Molecular Marker for the early detection of cancer - Follow-up

Shortname: IPA-144-MoMarFollow

Duration: ongoing

Keywords: early detection of cancer, occupational health hazards, hazardous substances, asbestos

Scope
Previous projects for the identification, verification, and validation of biomarkers for the early detection of mesothelioma (MoMar, MoMarFollow) and lung cancer (LD-HRCT project biobank as part of EVA-Lunge) are to be integrated into a single ongoing research and service project in order to further optimize the high marker performance already achieved in some cases for both cancer entities and make them usable for occupational health screening. In addition, biomarkers for more personalized cancer treatment will be developed.

Intitial situation
Despite the ban on asbestos, the number of work-related cases of pleural and lung cancer remains high. In 2023, over 1,000 cases were registered with a recognized occupational disease numbers 4105 and 4104. Due to latency periods between 30 and 50 years and age effects, only a slow decline in the number of cases is expected for mesotheliomas, for example. In addition, a study by the Federal Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs found that asbestos is present in more construction products such as tile adhesives, plasters, fillers, etc. than previously assumed. This means that exposure to asbestos could continue to occur during demolition, renovation, and repair work.

Tumors are often detected at advanced stages, so follow-up screening of exposed insured persons should be improved through new, non-invasive, and inexpensive examination methods. Biomarkers that can be easily determined in blood samples are suitable for this purpose. Detecting tumors at an early stage could significantly improve the success of treatment. The implementation of previous MoMar results in the expanded EVA-Mesothel screening program (pilot phase) has established the world's first early detection program for mesothelioma, which has been offered nationwide since the end of 2025.

Study design

Optimization of biomarker performance in the field of early mesothelioma detection:

• Improvement of marker performance by identifying and taking into account possible confounding factors. by identifying and taking into account possible confounding factors.
• Increasing the sensitivity of the current mesothelioma marker panel (mesothelin and calretinin) by identifying and validating additional marker candidates in collaboration with national and international expert groups.
• Identification of other potential high-risk groups that might benefit from early detection

Identification and validation of new biomarkers for early detection of lung cancer:

The focus of biomarkers has so far been on the early detection of mesotheliomas. Now, the early detection of lung tumors is also to be given greater attention. To this end, pre-diagnostic samples from lung tumor patients taken shortly before diagnosis are to be compared with samples from the same patients taken years before diagnosis (= controls).

The focus of biomarkers has so far been on the early detection of mesotheliomas. Now, the early detection of lung tumors is also to be given greater attention.

Further activities

Long-term development of more simple methods for sample logistics (e.g., filter cards with dried blood samples) and the development of point-of-care tests to reduce costs, increase willingness to participate, and enable more widespread application.

Development of accompanying biomarker tests to optimize the treatment of mesotheliomas and lung tumors, including their use for differential diagnosis, prognosis, prediction, and treatment progression.