On the Scent: Trained Canines Can Detect the Unique Odor Signature of Sinonasal Inverted Papilloma in Plasma and Nasal Secretions

Abstract

Objective: Sinonasal inverted papilloma (SNIP) is a benign neoplasm with nonspecific symptomatology, aggressive features, and high risk of malignant transformation. Current treatment algorithms rely on surgical extirpation with close follow-up including serial imaging and nasal endoscopy. Both in-office and frozen surgical biopsies carry high false negative rates. Historically, SNIP patients have high rates of loss to follow-up. To date, less burdensome methods for disease monitoring have not been identified. Previous work has identified a distinct volatile organic compound (VOC) signature in plasma and nasal secretions samples of SNIP patients compared with healthy controls. Prior literature has demonstrated the unique ability of trained canines to detect VOC for detection of infectious disease, glycemic states, and cancers in human blood, urine, and sweat samples. The aim of this study was to investigate the ability of trained canines to detect a unique odor signature of SNIP patient plasma and nasal secretions compared with samples from healthy controls.