A prospective study to investigate the role of serial serum mesothelin in monitoring mesothelioma

Duneesha De Fonseka, David Arnold, Louise Stadon, Anna Morley, Emma Keenan, Michael Draby, Lynne Armstrong, Paul Virgo, Nick Maskell

Research output: Contribution to journalArticle (Academic Journal)peer-review

15 Citations (Scopus)
336 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Background: Radiological monitoring of malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) using modified RECIST criteria is limited by low sensitivity and inter-observer variability. Serial serum mesothelin measurement has shown utility in the assessment of treatment response during chemotherapy but has never been assessed in the longer term follow up of patients.

Methods: This is a single centre study of consecutive patients diagnosed with MPM who received chemotherapy or best supportive care (BSC). Serum mesothelin measurements with paired 6 monthly CT scans were performed following the completion of chemotherapy, or from baseline in the BSC group. Changes in mesothelin were correlated with radiological progression and overall survival.

Results: Forty-one patients with MPM were recruited and followed up for a minimum of 12 months (range 12-21 months). The majority of patients (n=23) received chemotherapy with pemetrexed and cisplatin. Across the cohort a 10% rise in serum mesothelin could predict radiological progression with a sensitivity of 96% (IQR; 79-100) and specificity of 74% (IQR; 50-91). Sensitivity fell to 80% in sarcomatoid only disease. Patients with a rising mesothelin at 6 months had significantly worse overall survival (175 days) compared to stable/falling levels (448 days) (p=0.003).

Conclusions: This is the first study to assess serum mesothelin’s ability to detect progression of MPM following chemotherapy or during BSC. A 10% rise in serum mesothelin level showed excellent sensitivity at predicting progressive disease. Mesothelin measurement has several advantages over serial CT imaging including reducing hospital visits and cost.
Original languageEnglish
Article number199
Number of pages7
JournalBMC Cancer
Volume18
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 17 Feb 2018

Research Groups and Themes

  • Brain and Behaviour
  • Nutrition and Behaviour
  • Academic Respiratory Unit

Keywords

  • Mesothelin
  • Mesothelioma

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