Using trained dogs to screen for tumors in patients

The Suitability of Sniff Dog as a Tool in Screening Tumors-- a Prospective Observational Study

Observational Central South University · NCT02049645

This study is testing whether trained dogs can sniff out cancer risks in people who are currently cancer-free during their annual health check-ups.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment4000 (estimated)
Ages20 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorCentral South University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Changsha, Hunan)
Trial IDNCT02049645 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study investigates the effectiveness of trained sniff dogs in identifying cancer patients by analyzing their serum samples. Participants, who are attending annual health examinations and are currently cancer-free, will have their serum sniffed by the dogs to detect potential cancer risks. The results from the dog sniffing will be compared to traditional health examination outcomes, and high-risk subjects will be monitored over a five-year period to assess the accuracy of this screening method.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals over 20 years old who have not been diagnosed with cancer.

Not a fit: Patients who are currently diagnosed with cancer will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide a non-invasive and innovative method for early cancer detection.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that sniff dogs can effectively identify cancer patients, suggesting potential success for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* old than 20 years
* currently without cancer diagnosed with pathological examination
* allow the study team to examine his/her case history and incoming record

Exclusion Criteria:

* cancer patients with pathological diagnosis
* who does not allow the study team to examine his/her case history and incoming record

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.
Conditions Neoplasialung cancerbreast cancer
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.