Researchers affiliated with a biotech company in West Lafayette, Indiana created a new test to detect mesothelioma much earlier than current tests allow. More specifically, the test allows for detection up to four to ten years in advance of any clinical symptoms that may present to the patient or physician. Mesothelioma is a particularly aggressive form of cancer that is attributable to asbestos exposure and, unfortunately, usually has a poor prognosis.
It is hoped that with the new test earlier detection times can be acquired and treatment can be had in advance to develop better strategies to manage the cancer diagnosis. The test was the culmination of 20 years of research into cancer in general and is a laboratory developed test. The company is in the process of submitting an application to the FDA so that the test can be registered as a medical device. The test is called the ONCOblot tissue of origin cancer identification test or the ONCOblot Test.
The test works by identifying a key molecular marker on the recently identified malignant mesothelioma specific protein ENOX2 protein. Blood serum samples were collected from known victims of asbestos exposure who were part of a cancer surveillance program in an effort to determine how long in advance these molecular markers appeared prior to presentation of clinical symptoms in the patient. Two different variants of the ENOX2 appeared anywhere from four to ten years prior to the patient presenting with symptoms generally associated with mesothelioma. The average time period that these protein variants appeared was just over six years in advance of clinical symptoms.
These symptoms often are mistaken for other ailments. The most common symptoms are persistent cough, shortness of breath and pain due to excessive fluid accumulation in the pleural space (space surrounding the lungs). If the mesothelioma affects other areas of the body, such as the stomach region or the heart, other symptoms will present. The company also seeks to employ the test on a large scale basis to determine if the same test can detect other types of cancer.
If you or someone you know has been exposed to asbestos, you must contact your doctor and see a specialist to obtain all tests to determine your risk factors and get an accurate diagnosis and prognosis. Philadelphia asbestos lawyers at Brookman, Rosenberg, Brown & Sandler help those diagnosed with mesothelioma deal with the legal aspects of your situation. We will fight for all entitled compensation. You can contact us online or call 800-369-0899 for a consultation in Pennsylvania or New Jersey.
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