Clapper, Patti, Schweizer and Mason

The results of a Swiss study indicate that two newly investigated protein markers could make malignant pleural mesothelioma diagnosis easier, faster, and less expensive.  The researchers examined tumor samples taken from patients at the University Hospital in Zurich and focused on two previously under-utilized protein markers thy-1/CD90 (THY1) and teneurin-2 (ODZ2).

The study came about because researchers understood that diagnosing mesothelioma is a difficult task.  Mesothelioma has certain similarities with other types of cancer, and tests commonly used to diagnose a potential mesothelioma patient could be throwing doctors off the trail with false positives and missed opportunities.  For the purposes of this limited study researchers focused on differentiating mesothelioma tumor cells from those produced by patients suffering from lung adenocarcinoma (ADCA). 

The group used mass spectrometers to examine the microscopic surfaces of cells taken from both mesothelioma and ADCA cells.  The samples were then treated in such a manner that the surface proteins of the cells became identifiable. 

Every cell in the human body has certain physical attributes unique to it.  The proteins on the outside of the cell function as receptors or connectors and can be used to transmit information between cells.  In fact, protein receptors function as “light switches” for cells and can be used to turn a cell “on” or “off” when certain chemical compounds are present.  By identifying the type of protein on the outside of the cell, scientists—in this case oncologists or mesothelioma specialists—can then identify the actual cell itself. 

Combining mass spectrometer technology with an already existing test array allowed the Swiss team to closely examine the individual tumor cells and devise a way to accurately discriminate mesothelioma from ADCA and other types of lung cancer.

The process of identification included the use a certain type of test called higher throughput low density microarray (LDA).  The researchers chose to use this method because it is more commonly used, is more cost-effective than other methods, and—as their data showed—as effective in pinpointing the necessary protein markers on the surface of mesothelioma cells.

The next step is to expand the scope of the experiment to take in a larger number of samples to see if the positive results can be verified or if they were merely due to a mathematical aberration.  If the results prove solid, the revelation could be used to create a newer, less costly method of diagnosing mesothelioma.

Most cases of mesothelioma are diagnosed far too late in their progression to treat effectively.  Though mesothelioma is invariably fatal, research has shown that early diagnosis and early treatments can lead to a longer life expectancy and a higher quality of life for mesothelioma patients.

In addition to early detection, the value of this research in eliminating false positives cannot be understated.  Mesothelioma is a very aggressive form of cancer caused by inhalation or ingestion of microscopic asbestos fibers.  Therefore, the cancer usually starts as a very localized disease before metastasizing and travelling to other parts of the body. 

Methods for treating mesothelioma differ greatly from those used to treat other forms of cancer because the tissues affected by mesothelioma are often in close proximity to vital organs such as the heart and lungs.  Therefore, by eliminating false positives, scientists can not only decrease the instances of doctors using the incorrect type of treatment and risking devastating side effects, they can also cut down on wasted time – and time is a commodity that every mesothelioma patient holds in high demand.