Copy the page URI to the clipboard
Batty, Claire A.; Cauchi, Michael; Lourenco, Celia; Hunter, John O. and Turner, Claire
(2015).
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0130301
Abstract
Diagnosis of colorectal cancer is an invasive and expensive colonoscopy, which is usually carried out after a positive screening test. Unfortunately, existing screening tests lack specificity and sensitivity, hence many unnecessary colonoscopies are performed. Here we report on a potential new screening test for colorectal cancer based on the analysis of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the headspace of faecal samples. Faecal samples were obtained from subjects who had a positive faecal occult blood sample (FOBT). Subjects subsequently had colonoscopies performed to classify them into low risk (non-cancer) and high risk (colorectal cancer) groups. Volatile organic compounds were analysed by selected ion flow tube mass spectrometry (SIFT-MS) and then data were analysed using both univariate and multivariate statistical methods. Ions most likely from hydrogen sulphide, dimethyl sulphide and dimethyl disulphide are statistically significantly higher in samples from high risk rather than low risk subjects. Results using multivariate methods show that the test gives a correct classification of 75% with 78% specificity and 72% sensitivity on FOBT positive samples, offering a potentially effective alternative to FOBT.
Viewing alternatives
Download history
Metrics
Public Attention
Altmetrics from AltmetricNumber of Citations
Citations from DimensionsItem Actions
Export
About
- Item ORO ID
- 43601
- Item Type
- Journal Item
- ISSN
- 1932-6203
- Project Funding Details
-
Funded Project Name Project ID Funding Body Fibre Optic Sensors for Point of Care Health Diagnostics (SC-13-001-CT) EP/L011395/1 EPSRC (Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council) - Keywords
- SIFT-MS VOCs; colorectal cancer; cancer screening; biomarkers
- Academic Unit or School
-
Faculty of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) > Environment, Earth and Ecosystem Sciences
Faculty of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)
Faculty of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) > Life, Health and Chemical Sciences - Research Group
- Innovation, Knowledge & Development research centre (IKD)
- Copyright Holders
- © 2015 Batty et al.
- Depositing User
- Claire Turner