There are certain things that almost all pleural mesothelioma victims have in common before their diagnosis: chest pain; coughing, weight loss, fatigue. In response to these symptoms, physicians conduct extensive tests to ensure a proper diagnosis. Though immunohistochemistry can both confirm mesothelioma and distinguish its specific cell type, researchers have found that more extensive testing is needed to identify the appropriate treatment.
Immunohistochemical Staining Does Not Provide the Full Mesothelioma Picture
Immunohistochemical staining is an invaluable diagnostic tool for physicians who suspect that their patients have malignant mesothelioma, but researchers from MD Anderson Cancer Center in Texas say that it does not provide enough information to be used as an exclusive guide to proper treatment.
Though the test does effectively distinguish between sarcomatoid, epithelial, and biphasic forms of mesothelioma, when it comes to assessing the sarcomatoid cells that make up the most challenging type of mesothelioma to treat, the test fails to pick up on important differences in genetic expressions. These expressions are essential to selecting the proper combination of medications and targeted therapies.
Each Mesothelioma Tumor Requires “Global Interpretation”
The MD Anderson researchers assessed 64 pleural mesothelioma patients whose tumors had been identified through immunohistochemistry as being the sarcomatoid type. All had similar symptoms, and all had surgery to remove the tumors and one lung. But closer examination using other diagnostic tools, including additional laboratory reports, clinical assessment, and CT scans, provided more robust information that suggested alternative medications for diverse patients.
Writing in the International Journal of Surgical Pathology, lead author Diana Oramas concluded, “Our findings show that even though the use of immunohistochemical stains plays an important role in the final interpretation, the best results are accomplished by a global interpretation of clinical, radiographical, and immunohistochemical findings.”
If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma, it is important that the physician that treats you is familiar with the latest research on the disease. For help accessing this care, contact the Patient Advocates at Mesothelioma.net today at 1-800-692-8608.
