New method for detecting breast cancer at 'stage 0'

Jul 25 2011

RNL Natural Co., Ltd, a leading biotech company specialized in adult stem cell therapeutics affiliated with RNL BIO Co., Ltd., introduced on June 22, 2011 a new method of detecting breast cancer as early as at 'stage 0' through breath VOCs (volatile organic compounds, a predictor of breast cancer).

Researchers at RNL conducted a study of 35 women diagnosed with breast cancer and 35 healthy women not suffering from the disease. These women participated in the study using breath analysis for breast cancer detection. Results showed that this method demonstrated and visualized distinct patterns for each group, which can help physicians with screening breast cancer patients at a very early stage just by breath before diagnostic confirmation in later stages and saving more lives.

The newly developed technology was inspired from canines' ability that recognizes distinct scents in an extremely sensitive manner. Researchers explain that the machine is able to recognize patterns of VOCs.

Dr. Ra of RNL who led the research stated, "1 out of every 8 women are diagnosed with breast cancer and there has been a yearly increase of 15% of breast cancer found in women. With the breathalyzer, there is a pathway for breast cancer to be detected at the earliest stages and treatment can be started sooner."  In addition, "this method of screening is simple and painless. It is available to women who are concerned about the disease and can get tested sooner. Costs are also lower for screening and treatment through the breathalyzer."

Furthermore, "As we identified adipose stem cells' cancer suppression effect, we could establish a full lineup from early detection to cancer treatment with combining stem cell therapy with testing by the breathalyzer for breast cancer detection will be more efficient. We are continuing to find ways to prevent further progression of diseases like breast cancer through early detection and treatment," Dr. Ra added.