MESOTHELIOMA BLOOD TEST

In January 2007, the Food and Drug Administration approved a new mesothelioma blood test to help monitor response to treatment in epithelial and bi-phasic malignant mesothelioma patients. A specific protein, or biomarker, called Soluble Mesothelin-Related Peptide, may be released into the blood by mesothelioma cancer cells.

By measuring the amount of SMRP in a blood sample, doctors may be able to better monitor a patient's progress. Based on the limited amount of data currently available, use of this test may be beneficial, but effectiveness has not been determined at this time. This new blood test is called the mesomark blood test has not yet been approved for the early diagnosis of mesothelioma but there is hope that with this comes other variations of assistance. Physicians must follow certain procedures to qualify their patients for this type of testing.

Once the physician is certified, informational brochures will be sent to be distributed to each applicable patient. Those wishing to take part in testing will be asked to provide samples of blood to approved physicians. The blood samples will then be sent to a national reference laboratory for testing. In conjunction with other clinical and laboratory data obtained by your physician, decisions regarding your treatment and care may be simplified and life expectancy may be prolonged. You may discontinue testing at any time. The costs associated with the mesomark blood test may not be covered under health insurance; therefore, you may be required to pay all or part of the costs out of pocket. It is recommended that you check with your insurance carrier to determine whether coverage is available under your policy for any mesothelioma blood test.

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