Sunday, February 11, 2007

New Study Brings Hope to Mesothelioma Patients

In a recent NYU study, doctors may now be able to better monitor patients with mesothelioma. The MESOMARK test by Fujirebio Diagnostics effectively measures proteins in the blood that indicate changes in the disease. The MESOMARK Assay is the first – and only – in vitro test for mesothelioma.

The disease, commonly contracted by exposure to asbestos, causes fluid to accumulate around the sac lining of the chest as well as the abdominal area. The test detects soluble mesothelin-related proteins (SMRP) which were previously elusive in laboratory tests.

Per Dr. Harvey Pass at the Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, NYU School of Medicine, “we might finally be on our way towards improving survival rates and the quality of life for patients diagnosed with this aggressive and often fatal disease.”

Mesothelioma can often be difficult to diagnose as its symptoms can be related to many other causes. It can sometimes as long as seventy five years to develop, but once it does it’s aggressive and usually has about a 10 percent survival rate for patients three years after diagnosis. More than 100 million people worldwide have been exposed to asbestos in varying professions over many years. Most are completely unaware of the potential danger at the time of exposure or are unaware that they have been exposed. An estimated 10,000 new cases are diagnosed each year worldwide.

If you have asbestos-related mesothelioma, please visit LPK Law.

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