Blood test for mesothelioma

The Fujirebio Diagnostics Mesomark is an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for the quantitative measurement of soluble mesothelin-related pepties (SMRP) in human serum.

Mesomark measures soluble molecules that are related to the mesothelin/megakaryocyte potentiating factor (MPF) family of proteins and recognised by the monoclonal antibody OV569. The reactivity of OV569 is low for normal human tissues except for the mesothelium. Soluble members of the mesothelin/MPF family of proteins have been reported in the sera of patients with tumours of mesothelial origin.

These proteins are released into the bloodstream by mesothelioma cells. Because SMRPs can be elevated for several years before an actual diagnosis of mesothelioma can be made, Mesomark will help in the routine monitoring of asbestos exposed individuals who are at greatest risk of developing mesothelioma.