Key takeaways: Blood tests, like MESOMARK, are becoming more mainstream to help doctors
quickly and accurately diagnose mesothelioma. These tests check for the presence or absence of
certain biomarkers of mesothelioma; these biomarkers are released, upregulated, or
downregulated by the growth of mesothelioma tumors. Although it’s not yet a significant part of
mesothelioma’s diagnostic procedures, it will likely increase in popularity as its results become
more accurate and its availability more widespread.
How can a Blood Test Help with a Mesothelioma Diagnosis?
Mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer that is associated with certain biological markers. Like all
cancers, mesothelioma cells release certain chemical markers into the body. The reason for this is
two-fold: the mesothelioma tumors might be recruiting more nutrients and bodily “assistance” or
the new chemicals produced are just a symptom of unchecked cellular growth. Regardless,
doctors and scientists are able to leverage these biomarkers as insight to the patient’s condition
without the need for imaging techniques or biopsies.
Because mesothelioma is often incorrectly diagnosed–given its long latency period, symptoms
that present like other diseases, and median age of diagnosis being 72–blood tests (and other
simple tests) are imperative for a future of correct diagnoses. Blood tests are non-invasive, cost
effective, and are relatively easy to administer and analyze.
What Molecules Show up Differently in Mesothelioma Patient Blood Samples?
There’s only one approved blood test for mesothelioma in the United States: MESOMARK. It
tests for an array of different molecules–either directly released by mesothelioma-affected cells
or a by-product of their production. It can also test for an absence of molecules, which is just as
important as testing for the presence of others.
- Fibulin-3
● Present in patients that have mesothelioma; not present in patients exposed to
asbestos without mesothelioma. Differential diagnostic measure between
mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases. - Soluble mesothelin-related peptides (SMRPs)
● A class of glycoproteins found on epithelial cells that these cells release in
response to unusual growth events. Blood tests require a high number of SMRPs
to be present and for the mesothelioma to be epithelial-based, so it’s only useful in
certain manifestations. - Osteopontin
● Found in increased amounts in patients with pleural mesothelioma compared to
patients with other asbestos-related diseases. Currently receiving a significant
amount of research funds/attention because it’s one of–if not the most–reliable
marker to ensure a diagnosis is mesothelioma versus another asbestos-related
disease. - Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA)
● A differential antigen when patients present with symptoms that could be lung
cancer or another lung-related cancer: CEA is not present in pleural
mesothelioma.
How can Blood Tests Aid Doctors in Developing New Diagnostic Measures?
Because new research is being conducted on the efficacy of blood tests to help diagnose
mesothelioma, it’s likely that doctors will begin implementing them more frequently. Not only
can it qualify the presence of mesothelioma, but it can also help doctors narrow down the cell
origination. This has consequences for prognosis and treatment plans, as the cancer can be
treated more quickly and with more patient-specific context.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, please call 1 (800)-505-6000. We are here to help you navigate the legal process of filing a claim to receive compensation for your mesothelioma diagnosis. We help mesothelioma victims and their families in Pennsylvania.
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