The ALCOVE research project, coordinated by Lille University Hospital, focuses on the early detection of lung cancer, one of the leading causes of cancer‑related deaths in Europe.
The burden is particularly significant in the Hauts‑de‑France, Grand Est, and Belgium, where historical industrial exposure and high smoking rates have contributed to an increased incidence of the disease.
The ALCOVE consortium is working to develop an electronic‑nose device capable of detecting volatile organic compounds (VOCs) associated with lung cancer in exhaled breath.
This non‑invasive technology relies on advanced sensors and analytical algorithms to help identify individuals who may be at higher risk and guide them toward appropriate medical imaging–based screening.
ALCOVE brings together cross‑border scientific and clinical experts to validate the effectiveness of an electronic‑nose device—currently a laboratory‑tested prototype—in a real‑world hospital environment.
The goal is to eventually deploy this technology in large‑scale lung cancer screening programs.
This initiative represents a significant advance in lung cancer care, offering an innovative solution to a major public health challenge.
Objectives
01
Develop a series of miniaturized electronic‑nose prototypes that meet hospital‑environment requirements in accordance with European medical device regulations.
02
Evaluate the device’s performance in clinical settings that closely reflect real‑world conditions expected in future screening programs.
03
Prepare the integration of the device into upcoming regional lung cancer screening initiatives and support its adoption by health care professionals.
04
Transfer the electronic‑nose technology to an industrial partner for market deployment.
2018 – 2022
PATHACOV: the starting point for ALCOVE
We aim to build on the momentum created by the PATHACOV project through ALCOVE, continuing to advance innovation and improve lung cancer screening.
Project leader
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Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Lille
Le CHU Lille est un établissement de santé assurant 3 missions : le soin, l’enseignement et la recherche. Chaque année, 700 000 consultations médicales et 200 000 hospitalisations ont lieu au CHU de Lille.
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Project leader
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Project operators
16 cross‑border partners are involved
- 5 partners will transform the laboratory prototype into a device suitable for clinical use.
- 2 partners will focus on signal processing and large‑scale data analysis.
- 9 hospitals will participate in a cross‑border clinical study to validate the performance of the electronic‑nose device for lung cancer detection.
- 1 partner will support the consortium in maximizing the value of the results and preparing the technology transfer to industry.
Associated project partners
The associated partners will strengthen the impact of the consortium’s communication efforts across the entire cross‑border region.
