September 18, 2014 – Researchers at the Juntendo University School of Medicine in Tokyo recently reported that a study involving a new blood test is showing promising results for diagnosing mesothelioma in its early stages. The blood test identifies N-ERC/mesothelin, which is a protein biomarker that is elevated in patients with mesothelioma. With a 95% accuracy rate for detecting the cancer, the blood test will allow doctors to offer patients medical intervention and treatments before the disease progresses to an advanced stage, offering new hope for long-term survival for those with the deadly disease.
As reported in a recent issue of Cancer Medicine, mesothelioma is often detected in its advanced stages after patients have been put through a myriad of invasive and expensive tests. With the success of the ERC/mesothelin blood test, patients who are at risk for developing the disease can be routinely screened and treatment can begin as soon as evidence of the disease is detected. Mesothelioma is the direct result of exposure to asbestos fibers. Workers in the construction, automotive, electrical, manufacturing and other industries where asbestos is present can take a proactive approach to protecting their health.
The study was conducted over an eight year period from 2005-2013 with 53 participants who were at high risk for mesothelioma and showed signs of precancerous pleural thickening and effusion in their lungs. Twenty-five of the patients tested positive for mesothelioma and were able to begin treatments far earlier than if they had relied on traditional diagnostic tools. More research is needed involving a much larger pool of participants to accurately measure the blood test’s effectiveness, but early results are offering high hopes for those at risk for developing the asbestos-related cancer.
Philadelphia Asbestos Lawyers at Shein Law Offer Experienced Counsel and Representation to Victims of Mesothelioma
If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease, the experienced and knowledgeable Philadelphia asbestos lawyers at Shein Law can help you claim compensation you may be entitled to under the law. A diagnosis of mesothelioma carries a grim prognosis and requires extensive treatments, surgeries, medications, and therapies that can quickly deplete a family’s financial resources. Holding those responsible for exposing you to the asbestos fibers responsible for your disease can help alleviate this financial burden.
Call Shein Law at 1-877-SHEINLAW or fill out our online contact form to schedule a consultation today in our Philadelphia or Pennsauken, New Jersey office, or in a location convenient to you and your family.