According to new research from the Monell Center and collaborating institutions, odors from human skin cells can be used to identify melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. In addition to detecting a unique odor signature associated with melanoma cells, the researchers also demonstrated that a nanotechnology-based sensor could reliably differentiate melanoma cells from normal skin cells. The findings suggest that non-invasive odor analysis may be a valuable technique in the detection and early diagnosis of human melanoma.
Melanoma is a tumor affecting melanocytes, skin cells that produce the dark pigment that gives skin its color. The disease is responsible for approximately 75 percent of skin cancer deaths, with chances of survival directly related to how early the cancer is detected. Current detection methods most commonly rely on visual inspection of the skin, which is highly dependent on individual self-examination and clinical skill.
The current study took advantage of the fact that human skin produces numerous airborne chemical molecules known as volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, many of which are odorous. “There is a potential wealth of information waiting to be extracted from examination of VOCs associated with various diseases, including cancers, genetic disorders, and viral or bacterial infections,” notes George Preti, PhD, an organic chemist at Monell who is one of the paper’s senior authors.
“We are excited to see that the DNA-carbon nanotube vapor sensor concept has potential for use as a diagnostic. Our plan is to move forward with research into skin cancer and other diseases,” said A.T. Charlie Johnson, PhD, Professor of Physics at the University of Pennsylvania, who led the development of the olfactory sensor.
Together, the findings provide proof-of-concept regarding the potential of the two analytical techniques to identify and detect biomarkers that distinguish normal melanocytes from different melanoma cell types.
“This study demonstrates the usefulness of examining VOCs from diseases for rapid and noninvasive diagnostic purposes,” said Preti. “The methodology should also allow us to differentiate stages of the disease process.”
Current studies are focusing on analysis of VOCs from tumor sites of patients diagnosed with primary melanoma.
From: Monell Chemical Senses Center. “Odors from human skin cells can be used to identify melanoma.” ScienceDaily, 13 Jun. 2013. Web. 5 Jul. 2013.
Researchers identified odorants from human skin cells that can be used to identify melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. (Credit: © alejandro dans / Fotolia)
I am in fact glad to glance at this weblog posts which consists of plenty of
valuable facts, thanks for providing these kinds of statistics.
http://www.terhorstnet.nl/wiki/Life_cell_reviews
Hi there, just became aware of your blog through Google, and found that it is really informative.
I’m going to watch out for brussels. I will appreciate if you continue this in future. Many people will be benefited from your writing. Cheers!
Wow, this article is fastidious, my younger sister is analyzing these kinds of
things, so I am going to tell her.
Excellent post. I am experiencing a few
of these issues as well..
Simply want to say your article is as surprising. The
clarity in your post is just spectacular
and i can assume you’re an expert on this subject. Fine with your permission let me to grab your RSS feed to keep up to date with forthcoming post. Thanks a million and please carry on the enjoyable work.
Great post. I used to be checking continuously this
blog and I’m impressed! Very helpful information particularly the last part 🙂 I maintain such information a lot. I used to be looking for this particular info for a very lengthy time. Thanks and best of luck.
I am truly thankful to the owner of this web page who has shared
this great article at at this place.