More information on MESOMARK assay
The MESOMARK assay is a blood test for the quantitative measuring of SMRP (Soluble Mesothelin-Related Peptides) in human serum. SMRP is a biomarker released into the bloodstream by mesothelioma cells. Elevated levels of SMRP can be found in the serum of mesothelioma patients.
The MESOMARK assay is the first in vitro diagnostic test for mesothelioma patients. The testing is done using an ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay) format. MRP can be elevated in the serum of the patient years before the actual diagnosis of mesothelioma is made. Thus MESOMARK assay is helpful to identify the individuals with the greatest risk of developing mesothelioma.
In MESOMARK assay, patient’s blood sample is taken and sent to a laboratory in order to check the level of SMRP present in the blood. The amount of SMRP present in the blood is found out in the laboratory using monoclonal antibodies known to specifically bind to SMRP. The amount of bound antibodies is measured first. Using this, level of SMRP present in the blood of the patient is calculated.
MESOMARK assay is not only used for measuring the SMRP level to determine the presence of mesothelioma, but also to measure a mesothelioma patient’s response to therapy. MESOMARK test helps determine if any additional testing is needed. Physicians can use MESOMARK assay results to decide how the mesothelioma patients are to be managed further. Increasing result is considered as progressive disease conditions. Constant or decreasing result indicates response to therapy, or stable disease.
The MESOMARK assay is exclusively distributed by CIS Bio International in many countries. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the MESOMARK assay as an aid in the monitoring of patients with epithelioid and biphasic malignant mesothelioma. However, its effectiveness is yet to be demonstrated.