Written by Karen Selby, RN | Medically Reviewed By Dr. Rupesh Kotecha | Edited By Walter Pacheco | Last Update: August 7, 2024

What Is the miRview Meso Test?

The miRview meso test helps differentiate between malignant pleural mesothelioma and lung cancer. It involves a minor invasive procedure called a biopsy. Rosetta Genomics in Philadelphia developed the test. It may help patients get a definitive diagnosis of mesothelioma.

The test helps rule out mesothelioma in patients exposed to asbestos and diagnosed with other lung or pleural tumors. According to a 2021 research report, the miRview can distinguish between 42 tumor types.

In a patient with a suspected peritoneal or ovarian [cancer], the molecular prediction by miRview pointed out a mesothelioma origin. The prediction was later confirmed … leading to a therapeutic switch that resulted in an improvement of the patient’s survival.

Noemi Laprovitera, Ph.D., et al, research fellow at the University of Bologna

For now, defendants and insurance companies use it in asbestos litigation. They use it to tell between mesothelioma cancer and other diseases. Rosetta Genomics signed an agreement in 2011 with PACE Claims Services to market it worldwide for legal purposes.

Aiding the Diagnostic Process

An accurate diagnosis of mesothelioma is a challenge. While it is rare for doctors to use the miRview meso test, some may in certain settings. The test helps tell if a patient has mesothelioma or lung cancer.

Biopsies remain the primary diagnostic test for mesothelioma. The miRview test requires biopsy tissue, but it is not the primary test used to diagnose mesothelioma.

The miRview meso test uses sensitive technology. It measures the microRNA in a sample tissue obtained from a tumor biopsy. It measures the expression level of three specific biomarkers, including two carcinoma markers.

With the guidance of our Patient Advocates, you can better understand the diagnostics for mesothelioma and whether to seek a second opinion or what type of specialist to get connected with in order to avoid misdiagnosis.

Dr. Snehal Smart, Medical Doctor and Patient Advocate at The Mesothelioma Center
Snehal Smart, M.D. and Patient Advocate at The Mesothelioma Center

miRview Meso Test Sensitivity

The miRview meso test has a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 94% telling mesothelioma apart from other cancers of the lungs or pleura. A study published in the Journal of Molecular Diagnostics in 2010 reported this data.

MicroRNAs are smaller, more precise regulators of other genes than messenger RNA. They are stable, allowing for preservation with routine methods for biopsies.

They can help doctors identify cancers, guide therapy strategies and predict outcomes. Scientists now believe that controlling levels of specific microRNAs can slow cancer growth.

Proven Accuracy

Researchers from the MD Anderson Comprehensive Cancer Center (MDACC) in Texas presented a study of the miRview meso test at the 2010 American Society for Clinical Oncology Convention, giving it a stamp of approval.

The miRview meso test, like others involving biomarkers, has proven to be effective in determining the progression of mesothelioma and its aggressiveness. It can help a doctor in prescribing a treatment plan.

Rosetta Genomics is a developer of micro-RNA diagnostic tests and therapeutic tools. There are miRview tests that help with various cancers, including identifying subtypes of lung cancer and kidney tumors. Rosetta Genomics estimates that in the United States, 200,000 patients each year may benefit from miRview tests.

The performance of our miRview test, as validated by the MDA clinicians, matched the results we achieved in our validation study … and demonstrates how well the test performed in the ‘real world clinical setting.’ The results of this study are a testament to the overall scientific strength of Rosetta’s microRNA platform technology.

Kenneth Berlin, president and CEO of Rosetta Genomics

The miRview meso test is widely available. Most oncologists who have dealt with mesothelioma, lung cancer or other thoracic cancers will be familiar with this procedure. Doctors can order collection kits, sample preparation instructions and shipping instructions from the company by phone or online.

A biopsy tissue sample for the test can be obtained during an office visit. The sample can be with an unstained slide, or a tumor section. It is sent to the Rosetta lab for state-of-the-art analysis. Within 10 days, the report is returned to your doctor.

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