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New research and experimentation has uncovered 13 blood borne proteins that could very well be used for biomarkers in future blood tests for mesothelioma.  Rachel Ostroff published the results of this experimentation in PLOS ONE, and open access journal, earlier this month.  Ostroff works for SomaLogic, a biotech company which developed the test. 

Currently, there are only a few non-invasive tests available to detect mesothelioma and many of them are still classified as experimental.  The most common method of diagnosing mesothelioma involves a multimodal approach which includes medical imaging (usually CT or PET scans) and biopsies. 

However, several novel testing mechanisms have been developed in recent years including a handful of blood tests, tissues tests, and even an electronic nose that can detect mesothelioma in roughly 80% of patients.  However, SomaLogic hopes that their new test will soon become mainstream and may even surpass some of these outdated methodologies.    

Ostroffs writes that "by measuring changes in blood concentration of a series of proteins we can potentially catch mesothelioma at an earlier stage."  This is extremely important because scores of studies have shown that the earlier mesothelioma is discovered, the more treatable it is.  While there is no cure, patients whose disease is caught in earlier stages respond better and live longer, healthier lives when compared to those who aren’t diagnosed to later in the cancer’s life cycle. 

Ostroff is hopeful that this new test will help hundreds of patients but admits that further testing is needed.  "Our efforts are now focused on further development of this approach, and how best to get it rapidly into clinical use for the sake of individuals who can benefit from earlier detection of this devastating disease."

Blood testing is an exciting new avenue for the diagnosis of mesothelioma.  Not only is it less costly than imaging and biopsy but it can also be more accurate and more easily accessible.  This is important because mesothelioma is often misdiagnosed because symptoms tend to mimic less life-threatening illnesses.  Having a “disposable” test available offers a first-line option that more patients and doctor may use.

Many still remain skeptical of the accuracy of blood testing for mesothelioma but most admit that no harm can come from these tests.  The worst case scenario is inconclusive results which would result in more testing – testing which would be likely anyway to confirm the diagnosis.

SomaLogic isn’t the only company that’s announcing a new blood test for mesothelioma.  Brigham and Women’s Hospital has recently announced a partnership with Castle Biosciences to manufacture and market their DecisionDx-Mesothelioma test.

Source: Novel blood-based protein signature determined for rare, aggressive lung cancer