A recent study has revealed about the accurate identification of changes of high risk that could trigger the development of stomach cancer.

A new breath technology has been discovered that could sense even the minute changes in the particular compounds levels in exhaled breath.

The new technology, which is known as nanoarray analysis, is believed to be used not only to examine for the presence of stomach cancer, but also for monitoring those at high risk of developing the ailment.

For the study, the researchers involved 484 people and gathered two breath samples from them following a 12-hour fast as well as abstention from smoking for minimum three hours. 99 of the total participants had been diagnosed with stomach cancer. However, they didn’t yet receive chemotherapy or radiotherapy. The participants were asked about their drinking and smoking habits. Moreover, they were tested for Helicobacter pylori infection, which is a known risk factor for stomach cancer.

Using a technique called GCMS, the researchers first analysed the breath sample of the participants. GCMS helps in measuring various volatile organic compounds present in the exhaled breath. The second sample undergone nanoarray analysis along with pattern recognition. The researchers found that both patients with and without cancer showed distinctive breath prints.

According to the researchers, GCMS technology cannot be used for the purposes of screening as it is very expensive method. Moreover, the technique needs lengthy processing times and considerable amount of expertise for its operation. On the other hand, Nanoarray analysis offers an accurate and highly sensitive method of testing. It also offers a cheaper and simpler alternative.

The findings of the study were published online in the journal Gut.