Assessment of individual lung cancer risk by the proteomic analysis of exhaled breath condensate

Background: Lung cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths. Several diagnostic strategies are available but these are frequently ineffective, either because of their cost and organizational difficulty or because of the involvement of high radiations. As recent data from spiral computerized axial tomography have shown limited sensitivity and limited impact on cancer-related fatality, several options have been proposed in order to identify biological fluid-based biomarkers. Objective: Evaluating whether proteomic analysis of alveolar fluid obtained in the form of exhaled breath condensate (EBC) can be valuable for detecting and effectively diagnosing lung cancer. Methods: Careful review of recently published papers on proteomic EBC analysis, together with experience in the authors' laboratory, allows the discussion of benefits, pitfalls and possible future development of this approach. Results/conclusions: The rapid advancements of proteomics are expected to validate EBC protein(s) as lung pathology biomarker(s). Accessibility of an early marker of lung cancer will be a great advantage for potentially early treatment by surgical procedures with limited tissue removal, possibly preceding metastasis development.