New technique could soon make early lung cancer detection possible

Scientists have recently developed a new technique that could soon make it easier to detect lung cancer early by identifying specific markers.

This method creates a very sensitive graphene biosensor with the ability to detect molecules that are common lung cancer biomarkers.

The new design can also change the ways existing devices like the electronic nose (e-nose) detects specific elements of an individual's breath, that is vapour mixture, in order to examine its chemical makeup and understand the cause.

"The new biosensors which we have developed show that graphene has significant potential for use as an electrode in e-nose devices," Ben Hogan, postgraduate researcher from the University of Exeter in Britain, told a news portal. Adding, "For the first time, we have shown that with suitable patterning graphene can be used as a specific, selective and sensitive detector for biomarkers."

The team is now hoping to develop an accurate breath test that is cheap and reusable that can detect cancer at an early stage.

Lung cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer that kills almost 1.4 million people annually around the world. Smoking is a major cause of the disease.