Though much remains to be known about treating and curing malignant mesothelioma, researchers are certain that the most effective treatments are those that are based on the patient’s unique biophysical profile. A recent study conducted at the University of Amsterdam confirmed a breath test’s predictive ability for assessing whether immunotherapy will be effective for individual patients.

eNose Breath Test Analyzes Biomarkers in Mesothelioma Patients’ Breath

Immunotherapy is a relatively new and exciting treatment for malignant pleural mesothelioma. But the treatment’s effectiveness has been spotty, with some patients responding well and others experiencing disappointing results. A study conducted by Dutch researchers has identified biomarkers in patients’ breath that can predict which patients will benefit and which are less likely to do so.

The technology that was tested is called eNose, a breath test that looks for biomarkers in mesothelioma patients’ breath, identifying profiles that differ in those that respond to immunotherapy treatment and those that don’t. The test looks for volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that measure cells’ metabolism and the amount of disease that is present.

Breath Test Was Previously Proven 74% Accurate in Distinguishing Mesothelioma

The VOCs that are present in patients’ breath can do more than predict which patients will respond to immunotherapy and which won’t. Previous studies have confirmed that the same eNose technology has a 74% accuracy score in distinguishing between patients who have malignant pleural mesothelioma and those with other asbestos-related diseases.

Knowing which mesothelioma patients are likely to respond to immunotherapy, and which won’t, frees physicians to provide the best possible care to each patient based on their individual biophysical profile. The report concluded, “An eNose is able to discriminate at baseline between responders and non-responders to nivolumab plus ipilumumab in malignant pleural mesothelioma, thereby potentially identifying a subgroup of patients that will benefit from immune checkpoint inhibitor treatment.”

If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma, innovations in treatment offer the possibility of better quality of life and survival. For more information, contact the Patient Advocates at Mesothelioma.net today at 1-800-692-8608.