Rosetta Genomics, a molecular diagnostics company, has developed a new test for mesothelioma which takes advantage of microRNA biomarkers. Biomarkers are pieces of genetic information expressed in the bloodstream or in tissue samples of patients which can help doctors and researchers to screen for specific responses in the body that correlate to certain illnesses, conditions or other phenomena that incite biological responses.
The test, which Rosetta Genomics is marketing as miRview meso, is performed on a tissue sample removed during a biopsy and takes about ten days to produce results. While the test is reported as incredibly accurate, it still relies on a biopsy – much like diagnostic tests for mesothelioma have in the past. This means that patients must first be identified as candidates for malignant mesothelioma before the test can take place – a process which relies heavily on a well informed, proactive patient.
Individuals who are suffering from mesothelioma symptoms should discuss any history of asbestos related work with their doctor, and should advocate accurate testing as soon as possible in order to avoid a late diagnosis. A late diagnosis can lead to reduced mesothelioma treatment options associated with short-term survival of the disease.
The test developed by Rosetta Genomics differentiates malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) from other carcinomas using microRNA, which is believed to be considerably more stable than other biomarkers. The tests, according to researchers, are an important part of a proper diagnosis which accompanies more effective treatment.
“Differentiating MPM from primary and metastatic carcinoma in the lung and pleura can be challenging for pathologists, even with the use of immunohistochemistry,” said the Medical Director and Head of Clinical Laboratory Research at Rosetta Genomics, Tina Edmonston, M.D. “There is no single immunohistochemical marker that distinguishes between MPM and various carcinomas that may be in the differential diagnosis. Moreover, the choice of markers, as well as interpretation of the results in equivocal cases can be subjective.”
“Malignant pleural mesothelioma is a very aggressive solid malignant tumor of the pleura that leads to a severe, clinically-symptomatic disease with very poor prognosis. Accurately distinguishing MPM from other carcinomas affecting the lung and pleura is important, as it guides treatment decisions, particularly for the newer immunomodulating and targeted therapeutics on the market and in development,” Dr. Edmonston continued.
Kenneth A. Berlin, President and CEO of Rosetta Genomics, praised the new test’s accuracy, saying: “We are especially pleased that these positive data underscore the accuracy of our miRview meso test and its ability to rule out MPM so that clinicians might access the most appropriate treatment options.”
The test, which Rosetta Genomics is marketing as miRview meso, is performed on a tissue sample removed during a biopsy and takes about ten days to produce results. While the test is reported as incredibly accurate, it still relies on a biopsy – much like diagnostic tests for mesothelioma have in the past. This means that patients must first be identified as candidates for malignant mesothelioma before the test can take place – a process which relies heavily on a well informed, proactive patient.
Individuals who are suffering from mesothelioma symptoms should discuss any history of asbestos related work with their doctor, and should advocate accurate testing as soon as possible in order to avoid a late diagnosis. A late diagnosis can lead to reduced mesothelioma treatment options associated with short-term survival of the disease.
The test developed by Rosetta Genomics differentiates malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) from other carcinomas using microRNA, which is believed to be considerably more stable than other biomarkers. The tests, according to researchers, are an important part of a proper diagnosis which accompanies more effective treatment.
“Differentiating MPM from primary and metastatic carcinoma in the lung and pleura can be challenging for pathologists, even with the use of immunohistochemistry,” said the Medical Director and Head of Clinical Laboratory Research at Rosetta Genomics, Tina Edmonston, M.D. “There is no single immunohistochemical marker that distinguishes between MPM and various carcinomas that may be in the differential diagnosis. Moreover, the choice of markers, as well as interpretation of the results in equivocal cases can be subjective.”
“Malignant pleural mesothelioma is a very aggressive solid malignant tumor of the pleura that leads to a severe, clinically-symptomatic disease with very poor prognosis. Accurately distinguishing MPM from other carcinomas affecting the lung and pleura is important, as it guides treatment decisions, particularly for the newer immunomodulating and targeted therapeutics on the market and in development,” Dr. Edmonston continued.
Kenneth A. Berlin, President and CEO of Rosetta Genomics, praised the new test’s accuracy, saying: “We are especially pleased that these positive data underscore the accuracy of our miRview meso test and its ability to rule out MPM so that clinicians might access the most appropriate treatment options.”
