mesothelioma blood test
The reason for high mortality rates among patients with mesothelioma is the aggressive nature of the disease and the inability to diagnose until it is well advanced. Since symptoms of mesothelioma do not appear until about 40-50 years after asbestos exposure, most cases at the time of diagnosis have already reached stage III or IV. As a result, mesothelioma treatment options are often more palliative than curative.
However, the ability to diagnose the disease at an earlier time undoubtedly would result in better outcomes for patients with mesothelioma. That ability is now present in the form of a blood test known Mesomark as mesothelioma. Developed by Fujirebio Diagnostics Inc. of Malvern, Pa., a leader in oncology testing, the test measures the amount of a particular biomarker in human serum.
The test was first launched in Australia in March 2005 and increased distribution to Europe just a few months later. Food and Drug Administration approval for the blood test was received almost two years later, in January 2007.
Tests for mesothelioma
Mesomark is a blood test that is easily done using an enzyme immunoassay to measure the amount of soluble mesothelin-related with peptides (SMRP) in human serum. SMRP is a biomarker that is produced by mesothelioma cells, and this biomarker may be elevated in the serum of patients with mesothelioma. The detection of biomarkers through a blood test can help achieve early diagnosis, leading to more treatment options and better prognosis for patients.
Mesomark is what is known as an in vitro test. In this test, blood is drawn from the patient is sent to a lab to measure the level of SMRP. This is done by using monoclonal antibodies known to specifically bind SMRP. Measuring the amount of bound antibodies in the blood indicates the amount of SMRP, and certain levels indicate the presence of mesothelioma. In addition to detecting the presence of mesothelioma in yet-to-be-diagnosed patients, the blood test Mesomark can also be used to monitor the success of treatment in patients already diagnosed with the disease.
These tests also help to determine the next course of treatment.
The blood test has not been approved Mesomark for early diagnosis of mesothelioma.
This test has been approved as a humanitarian use device (HUD), which means that doctors must follow certain procedures to qualify their patients for testing. Once the doctor is certified, informational brochures will be sent for distribution to each applicable patient.
Those wishing to take part in testing Mesomark be asked to provide one or more blood samples. Blood samples will then be sent to a national reference laboratory for testing. In conjunction with other clinical and laboratory data obtained by his physician decisions about their treatment and care can be simplified. You can stop the test at any time.
The costs associated with Mesomark blood test may not be covered by health insurance, therefore, may be required to pay all or part of the of-pocket costs. It is recommended that you consult your insurance company to determine whether coverage is available in your policy.
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