One of the primary challenges of treating mesothelioma is that it’s most often diagnosed in late stages. Because of the lengthy gestation period and subtle symptoms, most patients are in Stage III and IV when they are finally diagnosed.
At this point, treatment options are limited, and the prognosis is often less than hopeful. The better path for mesothelioma patients is an earlier diagnosis, and a new test developed in Belgium might be a step in the right direction for victims of asbestos exposure.
Breathomics – the future of mesothelioma diagnosis?
Belgian researchers at Antwerp University Hospital and Ghent University hospital are pursuing a non-invasive diagnostic tool for pleural mesothelioma called breathomics. The initial study was published last summer and showed their work identifying key biomarkers in the form of organic molecules in the breath. Because the most noticeable symptoms of mesothelioma come in late stages, a mechanism for early diagnosis is critical if lives are to be saved.
Biomarkers and mesothelioma
Compounds called biomarkers are overproduced by mesothelioma tumors and manifest in bodily fluids including blood and lung fluid. However, at this stage, these biomarkers aren’t substantial enough to serve as stand-alone diagnostic measures.
Some of the mesothelioma biomarkers include the protein mesothelin, fibulin-3, osteopontin, and SMRP. Blood screenings seek these biomarkers to confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis, but only after observable symptoms develop, usually in late-stage cancer.
Breath tests offer promising results
While breathomics are still in the early stages of research and development, study author and lead researcher Sabrina Lagniau stated their findings are “very promising in the early detection of diverse malignancies” using this methodology.
Lagniau said that “exhaled breath contains valuable information on cell and tissue metabolism.” The study authors hope their test could help achieve earlier diagnosis, improved prognosis, and better prediction of treatment outcomes.
Diagnosis versus screening
Another aspect of this research is whether this breathomic tool, once perfected, might be used for screening versus diagnosis. The difference is fundamental. Diagnosis is the process where a patient seeks a consultation based on symptoms.
Because mesothelioma symptoms are similar to those of other less troublesome illnesses, accurate diagnosis is a challenge. Breathomic testing is non-invasive and potentially less costly and more accurate than other tests for patients that are already symptomatic. Screening, however, is quite different. This would enable health agencies to test at-risk populations for the disease proactively.
For instance, those that worked in high-risk industries for asbestos exposure such as the Navy, shipbuilding, miners, mechanics, first responders, etc., could be tested for the disease as part of preventive healthcare rather than responsively after symptoms develop. This could be a sea change in early diagnostic and treatment capabilities for mesothelioma.
For now, this medical innovation remains in the R&D phases, but breathomics is just one of many tools being investigated to improve diagnostics, prognosis, and patient outcomes in mesothelioma.
If you or a loved one were diagnosed with mesothelioma, contact Bergman Draper Oslund. Our practice is devoted to fighting for the rights of asbestos exposure victims. We have a track record of significant settlements and won more than $700 million for victims of mesothelioma. No matter where you live or where you were exposed to asbestos, contact us today to start a conversation. Call (888) 647-6007 for a free case evaluation.