For several years Dr. Harvey Pass, Professor of Thoracic Oncology at NYU Langone Medical Center, has been researching early detection for mesothelioma cancer. Today his research has come from the lab to production at SomaLobic, a privately held protein biomarker discovery and clinical diagnostics company based in Boulder, Colorado, that is receiving accolades for a new test it developed for the Early Detection Research Network Biomarker Discovery Lab of the National Cancer Institute. During testing, the biomarker test accurately identified an impressive 80 percent of malignant mesothelioma cases. At present, this remarkable SomaLogic test is undergoing further evaluation and modifications to further increase its accuracy.
The most recent study, published in a November 2013 article in the "Clinical Proteomics Journal" also confirms the effectiveness of the test. As of February 2014, the remarkable SomaLogic test was still undergoing additional evaluation and modifications to further increase its accuracy.
“This research, to have come this far, is a significant step in mesothelioma cancer treatment effectiveness,” said Neil Maune, partner at MRHFM. “We applaud the research of Dr. Pass as he is dedicated to finding a test that detects early stages in mesothelioma. Early detection will offer better treatment options, better quality of life, and better survival rates.”
In 2005 Dr. Pass and the University of Pennsylvania-Perlman School of Medicine made headway on a research study that was a combination blood test and lung fluid test that could detect mesothelioma in its early stages. Dr. Pass published a study that was featured in the October 2012 issues of the “New England Journal of Medicine” (NEJM) titled, “Fibulin-3 as a Blood and Effusion Biomarker for Pleural Mesothelioma.” This came out seven years after his initial study was published on the topic.
Early detection of mesothelioma has always been a great challenge for the medical community and research scientists alike. Because it takes anywhere from 10 to 60 years for symptoms of asbestos exposure to develop, most victims are diagnosed in the later stages of the disease—and later in life. In fact, because of the long latency period and lack of readily available early detection tests, people over the age of 50 are most commonly affected. Fortunately, several tests such as the one underway at SomaLobic now have tremendous potential to change how and when mesothelioma victims are diagnosed.
If you or someone you know have been exposed to asbestos contact a doctor immediately—even if no symptoms are present. For more information about mesothelioma, request a free copy of 100 Questions & Answers About Mesothelioma at http://www.mesotheliomabook.com or contact the legal team at MRHFM at 866-373-5000. MRHFM is the largest firm exclusively devoted to helping mesothelioma victims and their families.
About Maune Raichle Hartley French & Mudd, LLC
Maune Raichle Hartley French & Mudd, LLC is a mesothelioma law firm based in St. Louis, MO. With offices across the country, their size and exclusive focus on mesothelioma cases allows them to represent clients through the process as quickly as possible and maximize their clients’ recovery. The attorneys at MRHFM have represented thousands of victims exposed to asbestos. The firm has 29 attorneys across the country, 16 investigators, 7 client service managers, and additional support staff including paralegals and legal assistants. For more information about Maune Raichle Hartley French & Mudd, LLC, visit http://www.mesotheliomabook.com.
