Using trained dogs to detect tumors in suspected cancer patients

The Sensitivity and Specificity of Sniff Dog as a Tool in Diagnosing the Suspected Tumor Patients

Central South University · NCT02049658

This study tests whether trained dogs can sniff out cancer in people who are suspected of having tumors before they get a formal diagnosis.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment2000 (estimated)
Ages1 Year and up
SexAll
SponsorCentral South University (other)
Locations1 site (Changsha, Hunan)
Trial IDNCT02049658 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study investigates the ability of trained sniff dogs to identify cancer patients by analyzing their exhaled breath, blood, serum, urine, or feces. The dogs will sniff serum samples from participants who are suspected of having tumors based on their physicians' evaluations but have not yet received a pathological diagnosis. The results from the dogs' assessments will be compared to the outcomes of subsequent pathological examinations to determine the accuracy of this method in identifying neoplasia.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include patients undergoing evaluation for tumors in breast, thoracic, gynecological, and neurosurgery departments, as well as healthy volunteers without tumors.

Not a fit: Patients who have already received pathological results indicating the presence of tumors will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide a non-invasive and rapid method for early cancer detection in high-risk populations.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that trained dogs can successfully identify cancer patients, suggesting potential for this approach, though it remains an innovative application.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Healthy volunteers who have been examined by the currently used procedures and find to be without tumors.
* Patients in the breast surgery, thoracic surgery, gynecological and neurosurgery departments with lesions with characteristics of tumors

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients who have had pathological results

Where this trial is running

Changsha, Hunan

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Neoplasia, tumor, cancer

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.