Philadelphia Lab Developing More Comprehensive Mesothelioma Diagnosis MethodsPhiladelphia, Pennsylvania - Rosetta Genomics, a Philadelphia-based developer of microRNA-based molecular diagnostic tests, has developed a comprehensive mesothelioma diagnosis exam that is now commercially available. The test is the third microRNA-based diagnostic test created by the lab and is known as miRview™ mesothelioma.
The test now represents one of the most accurate diagnostic exams available in the differentiation of different cancers of the lung. The medical community has thus far been enthusiastic about incorporating the test into its established diagnostic procedures.
"I am very excited to finally see a molecularly-based test that can objectively differentiate mesothelioma from several types of carcinomas in the lung with such high level of accuracy" said Harvey Pass, MD, Chief of Thoracic Surgery and Thoracic Oncology at the New York University Langone Medical Center.
Mesothelioma is an aggressive malignancy that occurs in the lining of the lung and other internal organs. Mesothelioma is known to be caused only by exposure to asbestos, a fibrous mineral that was included in construction compounds and industrial insulation materials. Prior to the development of the current test, there were few ways to conclusively rule out mesothelioma, particularly among those known to have been exposed to asbestos.
Early diagnosis and clear identification of lung cancers and mesothelioma is important to identifying treatment options for patients. Treatment regimens differ in lung cancer and mesothelioma patients and conclusive identification of the malignancy will now allow doctors to prescribe treatment options faster and more effectively.
