Comparison between Plasma and Serum Osteopontin Levels: Usefulness in Diagnosis of Epithelial Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma

Abstract

These data suggest that plasma OPN and serum OPN are not influenced by confounding factors such as age, smoking habits and asbestos exposure. Plasma and serum OPN may be useful markers in the diagnosis of epithelial MPM in addition to traditional radiological exams. However, in our opinion plasma OPN is preferable to serum OPN because it is more stable and measurements of OPN in serum are less reliable.