Detection of mesothelin-/megakaryocyte potentiating factor-related peptides in peritoneal fluid for assessment of the peritoneum and the peritoneal cavity

摘要

The invention relates to methods and kits for assessing occurrence in patient mesothelial fluid of peptides having amino acid sequences related to those of mesothelin, megakaryocyte potentiating factor, and other peptides that have been associated with occurrence in the serum of mesothelioma patients. The methods and kits can be used to monitor the biochemical or pathological status of a component of the corresponding mesothelial cavity in a patient, to predict development of such a pathological status in an otherwise asymptomatic patient, or to assess the efficacy of a therapeutic method.