A recent study conducted by Italian researchers titled, “Assessment of Biomarkers in Asbestos-Exposed Workers as Indicators of Cancer Risk,” published in a June 2008 issue of Mutation Research, identifies a new method of monitoring the health of people exposed to asbestos, allowing for earlier diagnosis.

Researchers focused on looking at biological biomarkers and there relation to mesothelioma. Biomarkers are substances used as indicators of a biologic state and allow researchers to distinguish cancer cells from normal cells. Being able to identify mesothelioma biomarkers might allow researchers to develop a method of early diagnosis.

A total of 119 subjects with a history of occupational exposure to asbestos underwent clinical examination and were interviewed by trained personnel, responding to a detailed questionnaire related to duration of asbestos exposure, smoking, and occupational task. According to the occupational tasks, asbestos-exposed subjects were analyzed for their asbestos cumulative dose and the association with the biomarkers was evaluated. A significant increase in biomarkers was evident in subjects who had a higher exposure to asbestos showed. Also, among the occupational groups, maintenance workers, pipe fitters and electricians were exposed to a higher cumulative dose of asbestos fibers.

These results are very promising and every day researchers are getting closer to finding a method of early diagnosis. Hopefully more tests and research will be conducted in the coming months to further develop this specific method of diagnosing.