Scientists develop diagnostic tools for mesothelioma

Scientists develop diagnostic tools for mesothelioma
Rosetta Genomics Ltd. announced April 23 that it has partnered with the New York University Medical Center with the aim of developing a line of early detection diagnostic products for lung and mesothelioma cancers.



The early detection test will mainly target more than 45 million Americans who are at an increased risk of lung cancer due to smoking, as well as those who have been exposed to asbestos fibers. The test will utilize Rosetta Genomics' proprietary protocol to extract microRNAs from a simple blood draw.

"A test that will be able to detect cancer at an early stage using a simple blood draw will have far reaching implications on the fight against cancer," said Dr. Harvey Pass, professor and chief of the division of thoracic surgery and thoracic oncology at NYU Medical Center. "MicroRNAs have been shown to hold great potential as effective biomarkers for various cancers, and I believe that NYU Medical Center's vast experience with lung cancer and mesothelioma, coupled with Rosetta Genomics' expertise in the microRNA field, will allow us to successfully advance this much-needed test forward."

About mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that is almost always caused by previous exposure to asbestos. In this disease, malignant cells develop in the mesothelium, a protective lining that covers most of the body's internal organs. Most people who develop mesothelioma have worked on jobs where they inhaled asbestos particles, or have been exposed to high levels of asbestos fibers.

About lung cancer
Lung Cancer is the leading cause of death for both men and women. According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), in 2007 there will be about 213,000 new cases of lung cancer, and approximately 160,000 deaths. Average five-year survival rates for patients diagnosed with lung cancer are less than 15 percent. Five-year survival rates for patients with advanced stage IV lung cancer are only about 5 percent. The population at highest risk for lung cancer includes approximately 5 million men and women between the ages of 50 and

69 who are current or former smokers.

About microRNAs

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a recently discovered, naturally occurring form of RNAi. These small RNAs act as protein regulators and have the potential to form the basis for a new class of diagnostics and therapeutics. Since many diseases are caused by the abnormal activity of proteins, the ability to selectively regulate protein activity through microRNAs could provide the means to treat a wide range of human diseases. In addition, microRNAs have been shown to have different expression levels in certain diseased vs. normal tissues. As a result, these differences potentially provide for a novel diagnostic strategy for many diseases. MicroRNAs are thought to play a key role in the differentiation of cells into specific cell types performing various functions in the body.
For more information visit
Scientists develop diagnostic tools for mesothelioma