Can dogs sniff cancer? AI joins the hunt in India

In Bengaluru, India's tech hub, a rescue dog named Chloe is learning to detect human breath samples for cancer detection, with the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI). The experimental project, led by a Bengaluru-based startup called Dognosis, aims to utilize dogs' incredible sense of smell to create a non-invasive cancer screening method.

Dognosis has developed a system that analyzes dogs' brain activity, respiration, and body language, transforming their reactions to scent into data. By evaluating thousands of sniffs in a single hour, the startup hopes to launch its commercial product next year, positioning itself as one of three companies worldwide with a similar capability, following firms from Germany and Israel.

Early detection of cancer can significantly impact survival rates, and Dognosis believes its technology could provide a more accessible and affordable first-step screening option, identifying potential cases for further testing. The startup collaborates with government medical institutions and has trained 15 dogs, including a Labrador mix named Chloe, to detect cancer through breath analysis.

The testing process involves patients breathing into a cotton mask for about 10 minutes, which is then sealed and sent to a lab for analysis. Chloe's training process involves positive reinforcement, where the dog is rewarded with treats or attention when it detects the specific scent associated with cancer. The startup has published a study in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, which demonstrated a 90% accuracy rate across seven major types of cancer.

While cancer specialists in Bengaluru remain cautiously optimistic about the potential of this technology, they stress the need for further research with larger participant groups before drawing definitive conclusions.