Blood Test May Allow for Early Detection of Mesothelioma

Wednesday November 30, 4:30 pm ET
New York University and Wayne State University researchers have discovered that the protein Osteopontin may serve as a marker for the early stages of pleural mesothelioma. This suggests that blood tests for Osteopontin may be an early indicator of the disease, which currently cannot be detected in its early stages through blood testing. Although further studies are necessary to confirm the reliability of this protein as a marker, the study is certainly a step in the right direction for those exposed to asbestos.
Pleural Mesothelioma is a disease which affects the lung lining in the chest, that has been directly associated with asbestos exposure. Those that have been exposed to asbestos are encouraged to speak with their physicians about possible clinical trials.