Imagine catching a deadly disease with something as simple as a deep breath—no needles, no invasive scans, just a quick exhale into a device. In a groundbreaking leap for oncology, the first-ever human study on a breath test for blood cancers like leukemia and lymphoma has shown promising results. Published in HemaSphere in July 2025, this research from Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) could pave the way for a non-invasive, low-cost diagnostic tool that detects these “silent” killers early, potentially saving thousands of lives. Let’s dive into the details of the study, how it works, and what it means for the future of cancer detection.
The Study: A Pioneering Breath of Discovery
Led by Dr. John Riches, Clinical Reader at Barts Cancer Institute at QMUL, the study is the first to explore whether blood cancers—those originating in the bone marrow or lymphatic system—leave detectable traces in exhaled breath. Funded by Barts Charity, it builds on breath tests already used for lung cancer but asks a novel question: Since breath exchanges gases with the blood, could cancer cells in the bloodstream release molecules that show up in our exhale?
Key Study Details:
- Participants: 74 volunteers total—46 with newly diagnosed blood cancers (acute leukemia or high-grade lymphoma) and 28 healthy controls. All cancer patients were tested before starting major treatments to avoid confounding factors like chemotherapy effects.
- Timeline: Samples collected between August 2020 and March 2022 at Barts Health NHS Trust.
- Technology: The team used Owlstone Medical’s Breath Biopsy®—a portable breathalyzer-like device that captures exhaled breath and analyzes it via mass spectrometry for volatile organic compounds (VOCs), the “chemical fingerprints” of disease.
- Process: Participants breathed normally into the device for about 10 minutes. The breath was then scanned for tens of thousands of molecular fragments.
Standout Findings:
- Patients with high-grade lymphoma showed significantly elevated levels of specific VOCs compared to healthy individuals. These molecules, produced by cancer cells, crossed into the bloodstream and were exhaled.
- The test distinguished lymphoma patients from controls with promising accuracy, though exact sensitivity/specificity figures weren’t detailed in early reports—further validation is needed.
- No such clear patterns emerged for acute leukemia in this small cohort, suggesting lymphoma might be an easier “breath target” due to its lymphatic involvement.
Dr. Riches noted: “Previous studies have shown the value of using breath tests to detect lung cancer. But no one had ever investigated whether blood cancer cells release molecules that pass into the breath, despite the purpose of breathing being to exchange substances between the blood and the breath.” This proof-of-concept opens the door to a tool that could spot blood cancers before symptoms like unexplained fatigue or bruising appear.
How Breath Tests Work: The Science Behind the Sniff
Our breath isn’t just air—it’s a cocktail of over 3,000 VOCs produced by metabolic processes, including those disrupted by cancer. In blood cancers, rogue cells multiply uncontrollably, altering blood chemistry and releasing unique VOCs (e.g., aldehydes or hydrocarbons) that diffuse into the lungs and exhale.
- Detection Tech: Mass spectrometry breaks down breath samples to identify these VOC “signatures.” AI and machine learning can then pattern-match them to diseases, much like fingerprint analysis.
- Why Blood Cancers? Unlike solid tumors, blood cancers circulate systemically, making their markers more likely to reach the breath. Early studies on lung cancer achieved 80-90% accuracy with similar tech.
- Advantages Over Current Tests: Bone marrow biopsies (gold standard for blood cancers) are painful, invasive, and take days for results. Blood tests like flow cytometry miss early stages. A breath test? Quick (aiming for seconds), painless, and cheap—ideal for low-resource settings.
| Aspect | Traditional Blood Cancer Diagnosis | Breath Test Potential |
|---|---|---|
| Invasiveness | High (biopsy, venipuncture) | None (just breathe) |
| Time to Results | Days to weeks | Minutes to seconds |
| Cost | $500–$2,000+ | Under $50 (projected) |
| Accessibility | Requires labs/specialists | Portable, clinic-based |
| Early Detection | Often stage II+ | Possible at stage 0/I |
The Bigger Picture: Why This Matters for Blood Cancer
Blood cancers strike fast and silently: In the U.S., they’re diagnosed every three minutes, affecting 1.7 million people living with or in remission. Globally, leukemia causes 300,000 deaths yearly, with late diagnosis slashing survival rates (e.g., 90% for early childhood leukemia vs. 30% for adults). Early detection via breath could shift this, especially in underserved areas where biopsies are scarce.
This isn’t the first breath test rodeo—similar tech detects pancreatic cancer (2023 Imperial College study) and monitors lung cancer response. But for blood cancers, it’s uncharted territory, making this study a true milestone.
Challenges and Next Steps: From Promise to Practice
No breakthrough is perfect. Limitations include:
- Small Sample Size: Only 74 participants—larger trials needed for diverse populations and subtypes (e.g., chronic vs. acute leukemia).
- Specificity Issues: VOCs overlap with other conditions (e.g., infections), risking false positives.
- Tech Tweaks: Current 10-minute collection is clunky; the team aims for seconds-long tests with AI refinement.
Future plans: Expand to 1,000+ patients, test more blood cancer types, and integrate with AI for 95%+ accuracy. Owlstone Medical is fast-tracking Breath Biopsy® for clinical use, potentially in GP offices by 2030.
The Bottom Line: A Simple Breath Could Change Everything
This first human study on a breath test for blood cancer isn’t just promising—it’s a game-changer in the making. By spotting leukemia and lymphoma early through something as effortless as exhaling, we could democratize diagnostics, boost survival rates, and ease the fear of invasive tests. As Dr. Riches envisions: “In future, rather than sending patients away for costly scans… doctors may be able to conduct a quick breath test in their clinic room and potentially have the results within a few seconds.”
If you’re at risk (family history, age 50+), talk to your doctor about screening. What’s your take on breath-based diagnostics? Share in the comments—let’s breathe new life into cancer conversations.