Soluble Mesothelin-Related Peptides

Other names: SMRP

SMRP are small molecules, which are found in the membranes that line the cavities around the lungs, abdomen and heart. A high concentration of SMRP is usually found in patients who have a rare form of cancer known as mesothelioma; mesothelioma affects the membranes which line the chest, abdominal and heart cavities. Many cases of mesothelioma are caused by exposure to asbestos.

Why is the test used?

The test is used primarily to monitor the progress of patients with mesothelioma; the test may be ordered regularly to check the patient’s condition. Once a patient has finished a course of treatment, the test may be carried out to detect early signs of a recurrence of a tumour; if the condition is detected early, treatment may be more effective.

How is the test performed?

The test is carried out by taking a sample of blood from a vein the patient’s arm; a needle is inserted into the vein and the blood is collected in a syringe. When the doctor or nurse has a sufficient sample, the blood will be bottled, labelled with the patient’s name and sent to the laboratory for testing.

What do the test results show?

If levels of SMRP are increasing, this indicates that the patient’s condition has become more advanced; if the patient has finished treatment and the test reveals a rise in SMRP, this may indicate that the cancer has come back.

If the test results show that SMRP is decreasing, this indicates that the treatment is working well.

The test results will almost always be interpreted alongside other test results, including scan images and sometimes biopsies. The test cannot be used to diagnose mesothelioma.

Specific Blood Tests



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