Recently Dr. Harvey Pass of NYU Langone Medical Center in New York and Dr. Michelle Carbone of John A. Burns School of Medicine in Honolulu of published an update on screening for malignant pleural mesothelioma found on the Seminars in Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery web site. The report stated that early detection of mesothelioma could find patients at a more treatable stage, resulting in prolonged survival over the present median of 12 months.
Past studies frequently used chest X-rays for screening patients. However, X-rays are not sensitive enough to effectively screen patients with mesothelioma. With the help of computerized tomography, more recent studies stress the importance of detailing suspicious changes which could provide an earlier diagnosis.
The most recent studies use serum biomarkers. These biomarkers may have the ability to distinguish people exposed to asbestos that do not have cancer from those with mesothelioma before the onset of the disease. The biomarker types include:
- Soluble, mesothelin-related protein
- Osteopontin
- Megakaryocyte potentiating factor
These markers may be included in screening trials to monitor individuals exposed to asbestos and considered high-risk. Continued improvement in screening for asbestos diseases, particularly mesothelioma, is critical to the patient’s ability to receive proper treatment and care. More information on clinical trials can be found on our web site, or you may contact us to answer your questions.
