Clapper, Patti, Schweizer and Mason

Malignant mesothelioma is a cancer that forms in the lining of the lungs, abdomen or heart. Exposure to asbestos, especially occupational exposure, is the cause of mesothelioma. Diagnosis of mesothelioma first began in the 1940’s, however the incidence of the disease is still growing, especially in developing countries where the use of asbestos continues and safety awareness is low. 

 

Although there is currently no known cure for mesothelioma, early diagnosis helps to extend survival times. Therefore discovering an accurate screening method for mesothelioma, particularly in patients with an occupational history of exposure to asbestos, is crucial for making early and accurate diagnosis. 

 

Screening helps to diagnose the disease before actual symptoms begin to appear, and therefore increase the chance of catching the cancer in earlier stages where interventions are more likely to lead to success. Although research is being conducted, no reliable screening test for mesothelioma exists and usual tests for lung cancers can report false negatives. 

 

One particular screening method currently under investigation is the presence of soluble mesothelin-related peptides (SMRPs). Studies are researching whether the measurement of SMRPs could be used as an accurate way of diagnosing malignant mesothelioma since initial results from clinical trials show that serum concentrations are higher in patients with this asbestos related disease. 

 

Research from the People’s Republic of China looked at results from twelve studies to review the sensitivity, specificity, likelihood ratios, and diagnostic odds ratio of measuring SMRPs to diagnose mesothelioma. Initial results led researchers to conclude that SMRP assays should be included with conventional methods as a way of screening for mesothelioma.

 

Because no screening method has yet been discovered, if you or someone you know has a suspected or known history of exposure to asbestos, it is important to be watchful for any initial symptoms of mesothelioma. This is not necessarily easy because common symptoms of mesothelioma can be very similar to those of pneumonia: difficulty breathing, chest pain, fever, sweats, abdominal pain and weight loss. However, if symptoms should appear, you should consult your physician immediately. 

 

If you have no symptoms, but have a history of exposure to asbestos, we suggest you consult with an oncologist or lung specialist who could inform you of current clinical trials that are investigating ways to screen for mesothelioma even before symptoms appear. Participating in such a study could lead to early diagnosis, which would then give you the best chance of survival and having optimal quality of life.