Mesothelioma Differentiated from Carcinomas in Lung or Pleura

A microRNA-based molecular diagnostic tool accurately differentiates malignant pleural mesothelioma from other carcinomas in the lung and pleura.

Unlike the tests currently available, miRview meso is a microRNA-based molecular diagnostic tool that provides a differential diagnosis with accuracy, simple interpretation, and routine sample preparation.

The miRview meso assay uses quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) to determine the expression of microRNA in tumor tissue. The sensitivity and specificity of this assay have been shown to be 100% and 94%, respectively.

The assay is based on formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tumor samples, the current standard for preserving tumors in the postoperative setting. FFPE samples require minimal preparation to be analyzed by and can be easily shipped via any air courier.

The advantage of microRNAs as biomarkers lies in their high tissue specificity, and their stability in the most routine preservation methods for biopsies, including FFPE block tissue and fine needle aspirate (FNA) cell blocks. It has been suggested that their small size (19 to 21 nucleotides) enables them to remain intact in FFPE blocks, as opposed to messenger RNA (mRNA), which tends to degrade rapidly. In addition, early preclinical data has shown that by controlling the levels of specific microRNAs, cancer cell growth may be reduced.

Rosetta Genomics (Rehovot, Israel), the developer and provider of microRNA-based molecular diagnostic tests, has signed an exclusive marketing agreement with PACE Claims Services, a subsidiary of Navigant Consulting, Inc. (Chicago, IL, USA) to provide educational and marketing services on behalf of Rosetta Genomics' miRview meso diagnostic test to defendants and insurers in mesothelioma legal cases worldwide is a market leader in asbestos claims administration.

Related Links:
Rosetta Genomics
PACE Claims Services
Navigant Consulting, Inc.