A team of cancer specialists from Hungary, Austria, Australia, and Switzerland
conducted a recent study and believe they have found a new and helpful
malignant pleural mesothelioma biomarker. The specialists recently published
their findings in the European Journal of Cancer.
Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is often caused by the inhalation
of asbestos fibers and is common in servicemembers, plant workers, and
more occupations in which the workers are exposed to asbestos. Once the
fibers are inhaled, they can lodge in the pleura — the lining of
the lungs — and can ultimately result in genetic and cellular damage,
leading to cancer. This devastating disease has been around for decade.
Now, the researchers are measuring circulating
activin A from plasma samples. The study analyzed 129 patients suffering from malignant
pleural mesothelioma either at the time of diagnosis, or prior to surgery,
as well as 45 healthy people, and 16 non-malignant pleural disease patients.
The results show that the plasma activin A level was highly elevated in
patients with MPM. The tumor volume also showed a correlation with the
rise in circulating activin A. When compared, the patients suffering from
MPM who had lower activin A levels had a much longer overall survival
than those with higher activin A levels.
Understanding biomarkers is an extremely important aspect of making sure
there is early diagnosis and prognosis. It also helps to ensure that there
is a chance for effective treatment plans, working to help those suffering
from mesothelioma find a cure. This is the goal for researchers who continue
to look for early indicators of mesothelioma and finding a way to prolong
survival for the patient.
An Austrian surgeon and molecular biologist who worked on the research,
Mir Alireza Hoda, said,
Our findings suggest that the measurement of circulating activin A may
support the histological classification of malignant pleural mesothelioma
and at the same time help to identify epithelioid malignant pleural mesothelioma
patients with poor prognosis.
If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, it is important to receive
the help and medical treatment you need. Findings such as this make it
even more important because mesothelioma can take years to show symptoms,
prolonging the patient’s ability to get the treatment they need.
By discovering new biomarkers and other genetic traits that could signify
the existence of mesothelioma, patients and their doctors are able to
act much quicker, working to find an effective cure for the cancer.
At Worthington & Caron, we understand the importance of biomarkers
and other symptoms that would be a diagnosis for mesothelioma. Early diagnosis
of mesothelioma does more than just allow you to find treatment quicker.
It also allows you to seek the representation you need to file a lawsuit
against whoever was responsible for the potential asbestos exposure. You
can take legal action to get the compensation you need for your pain and
suffering.
Our
mesothelioma attorneys are dedicated to guiding you throughout the entire process and representing
your best interests in your time of need. We have helped several clients
get through the process. We know how devastating mesothelioma can be and
we know how much pressure compensation can take off these patients. When
you choose our firm to represent your case, you can be sure that we are
looking out for your best interests and always working to help you obtain
the results you need.
Call us today and discuss with our team the ways in which we may be able to help you.
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