gene test

A test that looks at ratios of four genes can accurately predict which mesothelioma patients face the greatest chance of survival, and help pinpoint the best candidates for surgery, according to a study in the May 6 Journal of the National Cancer Institute. Mesothelioma is one of the most challenging cancers to treat. Patients survive an average of just one year after their diagnosis. Surgery can help improve survival somewhat, but it does have risks. Knowing which patients are most likely to benefit from surgery can spare those with a poor outlook from having to undergo an unnecessary and invasive procedure. To predict a patient’s prognosis, doctors typically look at cancer stage (how far it has spread), whether the tumor can…