January 17th, 2006
Recent research carried out into the detection and diagnosis of mesothelioma is proving encouragement according to the results published by researchers. Mesothelioma is a potentially deadly cancer resulting from exposure to asbestos. This type of cancer has a very long latency period, which often makes it difficult to diagnose until it is too late to treat effectively. So far, various types of tests have been used to try and diagnose the cancer, such as x-ray screening and biopsies.
The latest research involves monitoring levels of a protein known as osteopontin in the body. The recent tests that were performed were carried out on three different groups of people. The first group of people were those that already had mesothelioma from asbestos exposure. The second group had been exposed to asbestos but had not contracted the cancer. The final group was made up of healthy control subjects.
The tests showed a clear difference in osteopontin levels between the three groups, with the highest levels present in those with mesothelioma. Nearly eighty percent of mesothelioma patients that took part in the research showed elevated levels of the protein, although the difference between the cancer-free groups and the healthy subjects was not as significant.
Researchers have described the results as encouraging, and hope that this is another method that will make this type of cancer easier to diagnose in its early stages.
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