Background/Problem

Lung cancer is one of the most common and fatal cancers in the world, accounting for the highest number of casualties annually [2]. The number of global lung cancer patients has significantly increased over the past three decades, with most cases diagnosed after Stage 2. Current diagnostic tools are a major cause of this problem, as they are either invasive methods of diagnosis or lack the ability to diagnose early. These methods include imaging tests and tissue sampling, both which usually take place after a patient consistently shows symptoms of lung cancer [3].

Exhaled VOCs, or volatile organic compounds, are biomarkers for lung cancer that are present in human breath. These compounds have a high vapor pressure and low water solubility. They are present in a higher concentration in lung cancer patients, and can potentially be used to create a noninvasive detection system [1].

Our plan is to allow for early diagnosis through a breath test with a detection system. More specifically, E. coli bacteria will be used for detecting the VOCs we identify to be associated with lung cancer. If E. coli detects these VOCs, a regulatory promoter will be used to “turn on” the expression of a reporter gene. This gene will indicate the presence of lung cancer in the patient. An example of a reporter gene is GFP, or green fluorescent protein, that allows for scientists or medical professionals to see if a certain protein or biomarker is present in a body because of its fluorescence.

1. Environmental Protection Agency. (n.d.). EPA. https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/what-are-volatile-organic-compounds-vocs#:~:text=Volatile%20organic%20compounds%20are%20compounds,pressure%20and%20low%20water%20solubility.&text=VOCs%20include%20a%20variety%20of,ten%20times%20higher)%20than%20outdoors.

2. Lung cancer statistics: How common is lung cancer? American Cancer Society. (n.d.). https://www.cancer.org/cancer/lung-cancer/about/key-statistics.html.

3. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2021, March 23). Lung cancer. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/lung-cancer/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20374627.