For individuals exposed to asbestos, the looming threat of malignant pleural mesothelioma remains a serious concern. A recent study, however, suggests that a simple blood test measuring hormone levels could potentially identify those most at risk, paving the way for earlier intervention.
Hormones as Cancer Biomarkers
Conducted by researchers from various Italian centers, the study investigated the potential of certain steroid hormones as biomarkers for predicting mesothelioma risk. Previous research has linked the hormone estrogen (17-β-estradiol) to mesothelioma development.
Using advanced analytical techniques, the researchers examined 20 steroid hormones in serum samples from three groups:
- 67 mesothelioma patients
- 39 healthy individuals with asbestos exposure
- 35 unexposed healthy controls
A Three-Hormone Signature Emerges
“We identified a signature of three hormones—estradiol, DHEA-S, and androstenedione—that showed a distinct pattern differentiating asbestos-exposed individuals from those not exposed,” explained lead author Barbara Nuvoli.
The study revealed:
- Elevated estradiol levels in both mesothelioma patients and asbestos-exposed individuals
- Increased DHEA-S levels in the asbestos-exposed group
- Decreased androstenedione levels in the asbestos-exposed group
When combined into a biomarker scoring system, this three-hormone signature effectively distinguished between the study groups. Mesothelioma patients also exhibited this high-risk hormone pattern.
An Early Warning Signal
Interestingly, estradiol levels did not significantly differ between early and late-stage mesothelioma, highlighting this marker’s potential for early detection in high-risk populations.
“If validated, this simple hormone panel from a blood test could identify asbestos-exposed individuals at the highest risk for mesothelioma, allowing us to monitor them more closely and ideally intervene earlier before the cancer advances,” said study co-author Dr. Roberta Libener.
Potential Treatment Implications
The study also discovered that elevated levels of the enzymes 5α-reductase 1 and 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 2, involved in estradiol metabolism, correlated with worse and better overall mesothelioma prognosis, respectively. This finding hints at the potential for hormone-targeted treatment approaches.
While larger studies are necessary, this novel hormone biomarker signature represents a promising advancement toward improving mesothelioma screening and early diagnosis—a critical need given the cancer’s aggressive nature when detected late.
