The electronic nose in lung cancer diagnostics: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Lung cancer remains a leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Early-stage detection is pivotal for curative interventions, yet most cases are diagnosed at advanced stages. Noninvasive point-of-care diagnostic strategies are needed to reduce lung cancer mortality rates. We assess the potential of electronic nose (eNose) devices as a tool for lung cancer detection.

All online available databases were searched. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, we reviewed studies using eNose for in vivo exhaled air analysis in lung cancer patients. Included patients had pathologically confirmed lung cancer, both non-small cell lung cancer and small cell lung cancer, in various stages. Primary outcomes were sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value and area under the curve. Secondary outcomes evaluated eNose performance in distinguishing non-small cell lung cancer subtypes and small cell lung cancer. Additionally, a subgroup analysis was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of various commonly used sensors in this differentiation. The Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies 2 tool was used for risk-of-bias assessment.

We included 35 studies, comprising 4483 patients. Pooled sensitivity and specificity were 0.90 (95% CI 0.87-0.93) and 0.89 (95% CI 0.85-0.93), respectively. The median negative predictive value was 0.93 and the median area under the curve was 0.91. Both the likelihood of bias and concerns regarding applicability were minimal.

eNose devices hold promise as noninvasive, point-of-care tools for lung cancer diagnosis. Owing to the high sensitivity and negative predictive values and great ease of use, they could be valuable additions to the diagnostic toolbox. Further research and validation efforts are critical to maximise their impact on early lung cancer detection.