As the search for a mesothelioma cure continues, scientists and researchers pry deeper into the complexities of the human body looking for clues to end the suffering caused by this rare cancer.

Researchers at Somalogic, Inc. have found biomarkers that could be key in diagnosing and treating mesothelioma patients. A biomarker is a sign or biological flag that reflects the presence of a particular disease. Somalogic announced their findings at the 4th annual American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) International Conference on Molecular Diagnosis in Cancer Therapeutic Development.

Mesothelioma affects about three thousand Americans each year. It is caused by inhalation or ingestion of asbestos fibers that can become airborne when their containing material is weakened or damaged. Materials containing asbestos are countless, present in homes, buildings and equipment around the world. Although its use has been greatly regulated, asbestos is still present and causing disease in America.

Mesothelioma takes decades to develop after original asbestos exposure. It is characterized by irregularly patterned tumors that grow through the lining of lungs or other abdominal cavities. Although there are mesothelioma treatments available, such as surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy, there is no known cure.

Somalogic’s clinical research director, Rachel Ostroff said of the biomarker findings, “Detection of these aggressive cancers at an earlier stage would identify patients for early treatment, which may improve their survival and quality of life.”  She continued, “Validation studies are underway, which we hope will lead to the development of diagnostic tests that hold clinical benefits for patients.”

Mesothelioma patients average an eighteen-month life expectancy following diagnosis. As many patients have no idea they were ever exposed to asbestos, they have no idea to suspect they are developing the disease. When symptoms to demonstrate, they mimic those of bronchitis and pneumonia, further postponing proper diagnosis.

The World Health Organization estimates ninety thousand people worldwide are suffering with mesothelioma each year. Tools for early detection of mesothelioma cannot come soon enough.

(Mesothelioma Watch, 16/03/2011)