Thus far, no cure has been discovered for mesothelioma. But like many other cancers, this disease can be managed so that its sufferers can maximize the quality of the life they have left.
But there is some good news from the Mayo Clinic regarding testing strategies for the disease. Read on to learn more.
Earlier detection could lead to better outcomes
Cancer researchers created a new testing strategy that was designed to detect the presence of malignant cancer DNA in patients’ blood. The different approach these researchers took examines how DNA sections of mesothelioma cancer cells get moved around and swapped.
The chromosomal rearrangements allow scientists to study not only single-point mutations but also far more complex DNA patterns. The aim is to discover new paths to target therapies in patients newly diagnosed with mesothelioma.
One medical oncologist spoke out, saying, “We’re pushing the frontiers of what’s possible in blood-based monitoring.” The oncologist was the lead author of the mesothelioma study conducted at the Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center and the Center for Individualized Medicine.
The physician hopes that by improving the detection rates of mesothelioma, it could lead to insight about how to best monitor the response of patients to therapies. It’s also hoped this new testing strategy might be able to detect post-surgery cancer recurrences.
Why mesothelioma can be hard to detect
This particular cancer doesn’t usually show high numbers of single-point genetic mutations. That means that many blood tests fail to detect its presence. But these new tests can show that chromosomal rearrangements (a valid sign of mesothelioma) took place, giving doctors new diagnostic targets.
It’s too early to predict how this test can affect the outcome of mesothelioma patients’ conditions. But any discoveries that bring about earlier diagnoses have to be a good thing.
Learn more about your legal and medical options
Are you facing a mesothelioma diagnosis? You don’t have to face it alone. Understand that you have options for assistance in navigating the path to civil justice for your case of mesothelioma.