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Differentiation of Benign and Malignant Pulmonary Nodules by Volatile Organic Compounds in Human Exhaled Breath

Exploratory Study on the Identification of Benign and Malignant Pulmonary Nodules Using Volatile Organic Compounds in Human Exhaled Breath

Status
Recruiting
Phases
Unknown
Study type
Observational
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT06518655
Enrollment
3000
Registered
2024-07-24
Start date
2024-06-30
Completion date
2027-06-30
Last updated
2025-12-24

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Lung Cancer, Pulmonary Nodules, Multiple, Pulmonary Nodules, Solitary

Keywords

Pulmonary Nodules, Lung Cancer, Volatile Organic Compounds, Human Exhaled Breath

Brief summary

The goal of this observational study is to develop an advanced expiratory algorithm model utilizing exhaled breath volatile organic compound (VOC) markers. This model aims to accurately differentiate benign from malignant nodules in individuals harboring pulmonary nodules. The primary objectives it strives to accomplish are: 1. To assess the diagnostic accuracy of an exhaled breath VOC-assisted diagnostic artificial intelligence (AI) model in distinguishing benign and malignant pulmonary nodules. 2. To evaluate the diagnostic effectiveness of an AI model that employs exhaled breath VOC biomakers to identify specific types of malignant nodules, including lung adenocarcinoma, lung squamous cell carcinoma, and small cell lung cancer. 3. To explore and identify key characteristic VOCs combinations that are associated with EGFR site mutations in malignant nodules, further modeling and evaluating the classification performance. By utilizing this comprehensive approach, the study hopes to contribute significantly to early detection and accurate classification of pulmonary nodules, ultimately leading to improved patient care and treatment outcomes.

Detailed description

This is a prospective, cross-sectional, and observational cohort study aiming at recruiting 3000 participants with pulmonary nodules ranging from 5 to 30 mm in diameter. Prior to invasive surgery, exhaled breath samples will be collected from these participants and analyzed using Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry(GC-MS) and micro Gas Chromatography-photoionisation detector (μGC-PID) system. Following the acquisition of μGC-PID results, a comprehensive evaluation of the diagnostic performance of VOC biomakers distinguishing between benign and malignant pulmonary nodules will be conducted, leveraging histopathological findings, CT examination data, and clinical data.

Interventions

Detection of volatile organic compound molecules in human exhaled breath by GC-MS and μGC-PID

Sponsors

The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University
CollaboratorOTHER
First People's Hospital of Foshan
CollaboratorOTHER
Sichuan Cancer Hospital and Research Institute
CollaboratorOTHER
Liwan District Central Hospital
CollaboratorUNKNOWN
Shanghai Chest Hospital
CollaboratorOTHER
Peking Union Medical College Hospital
CollaboratorOTHER
Guangzhou Development Zone Hospital
CollaboratorUNKNOWN
Huangpu District Hongshan Street Community Health Service Center
CollaboratorUNKNOWN
Huangpu District Chinese Medicine Hospital
CollaboratorUNKNOWN
Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University
CollaboratorOTHER
Huangpu District Jiufo Street Community Health Service Center
CollaboratorUNKNOWN
Huangpu District Xinlong Town Central Hospital
CollaboratorUNKNOWN
Huangpu District Yonghe Street Community Health Service Center
CollaboratorUNKNOWN
Huangpu District Lianhe Street Second Community Health Service Center
CollaboratorUNKNOWN
Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University
CollaboratorOTHER
ChromX Health
Lead SponsorINDUSTRY

Study design

Observational model
COHORT
Time perspective
PROSPECTIVE

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to 80 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes

Inclusion criteria

* 18-80 years old; * Pulmonary nodules were detected through low-dose spiral CT, chest CT conventional scan, or high-resolution thin-layer CT examination, with a maximum diameter of 5-30 mm, including solid nodules and ground glass nodules; * Patients require pulmonary nodule resection to define the type of nodule pathology; * The Patients have not yet used any drugs for tumor treatment; * Patients and/or family members are able to understand the research protocol and are willing to participate in this study, providing written informed consent.

Exclusion criteria

* The maximum diameter of pulmonary nodules is greater than 30 mm; * Patients are unable to determine the pathological diagnosis of pulmonary nodules after surgical resection or biopsy; * Patients with recurrent lung cancer; * Patients who have undergone lung transplantation or lobectomy; * Individuals who currently or have a history of malignant tumors; * Patients in the acute phase of inflammation or in need of intensive care in the above selected disease groups; * Individuals with severe liver and kidney dysfunction; * Mental illness patients (such as severe dementia, schizophrenia, severe depression, manic depressive psychosis, etc.); * Confirmed HIV patients; * Pregnant or lactating women; * Patients or family members are unable to understand the conditions and objectives of this study. * The patient is unwilling or unable to personally sign the informed consent form.

Design outcomes

Primary

MeasureTime frameDescription
The diagnostic accuracy of an exhaled breath VOC-assisted diagnostic artificial intelligence (AI) model in distinguishing benign and malignant pulmonary nodules.3 yearsThe diagnostic performance of the exhaled breath VOC-assisted diagnostic artificial intelligence (AI) model will be compared with pathologic diagnosis and CT/LDCT data, including sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV).

Secondary

MeasureTime frameDescription
The diagnostic effectiveness of an AI model to identify specific types of malignant nodules, including lung adenocarcinoma, lung squamous cell carcinoma, and small cell lung cancer.3 yearsThe diagnostic performance of the exhaled breath VOC-assisted diagnostic artificial intelligence (AI) model will be compared with pathologic diagnosis, including sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV).

Other

MeasureTime frameDescription
Establish an exhaled breath VOC model for predicting EGFR mutations in malignant pulmonary nodules.3 yearsEstablish an exhaled breath VOC model for predicting EGFR mutations in pathologically confirmed malignant pulmonary nodules. And evaluate the prediction accuracy by comparing the results of EGFR gene testing.

Countries

China

Contacts

Primary ContactHengrui Liang, MD
hengrui_liang@163.com+86 15625064712

Outcome results

None listed

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Feb 4, 2026