Researchers from the Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center in Buffalo, New York, have published a study that concludes that a transmembrane protein called carbonic anhydrase IX has a 100% sensitivity in detecting pleural epithelioid mesothelioma, making it comparable to or better than currently used markers for diagnosing malignant mesothelioma.
Scientists Add New Tool for Distinguishing Mesothelioma from NSCLC
Though they are very different diseases, medical professionals often find it difficult to distinguish between malignant pleural mesothelioma and non-small cell lung cancer. Though the two are similar in that they are challenging malignancies, doctors need to know which illness they are dealing with to know which treatment will provide their patients with the best outcomes.
To find an effective and accurate differentiator between the two, scientists from the Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center used immunohistochemical staining against CAIX in samples of both illnesses. They used slides of 56 cases of pleural mesothelioma and 82 cases of non-small cell lung cancer.
Results Show Significant Difference Between Mesothelioma and NSCLC
The researchers found that of the 38 epithelioid mesothelioma cases, 34 showed diffuse and strong reactivity to the staining, and 4 showed weak to moderate reactivity. The response in the sarcomatoid mesothelioma cases was not as robust, with five of sixteen slides providing negative responses.
Compared to the epithelioid mesothelioma slides, the non-small cell lung cancer slides showed that 76% of adenocarcinomas and 57% of squamous cell carcinomas were completely negative, and the others showed only weak expression of CAIX. Based on these results, the researchers concluded that CAIX expression has a 100% sensitivity in detecting pleural epithelioid mesothelioma, which is comparable to or better than the markers currently being used to diagnose the disease. They recommend that CAIX staining be used as an additional tool for differential diagnosis of mesothelioma.
If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma, quick diagnosis is just the beginning of your journey. For more information on the resources available to you, contact the Patient Advocates at Mesothelioma.net today at 1-800-692-8608.
