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Updated: May 7, 2026

Identification of OTX1 and OTX2 As Two Possible Molecular Markers for Sinonasal Carcinomas and Olfactory Neuroblastomas
Published on: February 28, 2019
Pilot study: volatile organic compounds as a diagnostic marker for head and neck tumors
Joachim Schmutzhard1, Josef Rieder, Martina Deibl
1Department of Otolaryngology, Innsbruck Medical University, Innsbruck, Austria. joachim.schmutzhard@i-med.ac.at
Background:
In the last decade, the analysis of volatile organic compounds (VOC) has undergone a rapid development. In this pilot study, patients with HNSCC were tested with a proton transfer reaction-mass spectrometry in order to establish a minimal invasive screening method.
Methods:
Overall in a period of 2 years, 22 carcinoma patients were recruited for the study. All patients had a newly diagnosed histologically secured squamous cell carcinoma of the upper aerodigestive tract. These results were statistically compared with 3 control groups: healthy controls, high-risk, and posttherapy patients.
Results:
Two hundred nine different masses were measured; 188 of these were evaluated. The statistical workup of the 4 study groups produced 42 different masses, which showed a statistically significant difference from the carcinoma group compared with the control groups.
Conclusion:
A screening method for HNSCC using VOC seems to be possible, but further investigation is necessary.
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