title: Feasibility of large-scale screening using N-ERC/mesothelin levels in the blood for the early diagnosis of malignant mesothelioma.
abstract: A large-scale screening involving the measurement of N-ERC/mesothelin levels in blood using an ELISA system for the early diagnosis of malignant mesothelioma (MM) was carried out in individuals with a history of employment at construction sites. Approximately 30,000 subjects were screened. Of the 80 subjects with high-risk values, one male patient was diagnosed as having MM based on a PET study and histopathology. This is the first report of the pre-clinical diagnosis of MM based on blood test screening. In addition, plasma levels of N-ERC/mesothelin may be effectively used for monitoring relapse after surgery.
authors.affiliation: Departments of General Thoracic Surgery, Respiratory Medicine, Human Pathology, and.
authors.forename: Kohta
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Imashimizu
authors.forename: Kazu
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Shiomi
authors.forename: Masahiro
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Maeda
authors.forename: Naoko
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Aoki
authors.forename: Kiyoko
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Igarashi
authors.forename: Fumio
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Suzuki
authors.forename: Mitsuru
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Koizumi
authors.forename: Kenji
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Suzuki
authors.forename: Okio
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Hino