Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest forms of cancer, largely because it is difficult to detect in its early stages. Symptoms are often vague, mimicking other conditions, leading to late diagnoses when the disease has already metastasised. This results in poor survival rates, with more than 80% of patients being diagnosed at an advanced stage. However, a groundbreaking new development could change that: a breath test for pancreatic cancer.
Pancreatic Cancer UK is funding a team at Imperial College London, led by Professor George Hanna, to develop this innovative test. The goal is to create a non-invasive, accurate, and affordable diagnostic tool that can detect the disease much earlier than current methods.
The multi-sector VAPOR study is currently testing a breathalyser-style device on 700 participants to identify unique chemical markers associated with pancreatic cancer. If successful, this technology could be expanded to screen over 6,000 people in a real-world clinical setting. The implications of such a test are enormous, offering hope for earlier detection and improved survival rates.
Why Is Early Detection of Pancreatic Cancer So Difficult?
Pancreatic cancer is notoriously difficult to diagnose early. Unlike some other cancers that present clear and specific symptoms, pancreatic cancer often develops silently, with signs that are easily mistaken for other less serious conditions.
Some of the most common early symptoms include:
- Abdominal pain or discomfort
- Unexplained weight loss
- Jaundice
- Changes in stool and digestion
- Fatigue and loss of appetite
Because these symptoms are non-specific, they are often overlooked or attributed to common digestive issues. This leads to delayed diagnoses, making treatment far less effective.
The Role of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) in Diagnosis
The new breath test being developed at Imperial College London is based on detecting VOCs released in breath. Studies have shown that individuals with pancreatic cancer have a distinct VOC profile compared to healthy individuals:
“Profile of exhaled-breath volatile organic compounds to diagnose pancreatic cancer”, S R Markar et al, Oct 2018:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30019405
The VAPOR study, which is currently underway, aims to analyse these chemical signatures to determine whether they can reliably distinguish pancreatic cancer from other conditions.
How Does the Test Work?
- Participants breathe into a breathalyser-style device, which collects and analyses their breath samples.
- The test then identifies specific VOC patterns that may indicate the presence of pancreatic cancer.
- Researchers compare these patterns with samples from healthy individuals and those with other diseases to ensure accuracy.
If the initial phase of the study is successful, the test will then be trialled in over 6,000 people in a real-world clinical setting to determine its effectiveness on a larger scale.
Could This Be a Game-Changer for Pancreatic Cancer Detection?
The potential impact of this breath test is huge. If proven effective, it could lead to:
Earlier Detection: Catching pancreatic cancer at an early stage, when treatment is more effective.
Non-Invasive Testing: A simple breath test would be far less uncomfortable than current diagnostic methods.
Affordability and Accessibility: Compared to expensive imaging tests like CT scans, this breath test could be more widely available.
Increased Survival Rates: The earlier the cancer is detected, the higher the chances of successful treatment.
The Future of Breath Testing for Cancer Diagnosis
Professor George Hanna and his team at Imperial College London aren’t stopping at pancreatic cancer. Their ultimate goal is to develop a single breath test that can detect and differentiate five major gastrointestinal cancers, including colorectal, oesophagal, stomach and liver cancer.
This would represent a major breakthrough in cancer diagnostics, providing a simple and effective screening tool for multiple types of cancer.
The first results from the VAPOR study are expected in the summer. If they confirm the effectiveness of the test, it could revolutionise cancer detection and pave the way for breath-based diagnostics across a wide range of diseases.
Final Thoughts: A Hopeful Future for Pancreatic Cancer Patients
Pancreatic cancer has long been one of the hardest cancers to detect and treat. The development of a breath test could completely change the future of early detection, offering new hope to patients and their families.
With Pancreatic Cancer UK funding this critical research and Imperial College London leading the way, we may soon have a simple, affordable, and non-invasive test that saves countless lives. If successful, this could be one of the most important advancements in cancer diagnostics in decades. The future of cancer detection might just be a breath away.
Now, that’s something to get excited about!
