British Lung Foundation Study

BLF funded study finds new test for asbestos cancer
A study funded by the British Lung Foundation has resulted in a more sensitive test for the asbestos-related cancer, mesothelioma being developed by scientists. The test developed by a team at Oxford University looks at levels of a protein closely linked to the cancer in fluid around the lungs.

Currently, doctors carry out pleural fluid cytology - a lab test which looks for cancerous cells. However the Oxford research team, say that this is not a very sensitive test.
In this study they tested over 200 pleural fluid samples from patients who had been referred to a specialist respiratory clinic. They then looked at levels of the protein meothelin which is released in high quantities in the pleural fluid of most patients with mesothelioma.

It was found that the levels of the protein were almost six times higher in patients with the cancer than in those with secondary cancers, and 10 times greater than those with benign conditions. Professor Stephen Spiro, Deputy Chairman of the British Lung Foundation said:
“This study is an important step forward, as it could lead to earlier diagnosis and better treatment of mesothelioma which is vital as currently most patients diagnosed with this disease live less than 12 months.
“This simple and non invasive test could help improve the survival time of those diagnosed with mesothelioma and give hope to patients and their families affected by this cruel cancer”.

The study has been published today in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine.