Volatile Biomarker Breath Analysis for Colorectal Cancer Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current diagnostic methods for colorectal cancer are invasive, costly, and have poor predictive values, with existing breath tests being semi-quantitative and not suitable for high-throughput analysis, necessitating a reliable non-invasive marker for early detection and prognosis.
Innovation Solution
Identification of specific volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in exhaled breath using Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) and Selected Ion Flow Tube Mass Spectrometry (SIFT-MS) to diagnose and monitor colorectal cancer, with 15 statistically significant VOCs demonstrating sensitivity and specificity for CRC detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If faecal occult blood test is used for CRC detection, then sensitivity is improved (87-98%), but specificity deteriorates (13-79%) requiring multiple stool samples
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses a multi-component VOC signature profile comprising multiple volatile organic compounds (dimethyl sulphide, phenol, esters, alcohols, alkanes, cyclic hydrocarbons) detected together in breath samples, rather than relying on a single marker. This multi-functional approach improves both sensitivity and specificity simultaneously by capturing the complex metabolic fingerprint of CRC.
2Measurement precision
If GC-MS is used for VOC identification, then VOC identification capability is improved, but analytical time increases and throughput decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention performs preliminary action by collecting and concentrating VOCs from breath samples into absorbent tubes before analysis. This pre-concentration step enables faster subsequent analysis using either GC-MS or SIFT-MS, improving throughput while maintaining identification capability. The breath collection and sample preparation are optimized to allow rapid processing of multiple samples.
3Productivity
If quantitative VOC analysis is performed using SIFT-MS, then real-time analysis capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the complex mechanical GC-MS system with SIFT-MS technology for quantitative VOC analysis. SIFT-MS uses chemical ionization and mass spectrometry without requiring the complex chromatographic separation system of GC-MS, thereby reducing mechanical complexity while enabling real-time quantitative analysis of breath VOCs.
4Measurement precision
If colonoscopy is used as gold standard investigation, then diagnostic accuracy is improved, but resource implications and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces breath VOC analysis as an intermediary test between initial screening and colonoscopy. The breath test using VOC signature profiling serves as a non-invasive intermediate investigation that triages patients, reducing the number who require resource-intensive colonoscopy while maintaining high diagnostic accuracy for CRC detection.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The method provides a robust, non-invasive, and cost-effective means for diagnosing and monitoring colorectal cancer with high sensitivity (77%) and specificity (87%), enabling early detection and effective treatment planning.
Implementation Method 1
Researchers using gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) have suggested the existence of a breath VOC profile specific to CRC
Implementation Method 2
Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS)
Implementation Method 3
Selected ion flow tube mass spectrometry (SIFT-MS) has the advantage of being quantitative and permits real-time analysis
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to biomarkers, and to novel biological markers for diagnosing colorectal cancer. In particular, the invention relates to the use of these biomarkers as diagnostic and prognostic markers in assays for detecting colorectal cancer, and corresponding methods of detection. The invention also relates to methods of determining the efficacy of treating colorectal cancer with a therapeutic agent, and apparatus for carrying out the assays and methods. The assays are qualitative and/or quantitative, and are adaptable to large-scale screening and clinical trials.