Studies presented on Sunday suggested that Veracyte’s new diagnostic test could benefit a number of people in avoiding risky and expensive invasive lung biopsies. During a bronchoscopy procedure, Percepta Bronchial Genomic Classifier of the company took cell samples from smokers’ windpipe. After that, about 23 genes were examined for their reaction to exposure to cigarette toxins.

Dr. Avrum Spira from Boston University School and lead investigator of the studies said the cells have been telling that nodule deep down in the lung could be a cancer. After seeing lung abnormality, people usually decide to undergo a bronchoscopy. In that case, a small camera has been inserted down the windpipe attempts to the area. According to reports, about 40% of the time, the procedure does not lead to a diagnosis, just because the scope did not reach the suspicious location.

Spira, who was co-inventor of the test, said, “The only way we can be definitive is to stick a needle through the chest wall or cut open your chest. We don't want to miss a cancer, so we end up operating on and biopsying a lot of people who don't have cancer”.

After bronchoscopy, patients are considered at high or low risk of cancer. According to Spira, during the test, the best area was the intermediate-risk group. Spira said now, there is a new technique that could be helpful in knowing about the smokers that are at risk for having lung cancer. It will tell who don’t need to follow invasive procedures, Spira added. Veracyte, which is known for selling a thyroid cancer test, disclosed that its lung test would cost between $3,000 and $4,000.

The studies have been presented at the American Thoracic Society meeting in Denver by Spira.