Mesothelioma Diagnostic Test Launched by Pharmaceutical Company

Prometheus Laboratories Inc. recently announced the nationwide commercial launch of the diagnostic test ProOnc Mesothelioma Dx, in addition to two other diagnostic products. The company originally received United States rights to the three cancer tests from Rosetta Genomics in April this year.

The three tests Prometheus acquired rights to were initially labeled miRview™ meso, miRview™ mets and miRview™ squamous. Now they are called ProOnc Mesothelioma Dx, ProOnc TumorSource Dx and ProOnc Squamous Dx.

Rosetta Genomics developed the tests after studying microRNA technology, which consists of non-coding genes that are sensitive to biomarkers.

According to Harvey Pass, M.D., Professor of Cardiothoracic Surgery and Director of the Division of Thoracic Surgery and Thoracic Oncology at New York University Langone Medical Center, “MicroRNAs are small, non-coding sequences of RNA that are critically important in many biological and pathological processes. The sensitivity and specificity of microRNA-based diagnostics should enable clinicians to differentiate particular cancer tissues with increased confidence, which may ultimately guide medical oncologists to deliver the safest and most efficacious therapy for their patients.”

The severe latency period associated with mesothelioma can provide a significant challenge for mesothelioma doctors trying to diagnose patients. In some cases, symptoms of mesothelioma may take as long as 50 years to develop. The similarity of mesothelioma symptoms to other, less serious conditions also contributes to the difficulty of diagnosing patients.

The test ProOnc Mesothelioma Dx uses biomarkers in microRNAs to distinguish the presence of mesothelioma from other cancers of the lung and pleura (the lining of the lungs). This test may make it easier for doctors to obtain an accurate diagnosis for patients.

Joseph M. Limber, President and Chief Executive Officer of Prometheus, said, “We believe that these highly tissue-specific tests provide more objective and quantitative results than current methods, which may lead to more personalized treatments for patients.”

Additional information about mesothelioma may be found through the Mesothelioma Center.

This entry was posted on Monday, November 2nd, 2009 at 10:35 am and is filed under 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.