis and detection of lung cancer are crucial for reducing mortality and morbidity. Recently, the study of biomarkers for diagnosis and early detection has expanded significantly. Several volatile organic compounds (VOCs) found in exhaled breath may serve as valuable indicators for the early detection of lung cancer, which is influenced by pathological factors associated with cancer development. Aims: To create a profile of VOCs in lung cancer patients and healthy controls and to examine the differences in VOC levels among lung cancer patients based on histological type, stage, and therapy. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving lung cancer patients receiving treatment at Saiful Anwar General Hospital. A total of 40 lung cancer patients and 40 healthy controls who met the inclusion criteria were recruited through total sampling. VOC levels were measured using the Ubreath sensor array method. Statistical analysis of VOC variables was performed utilizing the Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests. Results: An analysis of three VOCs—ethanol, formaldehyde, and toluene—showed significantly higher levels in lung cancer patients compared to healthy controls (p<0.05 for all three compounds). However, no significant differences in the levels of ethanol, formaldehyde, and toluene were observed based on histological type, stage, or therapy among lung cancer patients. Conclusions: Elevated concentrations of ethanol, formaldehyde, and toluene in exhaled breath suggest their potential as biomarkers for lung cancer detection.