Dimethyl Trisulfide as a Characteristic Odor Associated with Fungating Cancer Wounds

Mika SHIRASU; Shunji NAGAI; Ryuichi HAYASHI; Atsushi OCHIAI; Kazushige TOUHARA

doi:10.1271/bbb.90229

Analytical Chemistry Note

Dimethyl Trisulfide as a Characteristic Odor Associated with Fungating Cancer Wounds

Mika SHIRASU, Shunji NAGAI, Ryuichi HAYASHI, Atsushi OCHIAI, Kazushige TOUHARA

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Keywords: cancer, odor, GC-MS, olfactometry, dimethyl trisulfide

JOURNAL FREE ACCESS

2009 Volume 73 Issue 9 Pages 2117-2120

DOI https://doi.org/10.1271/bbb.90229

View "Advance Publication" version (September 7, 2009).

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Abstract

Some advanced cancer patients suffer from pungent sulfury malodor. To determine the chemical identity of the odorant, we performed gas chromatography-mass spectrometry-olfactometry analysis of volatiles from fungating cancer wounds. We identified the source of the characteristic smell as dimethyl trisulfide, a compound that is known to be emitted from some vegetables and microorganisms. Controlling the production of dimethyl trisulfide should improve quality of life of patients.

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