Written By: Devin Golden
Blood Tests and Biomarkers
Blood tests and biomarkers are improving accuracy in diagnosing and treating mesothelioma. Each test has different biomarkers to detect mesothelioma or examine a therapy.’
Medically Reviewed By
Karen Ritter, RN BSN
Registered Nurse
Medically Reviewed By
Karen Ritter, RN BSN
Registered Nurse
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How Are Blood Tests Used for Mesothelioma?
Blood tests are medical procedures to test a patient’s blood for abnormalities, such as high levels of cancerous proteins. Doctors use blood tests to detect mesothelioma. They look for biomarkers as indicators of irregularities.
The most reliable biomarkers used for mesothelioma blood tests are:
- Cancer Antigen 125 (CA125)
- Fibulin-3
- Soluble mesothelin related peptides (SMRPs)
- Osteopontin
Why to Use Blood Tests for Mesothelioma
A mesothelioma diagnosis often requires multiple imaging tests and finishes with a biopsy. Blood tests are not accurate in diagnosing mesothelioma, but many doctors still rely on them for numerous reasons:
- Gaining more evidence of mesothelioma’s presence
- Learning more about the disease, such as prognosis
Promising Blood Tests and Biomarkers
Blood tests look for certain biomarkers, usually an amino acid chain or protein, with abnormal levels in people with mesothelioma. Experts refer to these proteins as mesothelioma biomarkers.
While there are a variety of mesothelioma blood tests and biomarkers, four have shown the greatest reliability.
SMRPs (Mesomark test)
Mesomark is an FDA-approved test measuring the amount of SMRPs (a compound of amino acids) in a patient’s blood. Patients with mesothelioma usually have a higher amount of SMRPs in their bloodstream:
- A study showed that pleural mesothelioma patients have a 52% increase in SMRP levels.
- Another study revealed an 84% accuracy rate in discovering high SMRP levels in people with mesothelioma.
Doctors perform the Mesomark test following diagnosis, too. They use this test to analyze SMRP levels after chemotherapy, radiation or immunotherapy sessions. If the SMRP levels decrease, then the treatment is working.
CA125
CA125, a glycoprotein biomarker, is often abnormally present in malignant mesothelioma. Antigens usually provide an immune response by activating the production of antibodies. In patients with ovarian cancer and mesothelioma, CA125 is found in higher concentrations.
One study found a relationship between CA125 levels, chemotherapy and overall survival. Researchers noticed a trend in improved survival when CA125 levels decreased after chemotherapy.
Fibulin-3
Fibulin-3, an extracellular glycoprotein, regulates cell proliferation and movement. In one study of 465 malignant pleural mesothelioma cases, Fibulin-3 levels were higher in 62% of cases.
Dr. Harvey Pass is at the forefront of this research for this possible early-detection protein. Dr. Pass and his team found that fibulin-3 levels had a 96.7% reliability in detecting pleural mesothelioma.
Osteopontin
Osteopontin, a naturally occuring glycoprotein, manages immune response and cell movement. Mesothelioma doctors examine the plasma levels in osteopontin.
In a study of 360 malignant pleural mesothelioma cases, osteopontin had 65% reliability as a biomarker.
Get an Accurate Diagnosis
Mesothelioma blood tests and biomarkers could lead to earlier and more accurate diagnoses. This medical evolution could lead to more mesothelioma survivors and more remissions, as this cancer is easier to treat in earlier stages.
If you or a loved one has recently been diagnosed, a blood test could provide peace of mind. It could also lead you to a life-saving treatment protocol.
Find a mesothelioma specialist with our free Doctor Match program. With a credible specialist, patients will have access to blood tests, biomarker stats and other modern diagnostic tools.
Sources & Author
- Biomarkers in malignant pleural mesothelioma: current status and future directions. Journal of Thoracic Disease. Retrieved from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5949443/. Accessed: 07/08/2020.
- Clinical significance of serum CA125 in diffuse malignant mesothelioma. Stringerplus. Retrieved from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4805673/. Accessed: 07/08/2020.
- Fibulin-3 as a Blood and Effusion Biomarker for Pleural Mesothelioma. The New England Journal of Medicine. Retrieved from: https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1115050. Accessed: 07/08/2020.
AI Summary of Blood Tests and Biomarkers
Blood tests and biomarkers are valuable tools that can assist in the diagnosis and management of mesothelioma, a form of cancer often linked to asbestos exposure. Although they are not definitive on their own, these tests can provide important clues about the presence of the disease and how it is responding to treatment. Medical professionals use blood tests to look for specific substances called biomarkers, which may be elevated in individuals affected by mesothelioma. The most commonly used biomarkers include Cancer Antigen 125 (CA125), Fibulin-3, soluble mesothelin-related peptides (SMRPs), and osteopontin. These proteins or amino acid chains are typically found at higher levels in the blood of patients with mesothelioma, helping doctors gather additional evidence when making a diagnosis.
Blood tests are often used alongside imaging procedures and biopsies, which remain the primary methods for confirming a mesothelioma diagnosis. While blood tests alone are not sufficient to diagnose the disease, they can help clinicians piece together the overall picture of a patient’s health. For example, measuring SMRPs with the FDA-approved Mesomark test can indicate the presence of mesothelioma and also serve as a way to monitor how well treatment is working. Other biomarkers, like CA125, Fibulin-3, and osteopontin, are studied for their ability to detect mesothelioma early and predict patient outcomes, improving the chances of starting treatment sooner.
Research into these blood-based markers continues to advance, offering hope for earlier detection and more personalized treatment strategies. Elevated levels of these biomarkers often motivate further testing or closer monitoring, especially for those with known asbestos exposure or symptoms suggestive of mesothelioma. Overall, blood tests and biomarkers are promising tools that complement established methods, with the potential to improve diagnosis accuracy and patient care. If you or a loved one have concerns about asbestos exposure or symptoms related to mesothelioma, consulting with a healthcare specialist who has experience with these advanced diagnostics can provide valuable guidance and support in navigating the next steps.