Mesothelioma is a deadly cancer mainly caused by exposure to asbestos fibers. Unfortunately, mesothelioma is generally diagnosed at an already advanced stage and none of the therapeutic strategies tried so far is able to eradicate the disease. So new biomarkers that could help to identify the disease at an earlier stage are urgently … [Read more...]
Telomerase reverse transcriptase promoter mutations identify a genomically defined and highly aggressive human pleural mesothelioma subgroup
Purpose: Human malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is characterized by dismal prognosis. Consequently, dissection of molecular mechanisms driving malignancy is of key importance. Here we investigate, whether activating mutations in the telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) gene promoter are present in MPM and associated with disease progression, … [Read more...]
Questioning the prognostic role of BAP-1 immunohistochemistry in malignant pleural mesothelioma: A single center experience with systematic review and meta-analysis
Introduction: The prognostic role of BRCA1 associated protein-1 (BAP1) expression in malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a matter of debate. We aimed to clarify whether MPM patients with loss of BAP1 expression have better overall survival (OS) compared to BAP1 positive patients. Methods: [ BRCA1 associated protein-1 (BAP1) ] … [Read more...]
Malignant mesothelioma of the tunica vaginalis testis: a rare case and review of literature
Background: Malignant mesothelioma of the tunica vaginalis is a rare tumour which comprises less than 1% of all mesotheliomas. Case presentation: 69-years old patient with painful hard mass and hydrocele in the right scrotum to whom a right hydrocelectomy was performed. Any history of scrotal trauma or exposure to asbestos was not … [Read more...]
CD70 Expression Correlates With a Worse Prognosis in Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma Patients
Diffuse malignant mesothelioma of the pleura (MPM) is a highly aggressive tumour that typically is associated with short survival. CD70 and CD27 belong to the tumour necrosis factor (TNF) and the TNF receptor (TNFR) superfamily, respectively. Under physiological conditions, the tightly regulated interaction between CD70 and CD27 plays a … [Read more...]
Owkin’s mesothelioma AI discovers new biomarkers from lung biopsy images
By scanning thousands of tissue samples, [ Owkin’s mesothelioma AI program ] was able to help identify new types of patients with mesothelioma and predict which may respond better to certain therapies. Using whole biopsy slide images taken from nearly 3,000 patients with the aggressive and potentially fatal disease, [ Owkin’s mesothelioma AI … [Read more...]
Management of Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma in the Elderly Population
BACKGROUND: The median age at diagnosis for malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is approximately 72 years. Elderly patients pose unique management challenges because of the increased risk of therapy-related toxicities and mortality. Because there are no high-volume retrospective studies, prospective trials, or dedicated treatment recommendations … [Read more...]
Diagnostic Value of Biopsy Sampling in Predicting Histology in Patients With Diffuse Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma
BACKGROUND: The classification of diffuse malignant mesothelioma into epithelioid, biphasic, and sarcomatoid types is based on histologic patterns. The diagnosis is made on biopsies, and because of intratumoral heterogeneity, they may not be representative of the entire tumor. The number and volume of biopsies needed to reach diagnostic accuracy in … [Read more...]
Confocal Laser Endomicroscopy Promising Guidance Tool for Pleural Biopsies
In patients with suspected malignant pleural mesothelioma, confocal laser endomicroscopy (CLE) holds promise as a guidance tool for use in pleural biopsies and can help distinguish pleural abnormalities from pleural fibrosis, according to study results published in CHEST. The study included patients from multiple centers who were scheduled to … [Read more...]
Malignant pleural mesothelioma: from bedside to bench and from bench to bedside
Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a rare but very aggressive cancer of the thin tissue layer (pleura) covering the lungs. The development of MPM is strongly linked to previous exposure to the fibrous mineral asbestos, which has been widely used until the 1980s, in particular in the building industry. Although patients are generally eligible … [Read more...]