Application of an Electronic Nose in the Diagnosis of Head and Neck Cancer

Objectives/Hypothesis: Electronic nose (E-nose) technology has various applications such as the monitoring of air quality and the detection of explosive and chemical agents. We studied the diagnostic accuracy of volatile organic compounds (VOC) pattern analysis in exhaled breath by means of an E-nose in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Study Design: Cohort study. Exhaled breath samples from patients with HNSCC were analyzed by using an E-Nose. Methods: Thirty-six patients diagnosed with HNSCC exhaled into a 5-litre Tedlar bag. The control group consisted of 23 patients visiting the outpatient clinic for other (benign) conditions. Air samples were analyzed using an E-nose. Results: Logistic regression showed a significant difference (P < 0.05) in VOC resistance patterns between patients diagnosed with HNSCC and the control group, with a sensitivity of 90% and a corresponding specificity of 80%. Conclusions: E-nose application holds a promising potential for application in the diagnosis of HNSCC due to its rapid, simple, and noninvasive nature.