Patient prognosis in lung cancer largely depends on early diagnosis. The exhaled breath of patients may represent the ideal specimen for future lung cancer screening. However, the clinical applicability of current diagnostic sensor technologies based on signal pattern analysis remains incalculable due to their inability to identify a clear target. To test the robustness of the presence of a so far unknown volatile organic compound in the breath of patients with lung cancer, sniffer dogs were applied.Exhalation samples of 220 volunteers (healthy individuals, confirmed lung cancer or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)) were presented to sniffer dogs following a rigid scientific protocol. Patient history, drug administration and clinicopathological data were analysed to identify potential bias or confounders.Lung cancer was identified with an overall sensitivity of 71% and a specificity of 93%. Lung cancer detection was independent from COPD and the presence of tobacco smoke and food odours. Logistic regression identified two drugs as potential confounders.It must be assumed that a robust and specific volatile organic compound (or pattern) is present in the breath of patients with lung cancer. Additional research efforts are required to overcome the current technical limitations of electronic sensor technologies to engineer a clinically applicable screening tool.

Interferon-alpha treatment was associated with dramatic improvements in the condition of patients with corticosteroid-resistant asthma with and without Churg-Strauss syndrome. Potential mechanisms of action include the establishment of a correct Th1/Th2 balance and the induction of the anti-inflammatory IL-10 gene.

There is good evidence for gender-specific differences in asthma regarding all affected areas, from intra-to extracellular mediators to the whole organ structure und functioning of the lung. These result from complex, in parts synergistic, in other parts opposing, effects -especially of female sex hormones, and rather protective effects of male hormones against asthma, which include effects on the cellular immune system. Additionally, there are gender differences of sociocultural origin, regarding presentation, doctor's diagnosis and treatment of asthma symptoms, as well as the undertaken coping strategies concerning the female or male patient's complaints. Taking into account gender-specific differences in asthma would contribute to improved individual diagnosis and therapies.

We aimed to evaluate the value of exhaled breath condensates in monitoring airway inflammation in childhood asthma before and after high altitude climate therapy. Forty-eight asthmatic children on regular anti-asthma treatment with a normal FEV1 and positive skin prick test for house dust mites were recruited. All children had been referred to an alpine clinic for high altitude climate therapy, because of persistent asthmatic symptoms despite use of daily anti-inflammatory treatment. Subjects were assessed on their arrival and before departure from the alpine clinic. Spirometry, bronchial provocation tests and measurements of nitrites in breath condensates were performed. Median levels of nitrites were significantly higher before than after high altitude climate therapy (1.27 vs. 0.93 microm; p = 0.008). In addition, MEF50 improved significantly (p < 0.0005). There was a significant correlation between nitrites in breath condensates and MEF50 (r = -0.63, p < 0.0001), symptoms (r = 0.47, p = 0.0007) and airway hyper-reactivity (AHR) (r = -0.41, p = 0.004). In summary, we found a reduction in nitrites in breath condensates after a high altitude climate therapy. Significant correlations were found between nitrites and MEF50, AHR and symptoms. We conclude that the measurement of nitrites may be feasible to objectively assess airway inflammation in asthmatic children in order to detect ongoing inflammation in children with normal FEV1 but persistent symptoms.