New Study May Improve Early Diagnosis of Mesothelioma

Diagnosing mesothelioma is one of the most pressing problems facing medical researchers and practitioners involved in fighting this aggressive cancer. Fortunately, the results of a new study may help provide medical practitioners with a new method of monitoring the health of those exposed to asbestos, allowing for earlier diagnosis.

The study, titled “Assessment of Biomarkers in Asbestos-Exposed Workers as Indicators of Cancer Risk,” appeared in a June 2008 issue of Mutation Research, and was carried out by several researchers at the Department of Molecular Pathology and Innovative Therapies, Institute of Occupational Medicine, Polytechnic University of Marche in Ancona, Italy.

Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that typically affects the mesothelial lining of the lungs, but can also affect the lining of the heart, abdominal cavity, or testicles. Due to a long latency period and the asymptomatic nature of the disease, mesothelioma is very difficult to diagnose early. By the time noticeable symptoms appear, the cancer has often progressed to a point where mesothelioma treatment is ineffective.

In addition, this cancer is highly resistant to current treatments. For this reason, effective and early diagnosis is a vital aspect of current research.

In an effort to find ways of solving these problems, researchers have examined what are known as “biomarkers” in relation to mesothelioma. Biomarkers are biological “tags” that distinguish mesothelioma cells from normal, healthy cells.

By determining mesothelioma biomarkers, researchers may be able to devise a method of earlier diagnosis. The research is promising and may afford those with mesothelioma a better chance at fighting the cancer.

The researchers of this study examined 119 people with a history of asbestos exposure. The participants were interviewed and their cells were analyzed for specific biomarkers relating to asbestos exposure.

Researchers found several biomarkers, and also discovered the amount of biomarkers present correlated with cumulative asbestos exposure. In essence, participants with more cumulative asbestos exposure exhibited higher levels of biomarkers.

The discovery of these biomarkers means that people who have been exposed to asbestos could be regularly monitored for signs of disease. With advancements such as these, it may soon be possible to diagnose mesothelioma earlier in those with known asbestos exposure.

This entry was posted on Wednesday, August 13th, 2008 at 4:48 pm and is filed under Asbestos Exposure, Mesothelioma, Mesothelioma Treatment. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS feed. Responses are currently closed, but you trackback from your own site.