Exalenz initiates trial of BreathID test for diagnosing HCC

Exalenz Biosciences announced a clinical trial is underway to investigate whether its BreathID test is useful in diagnosing hepatocellular carcinoma, according to a press release from the manufacturer.

BreathID (Exalenz) technology is a non-invasive and cost-effective technique for assessing and monitoring a variety of liver disorders, according to the Exalenz website. The test uses molecular analysis of a patient’s exhaled breath to provide quick, ongoing monitoring and data analysis.

The study will be conducted at the 302 Military Hospital of China, and potentially other clinical sites in China that are expected to be added at a later time, according to the release. The trial will include 100 patients and evaluate the efficacy of BreathID for the early detection of HCC and compare it with magnetic resonance imaging, the current standard technique.

“Our goal in primary liver cancer is to detect and treat it early,” Yongping Yang, MD, study investigator, said in the release. “We are encouraged by the potential of BreathID as a new option for clinicians and patients for detecting liver cancer particularly in markets and institutions where conventional diagnostic technologies are not economically or practically feasible.”

“The Exalenz BreathID test has shown promising early evidence of efficacy as a detection tool for liver cancer patients, offering a non-invasive, convenient and cost-effective alternative to currently available technologies,” Larry Cohen, chief executive officer of Exalenz, said in the release. “We are excited to launch this study and are optimistic about the BreathID platform to help clinicians detect liver cancer while reducing the cost burden to the healthcare system.”

Exalenz previously launched a clinical trial to test BreathID for nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. – by Melinda Stevens

Disclosure: Cohen is employed by Exalenz.