New test for asbestos cancer

[Posted: Mon 24/08/2009 by Olivia Fens]

A new test that could allow for an earlier diagnosis of the asbestos-related cancer mesothelioma has been developed, according to a new study.

In mesothelioma, cancer cells develop in the outer lining of the lungs and the internal chest wall. Most people who develop mesothelioma have worked on jobs where they have inhaled asbestos particles.

The disease usually occurs decades after asbestos exposure and is extremely difficult to treat because of it’s location in the lungs and because it does not respond well to chemotherapy.

In a new study, researchers from the University of Oxford in the UK looked at levels of a protein called pleural fluid mesothelin.

They found that pleural fluid mesothelin concentrations were six times higher in patients with mesothelioma.

The researchers said that by measuring pleural fluid mesothelin they were able to diagnose mesothelioma with 100% accuracy.

“This study suggests a way for clinicians to more readily identify cases of mesothelioma from the start,” the researchers said.

“Because mesothelioma has a median survival time of 12 months, minimising the number of invasive procedures and tests patients require is crucial to reduce morbidity and the time patients need to spend in hospital.

“An earlier diagnosis also allows speedier interventions to relieve symptoms as well as initiation of other treatments such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy if appropriate.”

The study was published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine.