Breath Analysis for Evaluation of Radiation Exposure in Lung Cancer Patients Treated With Radiation

Breath Analysis for Evaluation of Radiation Exposure in Lung Cancer Patients Treated With Radiation: A Feasibility Study

Patients treated with radiation therapy for lung tumors can experience inflammation after treatment. This study hopes to evaluate the use of breath analysis to evaluate changes in the composition of exhaled breath in patients undergoing radiotherapy. If changes can be detected, this may ultimately serve as biomarkers for identifying patients at highest risk for radiation-induced lung injury (radiation pneumonitis).

Inclusion Criteria:

• Diagnosis of any type of lung tumor
• Medical recommendation (independent of the study) that the patient undergo thoracic radiation therapy. Radiation therapy may be either fractionated or hypofractionated (i.e. radiosurgery)
• Age >= 18 years old
• Any gender and any ethnic background will be recruited
• Capable of giving written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• Inability of giving written informed consent
• Pregnancy or breast-feeding