Use of the Analysis of the Volatile Faecal Metabolome in Screening for Colorectal Cancer

Batty, C. A., Cauchi, M., Lourenço, C., Hunter, J. O. and Turner, C. (2015) Use of the Analysis of the Volatile Faecal Metabolome in Screening for Colorectal Cancer. PLoS ONE. 10(6) 1932-6203.

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20759:62689

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20759:62689

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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.

Additional Information:

The authors are grateful to Mr Nigel Hall and the department of colorectal surgery at Addenbrooke’s Hospital for their support. Conceived and designed the experiments: CT JOH. Performed the experiments: CAB MC CL. Analyzed the data: CAB MC CL CT. Contributed reagents/materials/analysis tools: JOH. Wrote the paper: CAB MC JOH CT.

Uncontrolled Keywords:

/dk/atira/pure/sustainabledevelopmentgoals/good_health_and_well_being

Creators:

Batty, C. A., Cauchi, M., Lourenço, C., Hunter, J. O. and Turner, C.

Date:

18 June 2015

Date Type:

Publication

Journal or Publication Title:

PLoS ONE

Volume:

Number:

Number of Pages:

Language:

English

ISSN:

1932-6203

Status:

Published / Disseminated

Refereed:

Yes