@article {pmid38054089,
year = {2023},
author = {Wang, D and Wang, YH and Chu, SC},
title = {Case Report: Early diagnosis and bevacizumab-based chemotherapy for primary pericardial mesothelioma: a case with occupational asbestos exposure history.},
journal = {Frontiers in cardiovascular medicine},
volume = {10},
number = {},
pages = {1257373},
pmid = {38054089},
issn = {2297-055X},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Primary pericardial mesothelioma (PPM) is an exceedingly rare malignant cancer and has a poor prognosis, which has been partly attributed to its frequently delayed diagnosis due to its nonspecific syndromes, its similar presentation to benign pericardial diseases, and its non-definitive etiology. In many PPM cases, the time from presentation to definite diagnosis may last for several months or even over one year. Unlike pleural mesothelioma, the relationship between PPM and asbestos exposure remains unsettled. To date, there is no consensus on the treatment of PPM.

CASE REPORT: The patient is a 57-year-old male who had nonspecific syndromes and inconclusive image findings. The occupational long-term asbestos exposure history of this patient raised our concerns regarding potential malignancy when confronted with unexplained pericardial effusion accompanied by cardiac tamponade. The heightened suspicion prompted us to perform pericardiocentesis and biopsy on the third day after admission to our department. An early diagnosis of PPM was established by the pathological and immunohistochemical evaluation of the biopsy specimen two weeks after admission. Positron emission tomography-computed tomography revealed that the lesion was localized at the anterior part of the mediastinum without distant metastasis. This patient refused to receive cardiac surgery. He subsequently underwent six cycles of chemotherapy (cisplatin plus pemetrexed) in combination with bevacizumab (a humanized anti-VEGF antibody) as the first-line treatment, resulting in complete relief of symptoms and satisfactory outcomes with no complications. Four months after the first course, the patient initiated a second course of chemotherapy with a similar regimen, but he opted to discontinue the medical treatment after the initiation of the second course. The patient was transferred to the hospice care unit and unfortunately expired one year after the initial presentation.

CONCLUSION: We present a case of an early multidisciplinary clinical approach to diagnose and manage PPM with consideration of occupational asbestos exposure history and clinical symptoms. Bevacizumab-based chemotherapy remains an option for the treatment of PPM.},
}

@article {pmid38044849,
year = {2023},
author = {Klebe, S and Judge, M and Brcic, L and Dacic, S and Galateau-Salle, F and Nicholson, AG and Roggli, V and Nowak, AK and Cooper, WA},
title = {Mesothelioma in the pleura, pericardium and peritoneum: Recommendations from the International Collaboration on Cancer Reporting (ICCR).},
journal = {Histopathology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/his.15106},
pmid = {38044849},
issn = {1365-2559},
abstract = {AIMS: Mesothelioma is a rare malignancy of the serosal membranes that is commonly related to exposure to asbestos. Despite extensive research and clinical trials, prognosis to date remains poor. Consistent, comprehensive and reproducible pathology reporting form the basis of all future interventions for an individual patient, but also ensures that meaningful data are collected to identify predictive and prognostic markers.

METHODS AND RESULTS: This article details the International Collaboration on Cancer Reporting (ICCR) process and the development of the international consensus mesothelioma reporting data set. It describes the 'core' and 'non-core' elements to be included in pathology reports for mesothelioma of all sites, inclusive of clinical, macroscopic, microscopic and ancillary testing considerations. An international expert panel consisting of pathologists and a medical oncologist produced a set of data items for biopsy and resection specimens based on a critical review and discussion of current evidence, and in light of the changes in the 2021 WHO Classification of Tumours. The commentary focuses particularly upon new entities such as mesothelioma in situ and provides background on relevant and essential ancillary testing as well as implementation of the new requirement for tumour grading.

CONCLUSION: We recommend widespread and consistent implementation of this data set, which will facilitate accurate reporting and enhance the consistency of data collection, improve the comparison of epidemiological data, support retrospective research and ultimately help to improve clinical outcomes. To this end, all data sets are freely available worldwide on the ICCR website (www.iccr-cancer.org/data-sets).},
}

@article {pmid38041166,
year = {2023},
author = {Visonà, SD and Bertoglio, B and Favaron, C and Capella, S and Belluso, E and Colosio, C and Villani, S and Ivic-Pavlicic, T and Taioli, E},
title = {A postmortem case control study of asbestos burden in lungs of malignant mesothelioma cases.},
journal = {Journal of translational medicine},
volume = {21},
number = {1},
pages = {875},
pmid = {38041166},
issn = {1479-5876},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Asbestos lung content is regarded as the most reliable tool for causal attribution of malignant mesothelioma (MM) to previous asbestos exposures. However, there is a lack of studies on asbestos burden in lungs of MM patients in comparison with healthy individuals. This study aims to provide such a comparison, investigating, as well, differences in asbestos lung burden with sex and time trends.

METHODS: Asbestos lung content has been assessed on formalin-fixed lung fragments using scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersion spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) on individuals deceased from MM (cases) and healthy subjects without any lung disease who died from violent causes (controls) between 2005 and 2023.

RESULTS: Asbestos and asbestos bodies (ABs) were found, respectively, in 73.7% and 43.2% of cases and in 28 and 22% of controls; in MM cases the most represented asbestos types were crocidolite and amosite, whereas in controls it was tremolite-actinolite asbestos. The concentration of both asbestos fibers and ABs was statistically significantly higher in MM cases compared to controls. The mean asbestos fibers width was also significantly higher in cases than controls. Males and females with MM showed similar asbestos and ABs concentrations, but females had higher concentrations of chrysotile, and significantly lower fibers width compared to males. Time trends show that MM lung asbestos concentrations decreased starting in 2011.

DISCUSSION: The results suggest a correlation between asbestos burden in lungs and MM risk. The different concentration of chrysotile, as well as the different width of asbestos fibers in MM males and females might reflect a sex difference in response of the lung microenvironment to inhaled asbestos. Finally, this study provides the first pathological evidence of the effect of the ban of asbestos use, demonstrating a significant decrease of asbestos lung content after 2011.},
}

@article {pmid38038422,
year = {2023},
author = {Zupanc, C and Franko, A and Strbac, D and Kovac, V and Dolzan, V and Goricar, K},
title = {The association of genetic factors with serum calretinin levels in asbestos-related diseases.},
journal = {Radiology and oncology},
volume = {57},
number = {4},
pages = {473-486},
pmid = {38038422},
issn = {1581-3207},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Asbestos exposure is associated with different asbestos-related diseases, including malignant mesothelioma (MM). MM diagnosis is confirmed with immunohistochemical analysis of several markers, including calretinin. Increased circulating calretinin was also observed in MM. The aim of the study was to determine if CALB2 polymorphisms or polymorphisms in genes that can regulate calretinin expression are associated with serum calretinin levels or MM susceptibility.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The study included 288 MM patients and 616 occupationally asbestos-exposed subjects without MM (153 with asbestosis, 380 with pleural plaques and 83 without asbestos-related disease). Subjects were genotyped for seven polymorphisms in CALB2, E2F2, MIR335, NRF1 and SEPTIN7 genes using competitive allele-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Serum calretinin was determined with ELISA in 545 subjects. Nonparametric tests, logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis were used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS: Carriers of at least one polymorphic CALB2 rs889704 allele had lower calretinin levels (P = 0.036). Carriers of two polymorphic MIR335 rs3807348 alleles had higher calretinin (P = 0.027), while carriers of at least one polymorphic NRF1 rs13241028 allele had lower calretinin levels (P = 0.034) in subjects without MM. Carriers of two polymorphic E2F2 rs2075995 alleles were less likely to develop MM (odds ratio [OR] = 0.64, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.43-0.96, P = 0.032), but the association was no longer significant after adjustment for age (P = 0.093). Optimal serum calretinin cut-off values differentiating MM patients from other subjects differed according to CALB2, NRF1, E2F2, and MIR335 genotypes.

CONCLUSIONS: The results of presented study suggest that genetic variability could influence serum calretinin levels. These findings could contribute to a better understanding of calretinin regulation and potentially to earlier MM diagnosis.},
}

@article {pmid38036250,
year = {2023},
author = {McNamee, N and Harvey, C and Gray, L and Khoo, T and Lingam, L and Zhang, B and Nindra, U and Yip, PY and Pal, A and Clay, T and Arulananda, S and Itchins, M and Pavlakis, N and Kao, S and Bowyer, S and Chin, V and Warburton, L and Pires da Silva, I and John, T and Solomon, B and Alexander, M and Nagrial, A},
title = {Brief Report: Real-world toxicity and survival of combination immunotherapy in pleural mesothelioma - RIOMeso.},
journal = {Journal of thoracic oncology : official publication of the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.jtho.2023.11.014},
pmid = {38036250},
issn = {1556-1380},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Australia has one of the highest rates of asbestos-associated diseases. Mesothelioma remains an area of unmet need with a 5-yr overall survival (OS) of 10%. First line immunotherapy with ipilimumab and nivolumab is now a standard of care for unresectable pleural mesothelioma following the CheckMate743 (CM743) trial, with supportive data from the later line single arm MAPS2 trial. RIOMeso examines survival and toxicity of this regimen in real-world practice.

METHODS: Demographic and clinicopathological data of Australian patients treated with ipilimumab and nivolumab in first and subsequent line settings for pleural mesothelioma was collected retrospectively. Survival was reported using the Kaplan-Meier method and compared between subgroups with the log rank test. Toxicity was investigator-assessed using CTCAE v5.0.

RESULTS: 119 patients were identified from 11 centres. The median age was 72, 83% were male, 92% were ECOG ≤1, 50% were past or current smokers and 78% had known asbestos exposure. 50% were epithelioid, 19% sarcomatoid, 14% biphasic and 17% unavailable. Ipilimumab and nivolumab was used first line in 75% of patients. Median OS (mOS) was 14.5 months (95%CI 13.0-NA) for the entire cohort. For patients treated first line, mOS was 14.5 months (95%CI 12.5-NA) and in second or later line patients was 15.4 months (95%CI 11.2-NA). There was no statistically significant difference in mOS for epithelioid histology compared to non-epithelioid (19.1 months [95%CI 15.4-NA] vs 13.0 months [95%CI 9.7-NA] respectively, P=0.064). 24% of patients had a CTCAE grade ≥ 3 adverse event, including 3 treatment-related deaths. Colitis was the most frequent adverse event.

CONCLUSION: Combination immunotherapy in real-world practice has poorer survival outcomes and appears more toxic compared with clinical trial data. This is the first detailed report of real-world survival and toxicity outcomes using ipilimumab and nivolumab treatment of pleural mesothelioma.},
}

@article {pmid38032359,
year = {2023},
author = {Geyer, SJ},
title = {A cluster of mesotheliomas reported in a case series does not implicate chrysotile asbestos-containing friction products as the cause of mesotheliomas.},
journal = {American journal of industrial medicine},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1002/ajim.23554},
pmid = {38032359},
issn = {1097-0274},
}

@article {pmid38030592,
year = {2023},
author = {Miller, A},
title = {Recognizing the pleura in asbestos-related pleuropulmonary disease: Known and new manifestations of pleural fibrosis.},
journal = {American journal of industrial medicine},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1002/ajim.23553},
pmid = {38030592},
issn = {1097-0274},
abstract = {Pleural thickening (PT) is a major consequence of exposure to all fiber types of asbestos. In recent decades, it is more prevalent than parenchymal asbestosis. Its manifestations occupy a full clinical and radiographic spectrum. Six major manifestations can be identified: (a) acute pleuritis generally with effusion; (b) diffuse PT or fibrous pleuritis; (c) rounded atelectasis; (d) circumscribed PT or plaques; (e) chronic pleuritic pain; and (f) mesothelioma. Review of the experience of workers and community members in Libby, MT to asbestiform fibers in vermiculite has confirmed the appearance of these previously known benign and malignant asbestos-related diseases as well as a unique pleuropulmonary disease characterized as lamellar PT and associated with progressive decline in pulmonary function and pleuritic pain. Despite previous literature asserting that PT represents a marker for asbestos exposure without significant effect on pulmonary function and physiology, the experience of Libby amphibole (LA) disease, along with other studies, indicates that PT plays a role in declining vital capacity in those with prolonged or unusual exposures such as those arising from LA.},
}

@article {pmid38017544,
year = {2023},
author = {Yoshida, M and Jimbo, N and Tsukamoto, R and Itoh, T and Kawahara, K and Mitsui, S and Tanaka, Y and Maniwa, Y},
title = {Sarcomatoid mesothelioma diagnosed in a patient with mesothelioma in situ: a case report on morphologic differences after 9-month interval with details analysis of cytology in early-stage mesothelioma.},
journal = {Diagnostic pathology},
volume = {18},
number = {1},
pages = {126},
pmid = {38017544},
issn = {1746-1596},
support = {23K08317//JSPS KAKENHI/ ; 23K08317//JSPS KAKENHI/ ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Overlapping morphological features of mesothelial cells have been rendered it difficult to distinguish between reactive and malignant conditions. The development of methods based on detecting genomic abnormalities using immunohistochemistry and fluorescence in situ hybridization have contributed markedly to solving this problem. It is important to identify bland mesothelioma cells on cytological screening, perform efficient genomic-based testing, and diagnose mesothelioma, because the first clinical manifestation of pleural mesothelioma is pleural effusion, which is the first sample available for pathological diagnosis. However, certain diagnostic aspects remain challenging even for experts.

CASE PRESENTATION: This report describes a case of a 72-year-old man with a history of asbestos exposure who presented with pleural effusion as the first symptom and was eventually diagnosed as mesothelioma. Mesothelioma was suspected owing to prominent cell-in-cell engulfment in mesothelial cells on the first cytological sample, and the diagnosis of mesothelioma in situ was confirmed by histology. Unexpectedly, sarcomatoid morphology of mesothelioma was found in the second pathology samples 9 months after the first pathological examination. Both the mesothelioma in situ and invasive lesion showed immunohistochemical loss of methylthioadenosine phosphorylase (MTAP) and homozygous deletion of cyclin dependent kinase inhibitor 2A (CDKN2A) on fluorescence in situ hybridization. The patient received medication therapy but died of disease progression 12 months after the diagnosis of the sarcomatoid morphology of mesothelioma.

CONCLUSION: Our case suggests that cell-in-cell engulfment can be conspicuous in early-stage mesothelioma with inconspicuous nuclear atypia and few multinucleated cells. In addition, the presence of MTAP loss and CDKN2A homozygous deletion are suspected to be involved in early formation to invasive lesions and/or sarcomatoid morphology. We believe that it is important to consider genetic abnormalities when deciding on individual patient management. Furthermore, cases of mesothelioma, even those of an in situ lesion, with MTAP loss and/or CDKN2A deletion should be carefully followed up or subjected to early treatment.},
}

@article {pmid38015374,
year = {2023},
author = {Nash, A and Creaney, J},
title = {Genomic Landscape of Pleural Mesothelioma and Therapeutic Aftermaths.},
journal = {Current oncology reports},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {38015374},
issn = {1534-6269},
support = {1197652//National Health and Medical Research Council/ ; CA190450//U.S. Department of Defense/ ; },
abstract = {PURPOSE OF REVIEW: In this article, we provide a comprehensive analysis of recent progress in the genetic characterisation of pleural mesothelioma, and the translation of these findings to clinical practice.

RECENT FINDINGS: Advancements in sequencing technology have allowed the identification of driver mutations and improved our understanding of how these mutations may shape the mesothelioma tumour microenvironment. However, the identification of frequently mutated regions including CDKN2A, BAP1 and NF2 have, to date, not yet yielded targeted therapy options that outperform standard chemo- and immunotherapies. Similarly, the association between mutational profile and the immune microenvironment or immunotherapy response is not well characterised. Further research into the link between tumour mutational profile and response to therapy is critical for identifying targetable vulnerabilities and stratifying patients for therapy.},
}

@article {pmid38002620,
year = {2023},
author = {Sorino, C and Mondoni, M and Marchetti, G and Agati, S and Inchingolo, R and Mei, F and Flamini, S and Lococo, F and Feller-Kopman, D},
title = {Pleural Mesothelioma: Advances in Blood and Pleural Biomarkers.},
journal = {Journal of clinical medicine},
volume = {12},
number = {22},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/jcm12227006},
pmid = {38002620},
issn = {2077-0383},
abstract = {Pleural mesothelioma (PM) is a type of cancer that is highly related to exposure to asbestos fibers. It shows aggressive behavior, and the current therapeutic approaches are usually insufficient to change the poor prognosis. Moreover, apart from staging and histological classification, there are no validated predictors of its response to treatment or its long-term outcomes. Numerous studies have investigated minimally invasive biomarkers in pleural fluid or blood to aid in earlier diagnosis and prognostic assessment of PM. The most studied marker in pleural effusion is mesothelin, which exhibits good specificity but low sensitivity, especially for non-epithelioid PM. Other biomarkers found in pleural fluid include fibulin-3, hyaluronan, microRNAs, and CYFRA-21.1, which have lower diagnostic capabilities but provide prognostic information and have potential roles as therapeutic targets. Serum is the most investigated matrix for biomarkers of PM. Several serum biomarkers in PM have been studied, with mesothelin, osteopontin, and fibulin-3 being the most often tested. A soluble mesothelin-related peptide (SMRP) is the only FDA-approved biomarker in patients with suspected mesothelioma. With different serum and pleural fluid cut-offs, it provides useful information on the diagnosis, prognosis, follow-up, and response to therapy in epithelioid PM. Panels combining different markers and proteomics technologies show promise in terms of improving clinical performance in the diagnosis and monitoring of mesothelioma patients. However, there is still no evidence that early detection can improve the treatment outcomes of PM patients.},
}

@article {pmid38000500,
year = {2023},
author = {Nel, AE and Pavlisko, EN and Roggli, VL},
title = {The Interplay between the Immune System, Tumor Suppressor Genes, and Immune Senescence in Mesothelioma Development and Response to Immunotherapy.},
journal = {Journal of thoracic oncology : official publication of the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.jtho.2023.11.017},
pmid = {38000500},
issn = {1556-1380},
abstract = {Despite efforts to ban asbestos mining and manufacturing, mesothelioma deaths in the United States have remained stable around 2500 cases annually. This trend is not unique to the US but is also a global phenomenon, associated with increased aging of populations worldwide. While geo-economic factors such as lack of regulations and continued asbestos manufacturing in resource-poor countries play a role, it is essential to consider biological factors such as immune senescence and increased genetic instability associated with aging. Recognizing that mesothelioma shares genetic instability and immune system effects with other age-related cancers is crucial because the impact of aging on mesothelioma is frequently assessed in the context of disease latency following asbestos exposure. However, the long latency period, often cited as a reason for mesothelioma's elderly predominance, should not overshadow the shared mechanisms. This communication focuses on the role of immune surveillance in mesothelioma, particularly exploring the impact of immune escape resulting from altered tumor suppressor gene (TSG) function during aging, contributing to the phylogenetic development of gene mutations and mesothelioma oncogenesis. The interplay between the immune system, TSGs, and aging not only shapes the immune landscape in mesothelioma but also contributes to the development of heterogeneous tumor microenvironments, significantly influencing responses to immunotherapy approaches and survival rates. By understanding the complex interplay between aging, TSG decline, and immune senescence, healthcare professionals can pave the way for more effective and personalized immunotherapies, ultimately offering hope for better outcomes in the fight against mesothelioma.},
}

@article {pmid37995092,
year = {2023},
author = {Somigliana, AB and Barbieri, PG and Cavallo, A and Colombo, R and Consonni, D and Mirabelli, D},
title = {Lung asbestos fiber burden analysis: effects of the counting rules for legal medicine evaluations.},
journal = {Inhalation toxicology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {1-8},
doi = {10.1080/08958378.2023.2285789},
pmid = {37995092},
issn = {1091-7691},
abstract = {OBJECTIVES: The work shows the effect of counting rules, such as analysis magnification and asbestos fiber dimension to be count (with length ≥5 µm or also asbestos fibers with length <5 µm) in the lung asbestos fiber burden analysis for legal medicine evaluations.

METHODS: On the same lung tissue samples, two different analyses were carried out to count any asbestos fibers with length ≥1 µm and with length ≥5 µm. Results of the amphibole burden of the two analyses were compared by linear regression analysis on log10-transformed values.

RESULTS: The analysis should be carried out at an appropriate magnification and on samples prepared in such a way as they allow the counting of very fine fibers. If the analysis is limited to the asbestos fibers with length ≥5 µm, there is a high risk of not detecting possible residual chrysotile fiber burden and thinner crocidolite asbestos fibers.

CONCLUSIONS: On average we estimated that 1 amphibole fiber with length ≥5 µm corresponds to ∼8 amphibole fibers with length ≥1 µm in the lung. The values of the Helsinki criteria should be updated taking this into account.},
}

@article {pmid37977032,
year = {2023},
author = {Salman, A and Abdel Mageed, SS and Fathi, D and Elrebehy, MA and Abulsoud, AI and Elshaer, SS and Khidr, EG and Al-Noshokaty, TM and Khaled, R and Rizk, NI and Elballal, MS and Sayed, GA and Abd-Elmawla, MA and El Tabaa, MM and Mohammed, OA and Ashraf, A and El-Husseiny, AA and Midan, HM and El-Dakroury, WA and Abdel-Reheim, MA and Doghish, AS},
title = {Deciphering signaling pathway interplay via miRNAs in malignant pleural mesothelioma.},
journal = {Pathology, research and practice},
volume = {252},
number = {},
pages = {154947},
doi = {10.1016/j.prp.2023.154947},
pmid = {37977032},
issn = {1618-0631},
abstract = {Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a highly invasive form of lung cancer that adversely affects the pleural and other linings of the lungs. MPM is a very aggressive tumor that often has an advanced stage at diagnosis and a bad prognosis (between 7 and 12 months). When people who have been exposed to asbestos experience pleural effusion and pain that is not explained, MPM should be suspected. After being diagnosed, most MPM patients have a one- to four-year life expectancy. The life expectancy is approximately six months without treatment. Despite the plethora of current molecular investigations, a definitive universal molecular signature has yet to be discovered as the causative factor for the pathogenesis of MPM. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are known to play a crucial role in the regulation of gene expression at the posttranscriptional level. The association between the expression of these short, non-coding RNAs and several neoplasms, including MPM, has been observed. Although the incidence of MPM is very low, there has been a significant increase in research focused on miRNAs in the past few years. In addition, miRNAs have been found to have a role in various regulatory signaling pathways associated with MPM, such as the Notch signaling network, Wnt/β-catenin, mutation of KRAS, JAK/STAT signaling circuit, protein kinase B (AKT), and Hedgehog signaling pathway. This study provides a comprehensive overview of the existing understanding of the roles of miRNAs in the underlying mechanisms of pathogenic symptoms in MPM, highlighting their potential as viable targets for therapeutic interventions.},
}

@article {pmid37975977,
year = {2023},
author = {John, A and O'Sullivan, H and Popat, S},
title = {Updates in Management of Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma.},
journal = {Current treatment options in oncology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {37975977},
issn = {1534-6277},
abstract = {Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is an aggressive asbestos-associated thoracic malignancy that is usually incurable. As demonstrated in the landmark MARS2 trial, surgical resection does not improve survival outcomes and its role in managing MPM is limited. Whilst platinum-pemetrexed chemotherapy in combination with bevacizumab was the standard first-line approach for unresectable disease, landmark phase 3 trials have now established the role of immune checkpoint inhibitors (CPIs) in the upfront management of unresectable disease: either nivolumab-ipilimumab or carboplatin-pemetrexed-pembrolizumab. Patient selection for optimal strategy remains an ongoing question. For relapsed disease novel genomic-based therapies targeting a range of aberrations including losses of the tumour suppressor genes BAP1, CDKN2A and NF2, are being evaluated. Nonetheless, the future of MPM therapeutics holds promise. Here we overview current treatment strategies in the management of MPM.},
}

@article {pmid37802348,
year = {2024},
author = {Takefuji, Y},
title = {An urgent call to action: The absolute necessity to ban asbestos production and sales.},
journal = {The Science of the total environment},
volume = {906},
number = {},
pages = {167557},
doi = {10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.167557},
pmid = {37802348},
issn = {1879-1026},
mesh = {Humans ; *Occupational Exposure ; *Asbestos ; *Mesothelioma/epidemiology ; Health Policy ; Dust ; },
abstract = {The issue with asbestos highlights the shortcomings in the global management of health policies for dangerous substances. The perils of asbestos dust were identified about a century ago. A significant number of individuals succumb to asbestos-related diseases worldwide annually. A considerable portion of occupational cancer fatalities are believed to be due to asbestos. A large population across the globe is exposed to asbestos in their workplaces. To address issues like asbestos, it is crucial for policymakers to prioritize public interest, and third parties should actively participate in scrutinizing the actions of these policymakers.},
}

Humans
*Occupational Exposure
*Asbestos
*Mesothelioma/epidemiology
Health Policy
Dust

@article {pmid37963950,
year = {2023},
author = {Gun, RT and Kendall, GM},
title = {Asbestos-related cancer in naval personnel: findings from participants in the British nuclear tests 1952-1967.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {13},
number = {1},
pages = {18842},
pmid = {37963950},
issn = {2045-2322},
abstract = {Asbestos-containing materials (ACM) were present in British and Australian naval vessels throughout the twentieth century. The aim of this study was to identify and quantify the incidence of cancer in naval personnel from onboard asbestos exposure. Subjects were four cohorts of subjects who had served in the armed forces of the United Kingdom and Australia in the 1950s and 1960s. All cohorts had previously been studied, three of them in relation to radiation exposures from British nuclear testing. Comparisons of SIRs between services were made to identify cancers attributable to asbestos exposure. Excess mesotheliomas were found in naval personnel in all cohorts. In all but one cohort the lung cancer incidence was highest in navy personnel. Comparison of other smoking-related conditions indicated that the excess in navy personnel was not smoking-related. The relatively high SIRs for mesothelioma and the occurrence of deaths from asbestosis were indicative of high levels of asbestos exposure, with an expectation of cases of asbestos-related lung cancer. The findings are consistent with the occurrence of significant excesses of mesotheliomas. In addition, notwithstanding some inconsistencies in the results between the cohorts, we estimated that approximately 27% of lung cancers in Australian seamen and 12% in British seamen were related to onboard asbestos exposure.},
}

@article {pmid37942251,
year = {2023},
author = {Grignani, P and Visonà, SD and Fronda, MV and Borrelli, P and Monti, MC and Bertoglio, B and Conti, A and Fattorini, P and Previderè, C},
title = {The role of single nucleotide polymorphisms related to iron homeostasis in mesothelioma susceptibility after asbestos exposure: a genetic study on autoptic samples.},
journal = {Frontiers in public health},
volume = {11},
number = {},
pages = {1236558},
pmid = {37942251},
issn = {2296-2565},
abstract = {Asbestos-related diseases still represent a major public health problem all over the world. Among them, malignant mesothelioma (MM) is a poor-prognosis cancer, arising from the serosal lining of the pleura, pericardium and peritoneum, triggered by asbestos exposure. Literature data suggest the key role of iron metabolism in the coating process leading to the formation of asbestos bodies, considered to be both protective and harmful. Two sample sets of individuals were taken into consideration, both residing in Broni or neighboring cities (Northwestern Italy) where an asbestos cement factory was active between 1932 and 1993. The present study aims to compare the frequency of six SNPs involved in iron trafficking, previously found to be related to protection/predisposition to MM after asbestos exposure, between 48 male subjects with documented asbestos exposure who died of MM and 48 male subjects who were exposed to asbestos but did not develop MM or other neoplastic respiratory diseases (Non-Mesothelioma Asbestos Exposed - NMAE). The same analysis was performed on 76 healthy male controls. The allelic and genotypic frequencies of a sub-group of 107 healthy Italian individuals contained in the 1000 genomes database were considered for comparison. PCR-multiplex amplification followed by SNaPshot mini-sequencing reaction was used. The findings presented in this study show that the allelic and genotypic frequencies for six SNP markers involved in iron metabolism/homeostasis and the modulation of tumor microenvironment are not significantly different between the two sample sets of MM and NMAE. Therefore, the SNPs here considered do not seem to be useful markers for individual susceptibility to mesothelioma. This finding is not in agreement with previous literature.},
}

@article {pmid37921373,
year = {2023},
author = {Esteban Porcar, A and García Gómez, M and Santana Yllobre, L and Gómez Pajares, F and Esteban Buedo, V and Usó Talamantes, R},
title = {[Reconocimiento del mesotelioma de pleura como enfermedad profesional en la Comunidad Valenciana de 2012 a 2018.].},
journal = {Revista espanola de salud publica},
volume = {97},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {37921373},
issn = {2173-9110},
abstract = {OBJECTIVE: Pleural mesothelioma is a neoplasm almost exclusively attributed to occupational exposure to asbestos and is legally considered an occupational disease. Nevertheless, only a few cases achieve that official recognition. The objective of this work was to describe and analyse this issue, and to identify the major obstacles to its recognition.

METHODS: A descriptive and retrospective epidemiological study of data was carried out, including figures and some characteristics, of all patients with pleural mesothelioma registered in the official health and labor registries of the Valencian Community from 2012 to 2018, using frequencies, proportions, and incidence rates.

RESULTS: There were large differences between the two sets of data collected in the different registries, especially regarding the number of cases. During the seven years of data examined, 590 pleural mesotheliomas were diagnosed in the Valencian public health system. Of these, the number of cases that were related to occupational exposure was at least 437. Despite the legal duty of doctors to report such cases, only 31 were reported as suspected occupational disease (7.09%), of which only 13 were ultimately officially recognized as such. It was estimated that the annual economic overcost to the public system of unrecognised patients with this occupational disease by was 2,2270,520 euros.

CONCLUSIONS: Only a small proportion of occupational mesotheliomas are officially recognized as such. This has important health care and economic repercussions for the individuals involved as well as for the public health system.},
}

@article {pmid37916370,
year = {2023},
author = {Aydogdu, G and Özekinci, S},
title = {Contribution of BAP1 loss and p16 (CDKN2A) deletion analysis to the definitive diagnosis of mesothelioma in effusion cytology.},
journal = {European review for medical and pharmacological sciences},
volume = {27},
number = {20},
pages = {10001-10007},
doi = {10.26355/eurrev_202310_34180},
pmid = {37916370},
issn = {2284-0729},
abstract = {OBJECTIVE: The cytological diagnosis of mesothelioma is a controversial issue, and definitive diagnosis often requires ancillary tests. The aim of this study was to investigate the contribution of BRCA1-associated protein (1) (BAP1) loss and p16 (CDKN2A) homozygous deletion (HD) on the early diagnosis of mesothelioma in effusion fluids.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 2019-2022, 21 pleural and peritoneal fluid samples diagnosed with atypical mesothelial proliferation in our institution were included in the study. The slides of the cases that underwent BAP1 immunohistochemistry (IHC) were retrieved from the archive and re-examined. Homozygous deletion (HD) of p16 (CDKN2A) was investigated by the fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) method in cell blocks of cytology samples. At least 100 atypical mesothelial cells were counted in each case, and the HD threshold value was >10%.

RESULTS: The mean age of the cases was 63.47 years (34-90 years), female/male ratio was 3/1. Of the pleural mesothelioma cases, 16 were epithelioid, 2 were biphasic, and 1 were sarcomatoid. Two cases were diagnosed with peritoneal well-differentiated papillary mesothelioma (WDPM). BAP1 loss was observed in 11 (69%) of 16 cases. HD deletion of p16 (CDKN2A) was seen in 11 (58%) patients with FISH. The HD threshold value was 10-20% in 6 of the cases, 30-50% in 3 cases, and above 90% in 2 cases. While HD deletion was observed in p16 (CDKN2A) in all biphasic and sarcomatoid cases (n=3), no deletion was observed in peritoneal WDPM (n=2). Positivity was observed with at least one method in 12 (86%) of 14 pleural mesotheliomas who underwent both BAP1 IHC and p16 (CDKN2A) FISH. Due to technical reasons, the FISH signal could not be obtained in two cell blocks, so no results could be obtained.

CONCLUSIONS: Asbestos exposure in areas where mesothelioma is endemic and/or the presence of proliferating mesothelial cells in cytological examination are important clues for diagnosis. In controversial cases, BAP1 IHC should be the first step in an ancillary test. Although the FISH method applied to cell blocks has cytology-specific limitations and difficulties, investigating the p16 (CDKN2A) deletion with FISH in selected cases will contribute to the diagnosis.},
}

@article {pmid37901248,
year = {2023},
author = {Qualiotto, AN and Baldavira, CM and Balancin, M and Ab'Saber, A and Takagaki, T and Capelozzi, VL},
title = {Mesothelin expression remodeled the immune-matrix tumor microenvironment predicting the risk of death in patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma.},
journal = {Frontiers in immunology},
volume = {14},
number = {},
pages = {1268927},
pmid = {37901248},
issn = {1664-3224},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The combination of immunobiological agents with immune checkpoint proteins is a promising treatment for malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM). Mesothelin and anti-PD-L1 antibody-drug conjugates specifically target malignant neoplastic cells, inhibit the migration and invasion of neoplastic cells, and restore the immune landscape. In this study, we confirmed the importance of mesothelin and examined the relationship between mesothelin and the immune landscape of the tumor microenvironment (TME) in two MPM cohorts.

METHODS: The discovery cohort included 82 MPM cases. Tissue microarray slides were generated, and samples were processed for hematoxylin & eosin staining, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence assays. The relationship between mesothelin, biomarkers of histogenesis, histological aggressiveness, PD-L1, immune cells (CD4, CD8, CD20, CD68), and collagen type I and type V fibers was evaluated by quantitative digital analyses. The outcome was the survival time until death from disease recurrence. The exploratory cohort included 87 malignant mesothelioma (MESO) patients from The Cancer Genome Atlas database.

RESULTS: Most patients were male (70.7%) with a history of asbestos exposure (53.7%) and with the epithelioid subtype (89%). Surgical resection was performed in 85.4% of patients, and 14.6% received chemotherapy; 59.8% of patients died from disease extension to the mediastinum. Low tumor mesothelin expression was associated with tumor necrosis and nuclear grade 1, whereas high mesothelin expression was significantly associated with the epithelioid histotype and high density of T cells CD8+, macrophages CD68+, and collagen type I fibers. Cox multivariate analysis showed a high risk of death for non-operated patients [hazard ratio (HR), 3.42 (1.15-10.16)] with low tumor mesothelin levels [HR, 2.58 (1.09-6.10)] and high PD-L1 and low infiltration of T cells CD4+ [HR, 3.81 (1.58-9.18)]. In the exploratory cohort, low mesothelin and high COL1A1 and COL5A1 expression were associated with poor overall survival.

CONCLUSION: Tumor mesothelin expression associated with the TME immune landscape predicts the risk of death for patients with MPM and could be a new target for immunotherapy in MPM.},
}

@article {pmid37899647,
year = {2023},
author = {Yu, M and Yang, D and Chen, C and Xia, H},
title = {Effects of SETD2 on telomere length and malignant transformation property of Met-5A after one-month crocidolite exposure.},
journal = {Journal of environmental science and health. Part C, Toxicology and carcinogenesis},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {1-14},
doi = {10.1080/26896583.2023.2271822},
pmid = {37899647},
issn = {2689-6591},
abstract = {Crocidolite is a carcinogen contributing to the pathogenesis of malignant mesothelioma. This study aimed to characterize the possible telomere-related events mediating the malignant transformation of mesothelial cells with and without SETD2 under crocidolite exposure. The crocidolite concentration resulting in 90% viable SETD2 knockout Met-5A (Met-5A[SETD2-KO]) and Met-5A were estimated to be 0.71 μg/cm[2] and 1.8 μg/cm[2], respectively, during 72 h of exposure, which was further employed in chronical crocidolite exposure during a 72 h exposure interval per time up to 1 month. Chronical crocidolite-exposed Met-5A[SETD2-KO] (chronical Cro-Met-5A[SETD2-KO]) had higher colony formation and increased telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) protein levels than chronical crocidolite-exposed Met-5A (chronical Cro-Met-5A) and Met-5A[SETD2-KO]. Chronical Cro-Met-5A[SETD2-KO] had longer telomere length (TL) than chronical Cro-Met-5A, although there were no changes in TL for either chronical Cro-Met-5A or chronical Cro-Met-5A[SETD2-KO] compared with their corresponding cells without crocidolite exposure. BIBR 1532, an inhibitor targeting TERT, partially reduced colony formation and TL for chronical Cro-Met-5A[SETD2-KO], while BIBR 1532 reduced TL but had no effect on colony formation for chronical Cro-Met-5A. Therefore, SETD2 deficient mesothelial cells are susceptible to malignant transformation during chronical crocidolite exposure, and TERT-dependent TL modification likely partially drives SETD2 loss-mediated early onset of mesothelial malignant transformation.},
}

@article {pmid37898984,
year = {2023},
author = {May, IJ and Nowak, AK and Francis, RJ and Ebert, MA and Dhaliwal, SS},
title = {The prognostic value of F18 Fluorothymidine positron emission tomography for assessing the response of malignant pleural mesothelioma to chemotherapy - A prospective cohort study.},
journal = {Journal of medical imaging and radiation oncology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/1754-9485.13592},
pmid = {37898984},
issn = {1754-9485},
support = {//National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC)/ ; },
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Malignant pleural mesothelioma is difficult to prognosticate. F18-Fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG PET) shows promise for response assessment but is confounded by talc pleurodesis. F18-Fluorothymidine (FLT) PET is an alternative tracer specific for proliferation. We compared the prognostic value of FDG and FLT PET and determined the influence of talc pleurodesis on these parameters.

METHODS: Overall, 29 prospectively recruited patients had FLT PET, FDG PET and CT-scans performed prior to and post one chemotherapy cycle; 10 had prior talc pleurodesis. Patients were followed for overall survival. CT response was assessed using mRECIST. Radiomic features were extracted using the MiM software platform. Changes in maximum SUV (SUVmax), mean SUV (SUVmean), FDG total lesion glycolysis (TLG), FLT total lesion proliferation (TLP) and metabolic tumour volume (MTV) after one chemotherapy cycle.

RESULTS: Cox univariate analysis demonstrated FDG PET radiomics were confounded by talc pleurodesis, and that percentage change in FLT MTV was predictive of overall survival. Cox multivariate analysis showed a 10% increase in FLT tumour volume corresponded with 9.5% worsened odds for overall survival (P = 0.028, HR = 1.095, 95% CI [1.010, 1.187]). No other variables were significant on multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSION: This is the first prospective study showing the statistical significance of FLT PET tumour volumes for measuring mesothelioma treatment response. FLT may be better than FDG for monitoring mesothelioma treatment response, which could help optimise mesothelioma treatment regimes.},
}

@article {pmid37894824,
year = {2023},
author = {Leinardi, R and Petriglieri, JR and Pochet, A and Yakoub, Y and Lelong, M and Lescoat, A and Turci, F and Lecureur, V and Huaux, F},
title = {Distinct Pro-Inflammatory Mechanisms Elicited by Short and Long Amosite Asbestos Fibers in Macrophages.},
journal = {International journal of molecular sciences},
volume = {24},
number = {20},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/ijms242015145},
pmid = {37894824},
issn = {1422-0067},
abstract = {While exposure to long amphibolic asbestos fibers (L > 10 µm) results in the development of severe diseases including inflammation, fibrosis, and mesothelioma, the pathogenic activity associated with short fibers (L < 5 µm) is less clear. By exposing murine macrophages to short (SFA) or long (LFA) fibers of amosite asbestos different in size and surface chemistry, we observed that SFA internalization resulted in pyroptotic-related immunogenic cell death (ICD) characterized by the release of the pro-inflammatory damage signal (DAMP) IL-1α after inflammasome activation and gasdermin D (GSDMD)-pore formation. In contrast, macrophage responses to non-internalizable LFA were associated with tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) release, caspase-3 and -7 activation, and apoptosis. SFA effects exclusively resulted from Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), a pattern-recognition receptor (PRR) recognized for its ability to sense particles, while the response to LFA was elicited by a multifactorial ignition system involving the macrophage receptor with collagenous structure (SR-A6 or MARCO), reactive oxygen species (ROS) cascade, and TLR4. Our findings indicate that asbestos fiber size and surface features play major roles in modulating ICD and inflammatory pathways. They also suggest that SFA are biologically reactive in vitro and, therefore, their inflammatory and toxic effects in vivo should not be underestimated.},
}

@article {pmid37889448,
year = {2023},
author = {Lee, FW and Chen, YH and Tran, ND and Lin, CK and Pham, LA},
title = {Association between Asbestos Exposure and the Incidence of Kidney Cancer: a Weight-of-Evidence Evaluation and Meta-analysis.},
journal = {Current environmental health reports},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {37889448},
issn = {2196-5412},
abstract = {PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Occupational asbestos exposure has been extensively linked to various cancers, with ongoing debates regarding its association with kidney cancer. This study aims to investigate the correlation between occupational asbestos exposure and kidney cancer incidence. Additionally, potential influencing factors are analyzed to enhance the comprehension of the relationship between asbestos exposure and kidney cancer.

RECENT FINDING: While asbestos has established strong associations with malignant mesothelioma and lung cancer, its connection to other malignancies such as gastric, colorectal, and kidney cancers remains under scrutiny. The current study presents mixed opinions on the relationship between asbestos exposure and kidney cancer. Our analysis revealed a potential association between asbestos exposure and the incidence of kidney cancer. Notably, among different types of asbestos, exposure to amphibole appeared to be particularly linked to a higher incident risk of kidney cancer.},
}

@article {pmid37880686,
year = {2023},
author = {Carbone, M and Minaai, M and Takinishi, Y and Pagano, I and Yang, H},
title = {Preventive and therapeutic opportunities: targeting BAP1 and/or HMGB1 pathways to diminish the burden of mesothelioma.},
journal = {Journal of translational medicine},
volume = {21},
number = {1},
pages = {749},
pmid = {37880686},
issn = {1479-5876},
support = {1R01ES030948-01//National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences/ ; 1R01CA237235-01A1//National Cancer Institute/ ; 1R01CA198138//National Cancer Institute/ ; W81XWH-16-1-0440//U.S. Department of Defense/ ; },
abstract = {Mesothelioma is a cancer typically caused by asbestos. Mechanistically, asbestos carcinogenesis has been linked to the asbestos-induced release of HMGB1 from the nucleus to the cytoplasm, where HMGB1 promotes autophagy and cell survival, and to the extracellular space where HMGB1 promotes chronic inflammation and mesothelioma growth. Targeting HMGB1 inhibited asbestos carcinogenesis and the growth of mesothelioma. It is hoped that targeting HMGB1 will be a novel therapeutic strategy that benefits mesothelioma patients. Severe restrictions and/or a complete ban on the use of asbestos were introduced in the 80 and early 90s in the Western world. These measures have proven effective as the incidence of mesothelioma/per 100,000 persons is decreasing in these countries. However, the overall number of mesotheliomas in the Western world has not significantly decreased. There are several reasons for that which are discussed here: (1) the presence of asbestos in old constructions; (2) the development of rural areas containing asbestos or other carcinogenic mineral fibers in the terrain; (3) the discovery of an increasing fraction of mesotheliomas caused by germline genetic mutations of BAP1 and other tumor suppressor genes; (4) mesotheliomas caused by radiation therapy; (5) the overall increase in the population and of the fraction of older people who are much more susceptible to develop all types of cancers, including mesothelioma. In summary, the epidemiology of mesothelioma is changing, the ban on asbestos worked, there are opportunities to help mesothelioma patients especially those who develop in a background of germline mutations and there is the opportunity to prevent a mesothelioma epidemic in the developing world, where the use of asbestos is increasing exponentially. We hope that restrictive measures similar to those introduced in the Western world will soon be introduced in developing countries to prevent a mesothelioma epidemic.},
}

@article {pmid37878258,
year = {2023},
author = {Vimercati, L and Cavone, D and Negrisolo, O and Pentimone, F and De Maria, L and Caputi, A and Sponselli, S and Delvecchio, G and Cafaro, F and Chellini, E and Binazzi, A and Di Marzio, D and Mensi, C and Consonni, D and Migliore, E and Brentisci, C and Martini, A and Negro, C and D'Agostin, F and Grappasonni, I and Pascucci, C and Benfatto, L and Malacarne, D and Casotto, V and Comiati, V and Storchi, C and Mangone, L and Murano, S and Rossin, L and Tallarigo, F and Vitale, F and Verardo, M and Eccher, S and Madeo, G and Staniscia, T and Carrozza, F and Cozzi, I and Romeo, E and Pelullo, P and Labianca, M and Melis, M and Cascone, G and Ferri, GM and Serio, G},
title = {Mesothelioma Risk Among Maritime Workers According to Job Title: Data From the Italian Mesothelioma Register (ReNaM).},
journal = {La Medicina del lavoro},
volume = {114},
number = {5},
pages = {e2023038},
pmid = {37878258},
issn = {0025-7818},
abstract = {The study describes the 466 cases of malignant mesotheliomas (MM) collected by the National Mesothelioma Register (ReNaM) in Italy in the period 1993-2018 relating to subjects with exclusive asbestos exposure in merchant or military navy. The cases among maritime workers represent 1.8% of the total cases with defined exposure registred in the ReNaM, of which 212 cases (45.4%) among merchant maritime workers and 254 cases (54.5%) among navy. The distribution by site of mesothelioma showed 453 (97.2%) MM cases of the pleura, 11 (2.3%) of the peritoneum and 2 (0.4%) of the tunica vaginalis of the testis. With regard to occupational exposure, it was classified as certain in 318 (68.2%) cases, probable in 69 (14.8%) cases and possible in 79 (16.9%) cases. Among the 23 classified jobs, the highest percentages of certain exposures are among naval engineers, motor mechanics, machine captains and sailors. Machine crew accounted for 49.3% of the cases, deck crew for 27.6%. All cases began exposure on board between 1926 and 1988. Seamen were exposed to asbestos while at sea by virtue of living onboard ships and from continual release of asbestos fibers due to the motion of a vessel. Epidemiological surveillance through the ReNaM has allowed us to verify among cases in the maritime, navy and merchant marine sectors, that in the past, subjects were exposed regardless of the ship's department where have provided service therefore all these cases must be considered as occupational diseases.},
}

@article {pmid37873988,
year = {2023},
author = {Bolgeo, T and Di Matteo, R and Crivellari, S and Gatti, D and Cassinari, A and Riccio, C and De Angelis, A and Delfanti, S and Ferrero, E and Gnani, C and Riili, G and Maconi, A},
title = {Quality of life in patients with PICC diagnosed with mesothelioma: Results of a multicenter epidemiological survey (LifePICC).},
journal = {The journal of vascular access},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {11297298231202046},
doi = {10.1177/11297298231202046},
pmid = {37873988},
issn = {1724-6032},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Pleural mesothelioma (PM) is a rare and aggressive cancer. PICC devices are widely used in cancer patients. The aim of the study is to evaluate the quality of life of patients with PICC diagnosed with PM treated at the Hospital of Casale Monferrato and Alessandria (Italy), an area with a high incidence of asbestos-related diseases.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Longitudinal prospective observational study with data collection at PICC insertion (T0), after 3 months (T1), 6 months (T2), and 9 months (T3). Participants were aged >18 years, diagnosed with PM, eligible for PICC insertion. Questionnaires used: EORTC QLQ-C30, EORTC QLQ-LC13, and HADS rating scale.

RESULTS: Twenty-eight patients were enrolled. The mean age was 68.93 years (SD 9.13), mostly male (57.1%). The most frequent cancer stage at diagnosis was III (39.3%), then I (32.1%), and IV (21.4%). 85.7% were treated with chemotherapy, 14.3% also with immunotherapy. 96.4% of patients reported no complications during PICC implantation. The perception of health status and quality of life, measured on a scale of 1-7, was in line with an average score of 5 during the evaluation period. The total anxiety and depression score remained normal for most patients (0-7).

CONCLUSIONS: The PICC management involved a multidisciplinary team with different skills: study findings revealed the key role that dedicated nurses play in PICC placement and ensuring patient problems are promptly addressed. From our study results, PICC placement does not seem to negatively impact the patient's quality of life.},
}

@article {pmid37855384,
year = {2023},
author = {Ferrante, D and Angelini, A and Barbiero, F and Barbone, F and Bauleo, L and Binazzi, A and Bovenzi, M and Bruno, C and Casotto, V and Cernigliaro, A and Ceppi, M and Cervino, D and Chellini, E and Curti, S and De Santis, M and Fazzo, L and Fedeli, U and Fiorillo, G and Franchi, A and Gangemi, M and Giangreco, M and Rossi, PG and Girardi, P and Luberto, F and Massari, S and Mattioli, S and Menegozzo, S and Merlo, DF and Michelozzi, P and Migliore, E and Miligi, L and Oddone, E and Pernetti, R and Perticaroli, P and Piro, S and Addario, SP and Romeo, E and Roncaglia, F and Silvestri, S and Storchi, C and Zona, A and Magnani, C and Marinaccio, A},
title = {Cause specific mortality in an Italian pool of asbestos workers cohorts.},
journal = {American journal of industrial medicine},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1002/ajim.23546},
pmid = {37855384},
issn = {1097-0274},
support = {//This work was supported by the 'INAIL BRIC project 2019-2021"; INAIL (Piano Ricerca 2016-2018, "Programma Speciale Amianto, BRIC id 55 and BRIC id 59) and 'Asbestos Project' organized by the Italian National Institute of Health (ISS) (Ricerca corrente 2012: Progetto amianto)./ ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Asbestos is a known human carcinogen and is causally associated with malignant mesothelioma, lung, larynx and ovarian cancers.

METHODS: Cancer risk was studied among a pool of formerly asbestos-exposed workers in Italy. Fifty-two Italian asbestos cohorts (asbestos-cement, rolling-stock, shipbuilding, and other) were pooled and their mortality follow-up was updated to 2018. Standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) were computed for major causes of death considering duration of exposure and time since first exposure (TSFE), using reference rates by region, age and calendar period.

RESULTS: The study included 63,502 subjects (57,156 men and 6346 women): 40% who were alive, 58% who died (cause known for 92%), and 2% lost to follow-up. Mortality was increased for all causes (SMR: men = 1.04, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.03-1.05; women = 1.15, 95% CI 1.11-1.18), all malignancies (SMR: men = 1.21, 95% CI 1.18-1.23; women = 1.29, 95% CI 1.22-1.37), pleural and peritoneal malignancies (men: SMR = 10.46, 95% CI 9.86-11.09 and 4.29, 95% CI 3.66-5.00; women: SMR = 27.13, 95% CI 23.29-31.42 and 7.51, 95% CI 5.52-9.98), lung (SMR: men = 1.28, 95% CI 1.24-1.32; women = 1.26, 95% CI 1.02-1.53), and ovarian cancer (SMR = 1.42, 95% CI 1.08-1.84). Pleural cancer mortality increased during the first 40 years of TSFE (latency), reaching a plateau thereafter.

CONCLUSIONS: Analyses by time-dependent variables showed that the risk for pleural neoplasms increased with latency and no longer increases at long TSFE, consistent with with asbestos clearance from the lungs. Peritoneal neoplasm risk increased over all observation time.},
}

@article {pmid37850051,
year = {2023},
author = {Nishida, S and Toriyama, K and Yomota, M and Hosomi, Y},
title = {Malignant pleural mesothelioma with resolution of pleural effusion.},
journal = {Respirology case reports},
volume = {11},
number = {11},
pages = {e01234},
pmid = {37850051},
issn = {2051-3380},
abstract = {In malignant pleural mesothelioma patients, pleural effusion may improve during the course of the disease. Pleural effusion with nodular shadows bordering the pleura should be followed up even if the pleural effusion improves.},
}

@article {pmid37846453,
year = {2023},
author = {Silvestri, S and Carnevale, F and Cavariani, F and Deidda, B},
title = {[The assessment of asbestos exposure of mesothelioma cases registered in Italy: which problems more than thirty years after the birth of the first regional archives].},
journal = {Epidemiologia e prevenzione},
volume = {47},
number = {4-5},
pages = {298-305},
doi = {10.19191/EP23.4-5.A617.070},
pmid = {37846453},
issn = {1120-9763},
abstract = {More than 30 years have passed since the beginning of the epidemiological surveillance of mesothelioma (MM). The Italian National Mesothelioma Register (ReNaM), part of the research department of the National Institute for insurance against industrial injuries (INAIL), has published 7 reports with the description of the cas-es concerning the assessment of diagnoses and exposures to asbestos suffered mainly during working activities but also environmental, in the family premises and during personal activities.Today we are witnessing a reduction in the commitment by some regions which negatively affects those who develop the pathology. Reading the ReNaM reports it emerges, among others, the problem of the delay in reporting new cases which limits the collection of information directly from patients. This contribution, discussing various topics, invites to develop a debate that should allow to update and resolve the critical aspects that arise after decades of activity regarding, in particular, the asbestos exposure assessment. It is the primary interest of the authors to give continuity and improve the ReNaM which remains the most prestigious MM register among those active in other countries.},
}

@article {pmid37846448,
year = {2023},
author = {Angelini, A and Martini, A and Begliomini, B and Silvestri, S},
title = {[Malignant mesothelioma in two married couples exposed to asbestos].},
journal = {Epidemiologia e prevenzione},
volume = {47},
number = {4-5},
pages = {257-262},
doi = {10.19191/EP23.4-5.A623.065},
pmid = {37846448},
issn = {1120-9763},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: the relationship between past asbestos exposure and the onset of malignant mesothelioma (MM) is well established. However, defining the exposure is not always easy, as it occurs decades before the onset of the disease.

OBJECTIVES: this report describes four cases of MM diagnosed in two different married couples, both exposed to asbestos fibers: husbands at work and wives for cohabiting and washing their work overalls.

DESIGN: case report.

METHODS: the information was collected through interviews using a semi-structured questionnaire and analyzed by occupational hygienists during the activity of epidemiological surveillance of this disease. The results of the mineral content of asbestos fibers performed on lung parenchymal from one of the female cases are available.

RESULTS: these two cases show a longer latency in the lesser exposed confirming what an occupational epidemiological study has recently highlighted.

CONCLUSIONS: whenever good quality information collected during interviews are available, skilled occupational hygienists are able to reconstruct past exposures in quali-quantitative terms.},
}

@article {pmid37845104,
year = {2023},
author = {Kaplan, MA and Şendur, MAN and Cangır, AK and Fırat, P and Göker, E and Kılıçkap, S and Oyan, B and Büge Öz, A and Özdemir, F and Özyiğit, G},
title = {Established and new treatment roadmaps for pleural mesothelioma: opinions of the Turkish Collaborative Group.},
journal = {Current problems in cancer},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {101017},
doi = {10.1016/j.currproblcancer.2023.101017},
pmid = {37845104},
issn = {1535-6345},
abstract = {Pleural mesothelioma (PM) is a cancer of the pleural surface, which is aggressive and may be rapidly fatal. PM is a rare cancer worldwide, but is a relatively common disease in Turkey. Asbestos exposure is the main risk factor and the most common underlying cause of the disease. There have been significant improvements in diagnoses and treatments of many malignancies; however, there are still therapeutic challenges in PM. In this review, we aimed to increase the awareness of health care professionals, oncologists, and pulmonologists by underlining the unmet needs of patients with PM and by emphasizing the need for a multidisciplinary treatment and management of PM. After reviewing the general information about PM, we further discuss the treatment options for patients with PM using immunotherapy and offer evidence for improvements in the clinical outcomes of these patients because of these newer treatment modalities.},
}

@article {pmid37824368,
year = {2024},
author = {Tuncel, T and Metintas, M and Güntülü, AK and Güneş, HV},
title = {Whole-Genome Comparative Copy Number Alteration Profiling between Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma and Asbestos-Induced Chronic Pleuritis.},
journal = {Journal of environmental pathology, toxicology and oncology : official organ of the International Society for Environmental Toxicology and Cancer},
volume = {43},
number = {1},
pages = {31-44},
doi = {10.1615/JEnvironPatholToxicolOncol.2023047755},
pmid = {37824368},
issn = {2162-6537},
abstract = {Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is rare and aggressive cancer. The most important risk factor for MPM is exposure to asbestos. In this study, we scanned the genomes of individuals MPM and asbestos-induced chronic pleuritis (AICP) to compare and determine copy number alterations (CNAs) between two asbestos-related diseases. We used high-resolution SNP arrays to compare CNA profiles between MPM (n = 55) and AICP (n = 18). DNAs extracted from pleural tissues in both groups. SNP array analysis revealed common losses at 1p, 3p, 6q, 9p, 13q, 14q, 15q, 16q, 22q and frequent gains at chromosomes 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, and 6p, 12q, 15q, 17p, 20q in MPMs (frequencies max 67%-min 30%; these alterations were not detected in AICPs. Besides detecting well-known MPM-associated CNAs, our high -resolution copy number profiling also detected comparatively rare CNAs for MPMs including losses like 9q33.3, 16q and gains of 1p, 1q, 3p, 3q, 6p, 7q, 15q, 12q, 17p, 20q at significant frequencies in the MPM cohort. We also observed Copy Number gains clustered on the NF2 locus in AICPs, whereas this region was commonly deleted in MPMs. According to this distinct genomic profiles between the two groups, AICPs genomes can be clearly distinguished from highly altered MPM genomes. Hence, we can suggest that SNP arrays can be used as a supporting diagnostic tool in terms of discriminating asbestos-related malignant disease such as MPM and benign pleural lesions, which can be challenging in most instances.},
}

@article {pmid37813485,
year = {2023},
author = {Marinaccio, A and Di Marzio, D and Mensi, C and Consonni, D and Gioscia, C and Migliore, E and Genova, C and Rossetto Giaccherino, R and Eccher, S and Murano, S and Comiati, V and Casotto, V and Negro, C and Mangone, L and Miligi, L and Piro, S and Angelini, A and Grappasonni, I and Madeo, G and Cozzi, I and Ancona, L and Staniscia, T and Carrozza, F and Cavone, D and Vimercati, L and Labianca, M and Tallarigo, F and Cascone, G and Melis, M and Bonafede, M and Scarselli, A and Binazzi, A},
title = {Incidence of mesothelioma in young people and causal exposure to asbestos in the Italian national mesothelioma registry (ReNaM).},
journal = {Occupational and environmental medicine},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1136/oemed-2023-108983},
pmid = {37813485},
issn = {1470-7926},
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: The epidemiological surveillance of mesothelioma incidence is a crucial key for investigating the occupational and environmental sources of asbestos exposure. The median age at diagnosis is generally high, according to the long latency of the disease. The purposes of this study are to analyse the incidence of mesothelioma in young people and to evaluate the modalities of asbestos exposure.

METHODS: Incident malignant mesothelioma (MM) cases in the period 1993-2018 were retrieved from Italian national mesothelioma registry and analysed for gender, incidence period, morphology and exposure. Age-standardised rates have been calculated and the multiple correspondence analysis has been performed. The association between age and asbestos exposure has been tested by χ[2] test.

RESULTS: From 1993 to 2018, 30 828 incident MM cases have been collected and 1278 (4.1%) presented diagnosis at early age (≤50 years). There is a substantial association between age at diagnosis and the type of asbestos exposure and a significantly lower frequency of cases with occupational exposure to asbestos (497 cases vs 701 expected) in young people has been documented. Paraoccupational and environmental exposure to asbestos have been found more frequent in young MM cases (85 and 93 observed cases vs 52 and 44 expected cases, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS: Mesothelioma incidence surveillance at population level and the anamnestic individual research of asbestos exposure is a fundamental tool for monitoring asbestos exposure health effects, supporting the exposure risks prevention policies. Clusters of mesothelioma incident cases in young people are a significant signal of a potential non-occupational exposure to asbestos.},
}

@article {pmid37811036,
year = {2023},
author = {Mehta, K and Mehta, S and Joshi, M and Bharadwaj, HR and Ardeshana, G and Tenkorang, PO},
title = {Challenging diagnosis of sarcomatoid hepatic mesothelioma: a case report with review of literature.},
journal = {Annals of medicine and surgery (2012)},
volume = {85},
number = {10},
pages = {5123-5126},
pmid = {37811036},
issn = {2049-0801},
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive cancer that is primarily caused by asbestos exposure. However, cases of mesothelioma without asbestos exposure suggest the involvement of other risk factors. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma, which is characterized by spindle-shaped cells, is a particularly aggressive subtype with limited treatment options.

CASE PRESENTATION: The authors present a case of a 72-year-old man with no history of asbestos exposure who presented with abdominal pain, fatigue, and weight loss. Imaging revealed a large cystic mass in the liver. A Liver biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of sarcomatoid mesothelioma. Immunohistochemistry results further supported this diagnosis. Due to the advanced stage and tumor size, surgical resection was not feasible. Palliative chemotherapy was initiated, but the patient's condition deteriorated rapidly, leading to his demise.

CONCLUSION: This case highlights the complexity of mesothelioma and the need for further research to identify the nonasbestos-related risk factors. Understanding alternative causative agents and mechanisms is crucial for the early detection, the development of targeted therapies, and improving patient outcomes. The presented case contributes to the existing literature and aligns with the Surgical CAse REport (SCARE) Criteria.},
}

@article {pmid37810608,
year = {2023},
author = {Ramos-Bonilla, JP and Giraldo, M and Marsili, D and Pasetto, R and Terracini, B and Mazzeo, A and Magnani, C and Comba, P and Lysaniuk, B and Cely-García, MF and Ascoli, V},
title = {An Approach to Overcome the Limitations of Surveillance of Asbestos Related Diseases in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: What We Learned from the Sibaté Study in Colombia.},
journal = {Annals of global health},
volume = {89},
number = {1},
pages = {64},
pmid = {37810608},
issn = {2214-9996},
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: The asbestos industry began its operations in Colombia in 1942 with the establishment of an asbestos-cement facility in Sibaté, located in the Department of Cundinamarca. Despite extensive asbestos use and production in Colombia, the country lacks a reliable epidemiological surveillance system to monitor the health effects of asbestos exposure. The Colombian health information system, known as SISPRO, did not report mesothelioma cases diagnosed in the municipality, posing a significant challenge in understanding the health impacts of asbestos exposure on the population of Sibaté.

METHODS: To address this issue, an active surveillance strategy was implemented in Sibaté. This strategy involved conducting door-to-door health and socioeconomic structured interviews to identify Asbestos-Related Diseases (ARDs). Validation strategies included a thorough review of medical records by a panel of physicians, and the findings were communicated to local, regional, and national authorities, as well as the general population.

RESULTS: The active surveillance strategy successfully identified a mesothelioma cluster in Sibaté, revealing the inadequacy of the existing health information system in monitoring asbestos-related diseases. The discovery of this cluster underscores the critical importance of implementing active surveillance strategies in Colombia, where governmental institutions and resources are often limited.

CONCLUSION: The findings of this study emphasize the urgent need for Colombia to establish a reliable epidemiological surveillance system for asbestos-related diseases (ARDs). Active surveillance strategies can play a crucial role in identifying mesothelioma clusters and enhancing our understanding of the health effects of asbestos exposure in low- and middle-income countries.},
}

@article {pmid37800384,
year = {2023},
author = {Sahin, ER and Koksal, D},
title = {Asbestos: Mineralogical features and fiber analysis in biological materials.},
journal = {Archives of environmental & occupational health},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {1-10},
doi = {10.1080/19338244.2023.2264764},
pmid = {37800384},
issn = {2154-4700},
abstract = {Asbestos is a mineral with unique physical and chemical properties that make it highly resistant to heat, fire, and corrosion. Nevertheless, exposure to asbestos fibers has been linked to serious health problems, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. Despite the ban on asbestos usage, asbestos-related diseases are still a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Analyzing the mineralogical features and fiber analysis of asbestos in biological materials is critical for scenarios where an asbestos exposure history cannot be obtained, a clinical diagnosis cannot be made, or legal aspects necessitate further investigation. This review outlines the mineralogical features and fiber analysis techniques of asbestos in biological materials.},
}

@article {pmid37793939,
year = {2023},
author = {Ibnian, AM and Khan, OU and Chan, R and Bangalore Lakshminarayana, U and Kiran, F and Abed, S and Abbas, R and Amir, A and Al-Kofahi, NK},
title = {Gelatinous Pleural Effusion: A Diagnostic Challenge for Pleural Mesothelioma in an 80-Year-Old Man.},
journal = {The American journal of case reports},
volume = {24},
number = {},
pages = {e941263},
doi = {10.12659/AJCR.941263},
pmid = {37793939},
issn = {1941-5923},
abstract = {BACKGROUND Gelatinous pleural effusion, due to raised hyaluronic acid, can be associated with pleural infection and malignancies, such as tuberculosis, metastatic pleural disease, and mesothelioma. This report is of an 80-year-old man presenting with a gelatinous pleural effusion and diagnosis of pleural mesothelioma. CASE REPORT An 80-year-old man with diabetes mellitus, ischemic heart disease, metastatic prostate cancer, 30-pack-year smoking history, and 5-year history of asbestos exposure (during his 30s), presented with a 4-week history of breathlessness and was found to have right-sided pleural effusion. Thoracic computed tomography (CT) showed mild right-sided pleural thickening. Pleural tap revealed exudative fluid, with a pH of 7.4, and unremarkable cytology and microbiology analyses. The patient was treated for pneumonia and para-pneumonic effusion and discharged home. He came back 5 weeks later with worsening of symptoms and re-accumulation of pleural fluid. Repeated thorax CT showed extensive right-sided pleural lobular thickening. Pleural tap again yielded an exudative fluid, with a pH of 7.37. Cytology and microbiology did not reveal any positive signs for malignancy or infection. This time the pleural fluid appeared gelatinous in consistency. Pleural biopsy showed atypical epithelioid mesothelial cells arranged in trabeculae, with a tubulo-papillary configuration. Also, immunohistochemistry panel showed tumor cells expressed calretinin, EMA, WT1, and D2-40, with negative TTF1, CEA, and BerEp4. Final diagnosis was epithelioid mesothelioma. CONCLUSIONS This report has shown that a gelatinous pleural effusion can be associated with malignant and inflammatory pleural diseases. In this case, imaging and pleural biopsy with histopathology confirmed a diagnosis of pleural mesothelioma.},
}

@article {pmid37730104,
year = {2023},
author = {Schelch, K and Emminger, D and Zitta, B and Johnson, TG and Kopatz, V and Eder, S and Ries, A and Stefanelli, A and Heffeter, P and Hoda, MA and Hoetzenecker, K and Dome, B and Berger, W and Reid, G and Grusch, M},
title = {Targeting YB-1 via entinostat enhances cisplatin sensitivity of pleural mesothelioma in vitro and in vivo.},
journal = {Cancer letters},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {216395},
doi = {10.1016/j.canlet.2023.216395},
pmid = {37730104},
issn = {1872-7980},
abstract = {Pleural mesothelioma (PM) is characterized by poor prognosis and limited therapeutic options. Y-box-binding protein 1 (YB-1) was shown to drive growth and migration of PM cells. Here, we evaluated the effect of genetic and pharmacological targeting of YB-1 on PM growth and response to cisplatin and radiation treatment. YB-1 knockdown via siRNA resulted in reduced PM cell growth, which significantly correlated with wt BAP1 and mutant NF2 and P53 status. Entinostat inhibited YB-1 deacetylation and its efficacy correlated with YB-1 knockdown-induced growth inhibition in 20 p.m. cell lines. Tumor growth inhibition by siRNA as well as entinostat was confirmed in mouse xenotransplant models. Furthermore, both YBX1-targeting siRNA and entinostat enhanced sensitivity to cisplatin and radiation. In particular, entinostat showed strong synergistic interactions with cisplatin which was linked to significantly increased cellular platinum uptake in all investigated cell models. Importantly, in a mouse model, the combination of cisplatin and entinostat also resulted in stronger growth inhibition than each treatment alone. Our study highlights YB-1 as an attractive target in PM and demonstrates that targeting YB-1 via entinostat is a promising approach to enhance cisplatin and radiation sensitivity.},
}

@article {pmid37729199,
year = {2023},
author = {Suarez, JS and Novelli, F and Goto, K and Ehara, M and Steele, M and Kim, JH and Zolondick, AA and Xue, J and Xu, R and Saito, M and Pastorino, S and Minaai, M and Takanishi, Y and Emi, M and Pagano, I and Wakeham, A and Berger, T and Pass, HI and Gaudino, G and Mak, TW and Carbone, M and Yang, H},
title = {HMGB1 released by mesothelial cells drives the development of asbestos-induced mesothelioma.},
journal = {Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America},
volume = {120},
number = {39},
pages = {e2307999120},
doi = {10.1073/pnas.2307999120},
pmid = {37729199},
issn = {1091-6490},
support = {1S10ODO28515-01//HHS | National Institutes of Health (NIH)/ ; 1R01ES030948-01//HHS | NIH | National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS)/ ; 1R01CA237235-01A1//HHS | NIH | National Cancer Institute (NCI)/ ; 1R01CA198138//HHS | NIH | National Cancer Institute (NCI)/ ; 5U01CA214195-04//HHS | NIH | National Cancer Institute (NCI)/ ; W81XWH-16-1-0440//U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)/ ; },
abstract = {Asbestos is the main cause of malignant mesothelioma. Previous studies have linked asbestos-induced mesothelioma to the release of HMGB1 from the nucleus to the cytoplasm, and from the cytoplasm to the extracellular space. In the cytoplasm, HMGB1 induces autophagy impairing asbestos-induced cell death. Extracellularly, HMGB1 stimulates the secretion of TNFα. Jointly, these two cytokines kick-start a chronic inflammatory process that over time promotes mesothelioma development. Whether the main source of extracellular HMGB1 were the mesothelial cells, the inflammatory cells, or both was unsolved. This information is critical to identify the targets and design preventive/therapeutic strategies to interfere with asbestos-induced mesothelioma. To address this issue, we developed the conditional mesothelial HMGB1-knockout (Hmgb1[ΔpMeso]) and the conditional myelomonocytic-lineage HMGB1-knockout (Hmgb1[ΔMylc]) mouse models. We establish here that HMGB1 is mainly produced and released by the mesothelial cells during the early phases of inflammation following asbestos exposure. The release of HMGB1 from mesothelial cells leads to atypical mesothelial hyperplasia, and in some animals, this evolves over the years into mesothelioma. We found that Hmgb1[ΔpMeso], whose mesothelial cells cannot produce HMGB1, show a greatly reduced inflammatory response to asbestos, and their mesothelial cells express and secrete significantly reduced levels of TNFα. Moreover, the tissue microenvironment in areas of asbestos deposits displays an increased fraction of M1-polarized macrophages compared to M2 macrophages. Supporting the biological significance of these findings, Hmgb1[ΔpMeso] mice showed a delayed and reduced incidence of mesothelioma and an increased mesothelioma-specific survival. Altogether, our study provides a biological explanation for HMGB1 as a driver of asbestos-induced mesothelioma.},
}

@article {pmid37722697,
year = {2023},
author = {Febres-Aldana, CA and Fanaroff, R and Offin, M and Zauderer, MG and Sauter, JL and Yang, SR and Ladanyi, M},
title = {Diffuse Pleural Mesothelioma: Advances in Molecular Pathogenesis, Diagnosis and Treatment.},
journal = {Annual review of pharmacology and toxicology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1146/annurev-pathol-042420-092719},
pmid = {37722697},
issn = {1545-4304},
abstract = {Diffuse pleural mesothelioma (DPM) is a highly aggressive malignant neoplasm arising from the mesothelial cells lining the pleural surfaces. While DPM is a well-recognized disease linked to asbestos exposure, recent advances have expanded our understanding of molecular pathogenesis and transformed our clinical practice. This comprehensive review explores the current concepts and emerging trends in DPM, including risk factors, pathobiology, histologic subtyping, and therapeutic management, with an emphasis on a multidisciplinary approach to this complex disease. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Pathology: Mechanisms of Disease, Volume 19 is January 2024. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.},
}

@article {pmid37712235,
year = {2023},
author = {Bruno, C and Di Stefano, R and Ricceri, V and La Rosa, M and Cernigliaro, A and Ciranni, P and Di Maria, G and Mandrioli, D and Zona, A and Comba, P and Scondotto, S},
title = {Fluoro-edenite non-neoplastic diseases in Biancavilla (Sicily, Italy): pleural plaques and/or pneumoconiosis?.},
journal = {Annali dell'Istituto superiore di sanita},
volume = {59},
number = {3},
pages = {187-193},
doi = {10.4415/ANN_23_03_03},
pmid = {37712235},
issn = {2384-8553},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: A mesothelioma cluster in Biancavilla (Sicily, Italy), drew attention to fluoro-edenite, a fibre classified by International Agency for Research on Cancer as carcinogenic to humans. Significant excesses in mortality and morbidity were observed for respiratory diseases and a significant excess of pneumoconiosis hospitalizations was reported.

OBJECTIVE: Aim of this study is to assess the characters of the lung damage in Biancavilla residents hospitalized with pneumoconiosis or asbestosis diagnoses.

METHODOLOGY: Medical records, available radiographs and computed tomography scans were collected. The obtained imaging was reviewed by a panel of three specialists and focused on pleural and parenchymal abnormalities. Cases with an ILO-BIT or ICOERD score equal or greater than 2 were considered positive for a pneumoconiosis-like damage, cases with a score lower than 2 or insufficient quality of imaging were considered inconclusive. If no pneumoconiotic aspects were present the cases were classified as negative.

RESULTS: Out of 38 cases, diagnostic imaging for 25 cases were found. Ten cases out of 25 showed asbestosis-like features, nine subjects were considered negative. In six patients' results were inconclusive.

CONCLUSIONS: Asbestosis-like features were substantiated in Biancavilla residents without known occupational exposure to asbestos. Further studies to estimate population respiratory health are required. Experimental studies on the fibrogenic potential of fluoro-edenite are needed.},
}

@article {pmid37692737,
year = {2023},
author = {Alsalihi, Y and Kandaswamy, C},
title = {A Worsening Cough: An Unusual Presentation of Malignant Mesothelioma.},
journal = {Cureus},
volume = {15},
number = {8},
pages = {e43205},
pmid = {37692737},
issn = {2168-8184},
abstract = {Localized malignant pleural mesothelioma (LMPM) is a rare cancer with poor survival rates. Often affecting males with asbestos exposure, we report a case of a 56-year-old female with no history of occupational exposure presenting with a worsening cough. A radiological examination revealed left pleural effusion and pleural thickening. Cytological and pathological reports of pleural samples were consistent with malignant mesothelioma of epithelioid type, with the histological examination via video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) consistent with a clear cell epithelioid mesothelioma. We discuss the rapid presentation of the disease with emphasis on considering the disease in young patients with no prior asbestos exposure.},
}

@article {pmid37683624,
year = {2023},
author = {Zwijsen, K and Schillebeeckx, E and Janssens, E and Van Cleemput, J and Richart, T and Surmont, V and Nackaerts, K and Marcq, E and van Meerbeeck, JP and Lamote, K},
title = {Determining the clinical utility of a breath test for screening an asbestos-exposed population for Pleural Mesothelioma: Baseline results.},
journal = {Journal of breath research},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1088/1752-7163/acf7e3},
pmid = {37683624},
issn = {1752-7163},
abstract = {Pleural mesothelioma (PM) is an aggressive cancer of the serosal lining of the thoracic cavity, predominantly caused by asbestos exposure. Due to nonspecific symptoms, PM is characterized by an advanced-stage diagnosis, resulting in a dismal prognosis. However, early diagnosis improves patient outcome. Currently, no diagnostic biomarkers or screening tools are available. Therefore, exhaled breath was explored as this can easily be obtained and contains volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are considered biomarkers for multiple (patho)physiological processes. A breath test, which differentiates asbestos-exposed (AEx) individuals from PM patients with 87% accuracy, was developed. However, before being implemented as a screening tool, the clinical utility of the test must be determined. Methods: Occupational AEx individuals underwent annual breath tests using multicapillary column/ion mobility spectrometry (MCC/IMS). A baseline breath test was taken and their individual risk of PM was estimated. PM patients were included as controls. Results: In total, 112 AEx individuals and 6 PM patients were included in the first of 4 screening rounds. All 6 PM patients were correctly classified as having mesothelioma (100% sensitivity) and out of 112 AEx individuals 78 were classified by the breath-based model as PM patients (30% specificity). Discussion: Given the large false positive outcome, the breath test will be repeated annually for 3 more consecutive years to adhere to the 'test, re-test' principle and improve the false positivity rate. A low-dose computed tomography (CT) scan in those with 2 consecutive positive tests will correlate test positives with radiological findings and the possible growth of a pleural tumor. Finally, the evaluation of the clinical value of a breath-based prediction model may lead to the initiation of a screening program for early detection of PM in Aex individuals, which is currently lacking. This clinical study received approval from the Antwerp University Hospital Ethics Committee (B300201837007).},
}

@article {pmid37676382,
year = {2023},
author = {Gabelloni, M and Faggioni, L and Brunese, MC and Picone, C and Fusco, R and Aquaro, GD and Cioni, D and Neri, E and Gandolfo, N and Giovagnoni, A and Granata, V},
title = {An overview on multimodal imaging for the diagnostic workup of pleural mesothelioma.},
journal = {Japanese journal of radiology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {37676382},
issn = {1867-108X},
abstract = {Pleural mesothelioma (PM) is an aggressive disease that has a strong causal relationship with asbestos exposure and represents a major challenge from both a diagnostic and therapeutic viewpoint. Despite recent improvements in patient care, PM typically carries a poor outcome, especially in advanced stages. Therefore, a timely and effective diagnosis taking advantage of currently available imaging techniques is essential to perform an accurate staging and dictate the most appropriate treatment strategy. Our aim is to provide a brief, but exhaustive and up-to-date overview of the role of multimodal medical imaging in the management of PM.},
}

@article {pmid37673586,
year = {2023},
author = {Eastwood, M and Marc, ST and Gao, X and Sailem, H and Offman, J and Karteris, E and Fernandez, AM and Jonigk, D and Cookson, W and Moffatt, M and Popat, S and Minhas, F and Robertus, JL},
title = {Malignant Mesothelioma subtyping via sampling driven multiple instance prediction on tissue image and cell morphology data.},
journal = {Artificial intelligence in medicine},
volume = {143},
number = {},
pages = {102628},
doi = {10.1016/j.artmed.2023.102628},
pmid = {37673586},
issn = {1873-2860},
support = {/CRUK_/Cancer Research UK/United Kingdom ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *Mesothelioma, Malignant ; Neural Networks, Computer ; Recognition, Psychology ; },
abstract = {Malignant Mesothelioma is a difficult to diagnose and highly lethal cancer usually associated with asbestos exposure. It can be broadly classified into three subtypes: Epithelioid, Sarcomatoid, and a hybrid Biphasic subtype in which significant components of both of the previous subtypes are present. Early diagnosis and identification of the subtype informs treatment and can help improve patient outcome. However, the subtyping of malignant mesothelioma, and specifically the recognition of transitional features from routine histology slides has a high level of inter-observer variability. In this work, we propose an end-to-end multiple instance learning (MIL) approach for malignant mesothelioma subtyping. This uses an adaptive instance-based sampling scheme for training deep convolutional neural networks on bags of image patches that allows learning on a wider range of relevant instances compared to max or top-N based MIL approaches. We also investigate augmenting the instance representation to include aggregate cellular morphology features from cell segmentation. The proposed MIL approach enables identification of malignant mesothelial subtypes of specific tissue regions. From this a continuous characterisation of a sample according to predominance of sarcomatoid vs epithelioid regions is possible, thus avoiding the arbitrary and highly subjective categorisation by currently used subtypes. Instance scoring also enables studying tumor heterogeneity and identifying patterns associated with different subtypes. We have evaluated the proposed method on a dataset of 234 tissue micro-array cores with an AUROC of 0.89±0.05 for this task. The dataset and developed methodology is available for the community at: https://github.com/measty/PINS.},
}

Humans
*Mesothelioma, Malignant
Neural Networks, Computer
Recognition, Psychology

@article {pmid37667155,
year = {2023},
author = {Yang, YX and Zhang, DK and Lu, HY and Zhao, XL and Yu, H},
title = {[Change trends and related risk factors of disease burden on mesothelioma in Jiangsu Province from 1990 to 2019].},
journal = {Zhonghua lao dong wei sheng zhi ye bing za zhi = Zhonghua laodong weisheng zhiyebing zazhi = Chinese journal of industrial hygiene and occupational diseases},
volume = {41},
number = {8},
pages = {594-600},
doi = {10.3760/cma.j.cn121094-20220815-00400},
pmid = {37667155},
issn = {1001-9391},
support = {H2017018//Medical Research Topic of Jiangsu Commission of Health/ ; },
mesh = {Female ; Male ; Humans ; *Mesothelioma/epidemiology ; *Mesothelioma, Malignant ; Risk Factors ; Cost of Illness ; *Occupational Exposure ; },
abstract = {Objective: To analyze the change trends and risk factors of mesothelioma disease burden in Jiangsu Province from 1990 to 2019. Methods: In January 2022, using the 2019 Global Burden of Disease Study Data, the Joinpoint regression model was used to analyze the change trends of incidence, mortality, disable-adjusted life years (DALY) and premature mortality of mesothelioma residents in Jiangsu Province from 1990 to 2019, and the attribution level of mesothelioma risk factors was estimated by population attributing fraction. Results: The standardized incidence rates of mesothelioma in Jiangsu Province from 1990 to 2019 ranged from 0.07/10(5) to 0.09/10(5), with an average annual percentage change (AAPC) of -1.1% (t=-13.56, P<0.001). AAPCs in males and females were -0.3% (t=-2.18, P=0.029) and -1.6% (t=-11.39, P<0.001), respectively. The standardized mortality rates of mesothelioma ranged from 0.07/10(5) to 0.09/10(5), the AAPC was -1.1% (t=-12.23, P<0.001), AAPC was -1.6% (t=-14.09, P<0.001) for females, and there was no significant change in males (t=-1.83, P=0.068). The premature mortality was 0.004%-0.006%, the AAPC was -1.0% (t=-4.40, P<0.001), AAPC was -1.7% (t=-13.72, P<0.001) for females, and there was no significant change in males (t=-0.68, P=0.495). The standardized DALY rates ranged from 1.86/10(5) to 2.32/10(5), the AAPC was -0.9% (t=-11.08, P<0.001), AAPC was -1.6% (t=-11.05, P<0.001) for females, and there was no significant change in males (t=-0.95, P=0.343). Both the standardized years of life lost (YLL) rate and the standardized years lived with disability (YLD) rate showed a decreasing trend, and the AAPCs were -0.9% (t=-7.66, P<0.001) and -1.0% (t=-12.88, P<0.001), respectively. The proportion of YLL in DALY was more than 98.5%. Among the risk factors for mesothelioma burden attribution, the AAPC attributed to occupational asbestos exposure of DALY was 1.4% (t=3.43, P=0.001). The AAPC of DALY rate of standardized attribution was -1.7% (t=-12.11, P<0.001) . Conclusion: The overall burden of mesothelioma in Jiangsu Province is decreasing, occupational asbestos exposure is still the main risk factor of mesothelioma in Jiangsu Province, and early diagnosis and treatment should be strengthened.},
}

Female
Male
Humans
*Mesothelioma/epidemiology
*Mesothelioma, Malignant
Risk Factors
Cost of Illness
*Occupational Exposure

@article {pmid37664365,
year = {2023},
author = {Sousa, B and Silva, J and Monteiro, N and Romano, M and Araújo, E},
title = {Malignant Peritoneal Mesothelioma: A Case Report.},
journal = {Cureus},
volume = {15},
number = {8},
pages = {e42902},
pmid = {37664365},
issn = {2168-8184},
abstract = {Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma (MPM) is a rare tumor of the serous membranes of the peritoneum and has been linked to exposure to asbestos and other risk factors. The clinical manifestations are vague, with a wide clinical spectrum, predominantly related to the abdominal involvement of the disease. Localized mesothelioma is an uncommon manifestation of the disease. Common symptoms include abdominal pain or abdominal distention, nausea, anorexia, and weight loss. Rarely, patients present with paraneoplastic syndrome. Due to the nonspecific symptoms, many patients already have advanced disease at the time of diagnosis. The authors report a case of a 75-year-old female patient who presented with symptoms of asthenia, anorexia, progressive paleness, and weight loss lasting five months. She reports later new-onset symptoms of diffuse abdominal pain and diarrhea associated with nausea. Laboratory tests showed anemia, mild leukocytosis, thrombocytosis, elevated C-reactive protein (CRP), and elevated liver enzymes. An abdominal and pelvic computed tomography (CT) scan revealed marked tissue thickening of an irregular and striated configuration of the leaflets and peritoneal reflections in an omental cake pattern, and a chest CT scan showed multiple bilateral pulmonary nodules, suggesting diffuse malignant disease. A CT-guided biopsy of a peritoneal implant was performed, establishing the diagnosis of malignant peritoneal mesothelioma. Due to rapid clinical deterioration, the patient did not receive any systemic treatment, surgery, or radiotherapy and was transitioned to comfort care. As in the presented case, most cases of MPM have diffuse peritoneal involvement at the time of diagnosis, although extra-abdominal involvement is very rare. This disease presentation is associated with high morbidity and mortality compared to cases of localized disease. There is no specific imaging diagnostic modality or valuable tumor markers for MPM. Although a CT scan remains important in the diagnostic approach, the changes found are not specific. Radiographically, MPM may present as mesenteric or parietal peritoneal nodules, visceral peritoneal thickening, ascites, or omental masses. Although these features may raise suspicion of MPM, a biopsy is necessary to confirm the diagnosis. Therefore, due to the rarity of this disease and its nonspecific signs or symptoms, MPM is difficult to diagnose, and the prognosis remains poor.},
}

@article {pmid37658846,
year = {2023},
author = {Qin, C and Xia, Q and Chen, ZJ and Zhou, Q and Zheng, X},
title = {En bloc resection of the recurrent pleural mesothelioma and reconstruction of the chest wall after immunotherapy: A case report.},
journal = {Thoracic cancer},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/1759-7714.15095},
pmid = {37658846},
issn = {1759-7714},
abstract = {Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is associated with previous asbestos exposure, while more clinical insights into this disease have come from other case studies. Maximal cytoreduction is critical in disease control and might help to improve the prognosis. Here, a 41-year-old female presented with a 6-month history of a mass detected in the chest wall following resection of a right pleural mesothelioma 2 years previously. A fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography scan showed a right chest wall mass with a blurred boundary 8.9 cm × 3.7 cm in size. The patient had received one cycle of bevacizumab, carboplatin, and pemetrexed, and two cycles of nivolumab, ipilimumab, and gemcitabine 5 months before admission. We subsequently resected the tumor, the involved diaphragm, and the fifth and sixth ribs, and titanium mesh and continuous suture were used to close the thoracic cage. The fixed paraffin-embedded tissues showed epithelioid pleural mesothelioma. The patient received nivolumab and ipilimumab postoperatively, and no recurrence was detected 16 months after surgery. En bloc resection with reconstructive surgery effectively removed the locally advanced malignancy and restored the biological function of the thorax with a favorable prognosis. Neoadjuvant immunotherapy might therefore be conducive to radical resection and perioperative immunotherapy might improve the prognosis.},
}

@article {pmid37648326,
year = {2023},
author = {Endo, I and Amatya, VJ and Kushitani, K and Kambara, T and Nakagiri, T and Aoe, K and Takeshima, Y},
title = {FOXM1 Promotes Mesothelioma Cell Migration and Invasion via Activation of SMAD Signaling.},
journal = {Anticancer research},
volume = {43},
number = {9},
pages = {3961-3968},
doi = {10.21873/anticanres.16583},
pmid = {37648326},
issn = {1791-7530},
mesh = {Humans ; *Mesothelioma/genetics ; *Mesothelioma, Malignant ; Carcinogenesis ; Cell Transformation, Neoplastic ; Cell Movement ; Forkhead Box Protein M1/genetics ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND/AIM: Forkhead box M1 (FOXM1) is a transcription factor closely associated with various human malignancies and is considered an attractive target for cancer therapy. Mesothelioma is a malignancy primarily due to asbestos exposure and certain genetic factors, requiring a better understanding of tumorigenesis for improved treatment. Asbestos-exposed human mesothelial cells have been reported to up-regulate FOXM1 expression in a dose-dependent manner.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: FOXM1 expression was evaluated in mesothelioma tissues and cell lines. FOXM1 small interfering RNA was transfected into mesothelioma cell lines to analyze its biological functions and regulatory mechanisms.

RESULTS: FOXM1 was over-expressed in mesothelioma tissues and cell lines. Knock-down of FOXM1 in mesothelioma cell lines inhibited cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. These results suggest that up-regulation of FOXM1 expression promotes mesothelioma tumorigenesis and progression. We previously reported that insulin-like growth factor 2 mRNA binding protein 3 (IGF2BP3) promotes the proliferation, migration, and invasion of mesothelioma cell lines. In this study, IGF2BP3 knock-down suppressed FOXM1 expression in mesothelioma cell lines. Our results suggest that IGF2BP3, an upstream regulator, contributes to increased FOXM1 expression. Furthermore, IGF2BP3 and FOXM1 knock-down suppressed SMAD signaling by inhibiting SMAD2/3 phosphorylation in mesothelioma cell lines.

CONCLUSION: IGF2BP3/FOXM1 promotes mesothelioma cell migration and invasion via SMAD signaling, highlighting IGF2BP3/FOXM1 as a potential target for mesothelioma treatment.},
}

Humans
*Mesothelioma/genetics
*Mesothelioma, Malignant
Carcinogenesis
Cell Transformation, Neoplastic
Cell Movement
Forkhead Box Protein M1/genetics

@article {pmid37642305,
year = {2023},
author = {Zhang, C and Sun, Q and Zhao, J and Jiang, N and Hao, Y and Luo, J and Karim, S and Wu, L and de Perrot, M and Peng, C and Zhao, X},
title = {JSI-124 inhibits cell proliferation and tumor growth by inducing autophagy and apoptosis in murine malignant mesothelioma.},
journal = {Molecular carcinogenesis},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1002/mc.23623},
pmid = {37642305},
issn = {1098-2744},
support = {//Taishan Mountain Scholars of Shandong Province/ ; //Second hospital of Shandong University/ ; 2022YP104//Youth Talent Innovation Foundation of the Second Hospital of Shandong University/ ; //Special Construction Project Fund for Taishan Mountain Scholars of Shandong Province/ ; },
abstract = {Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM), mainly caused by asbestos exposure, has a poor prognosis and lacks effective treatment compared with other cancer types. The intracellular transcription factor signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is overexpressed and hyperactivated in most human cancers. In this study, the role of STAT3 in murine MPM was examined. Inhibition of the Janus kinase 2 (JAK2)/STAT3 pathway with the selective inhibitor JSI-124 has an antitumor effect in murine MPM. Specifically, we demonstrated that JSI-124 inhibits murine MPM cell growth and induces apoptotic and autophagic cell death. Exposure of RN5 and AB12 cells to JSI-124 resulted in apoptosis via the Bcl-2 family of proteins. JSI-124 triggered autophagosome formation, accumulation, and conversion of LC3I to LC3II. Autophagy inhibitors, Chloroquine (CQ) and Bafilomycin A1 (Baf-A1), inhibited autophagy and sensitized RN5 and AB12 cells to JSI-124-induced apoptosis. Our data indicate that JSI-124 is a promising therapeutic agent for MPM treatment.},
}

@article {pmid37637041,
year = {2023},
author = {Deboever, N and Zhou, N and McGrail, DJ and Tomczak, K and Oliva, JL and Feldman, HA and Parra, E and Zhang, J and Lee, PP and Antonoff, MB and Hofstetter, WL and Mehran, RJ and Rajaram, R and Rice, DC and Roth, JA and Swisher, SS and Vaporciyan, AA and Altan, M and Weissferdt, A and Tsao, AS and Haymaker, CL and Sepesi, B},
title = {Radiographic response to neoadjuvant therapy in pleural mesothelioma should serve as a guide for patient selection for cytoreductive operations.},
journal = {Frontiers in oncology},
volume = {13},
number = {},
pages = {1216999},
pmid = {37637041},
issn = {2234-943X},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is associated with poor prognosis despite advances in multimodal therapeutic strategies. While patients with resectable disease may benefit from added survival with oncologic resection, patient selection for mesothelioma operations often relies on both objective and subjective evaluation metrics. We sought to evaluate factors associated with improved overall survival (OS) in patients with mesothelioma who underwent macroscopic complete resection (MCR).

METHODS: Patients with MPM who received neoadjuvant therapy and underwent MCR were identified in a prospectively maintained departmental database. Clinicopathologic, blood-based, and radiographic variables were collected and included in a Cox regression analysis (CRA). Response to neoadjuvant therapy was characterized by a change in tumor thickness from pretherapy to preoperative scans using the modified RECIST criteria.

RESULTS: In this study, 99 patients met the inclusion criteria. The median age of the included patients was 64.7 years, who were predominantly men, had smoking and asbestos exposure, and who received neoadjuvant therapy. The median change in tumor thickness following neoadjuvant therapy was -16.5% (interquartile range of -49.7% to +14.2%). CRA demonstrated reduced OS associated with non-epithelioid histology [hazard ratio (HR): 3.06, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.62-5.78, p < 0.001] and a response to neoadjuvant therapy inferior to the median (HR: 2.70, CI: 1.55-4.72, p < 0.001). Patients who responded poorly (below median) to neoadjuvant therapy had lower median survival (15.8 months compared to 38.2 months, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION: Poor response to neoadjuvant therapy in patients with MPM is associated with poor outcomes even following maximum surgical cytoreduction and should warrant a patient-centered discussion regarding goals of care and may therefore help guide further therapeutic decisions.},
}

@article {pmid37628748,
year = {2023},
author = {Ramundo, V and Zanirato, G and Palazzo, ML and Riganti, C and Aldieri, E},
title = {APE-1/Ref-1 Inhibition Blocks Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma Cell Proliferation and Migration: Crosstalk between Oxidative Stress and Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) in Driving Carcinogenesis and Metastasis.},
journal = {International journal of molecular sciences},
volume = {24},
number = {16},
pages = {},
pmid = {37628748},
issn = {1422-0067},
support = {ALDE_RILO_19_01//University of Turin/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Mesothelioma, Malignant ; Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition ; Oxidative Stress ; Cell Proliferation ; Carcinogenesis ; Hyperplasia ; Endonucleases ; *Hominidae ; },
abstract = {Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is an aggressive cancer associated with asbestos exposure. MPM pathogenesis has been related both to oxidative stress, evoked by and in response to asbestos fibers exposure, and epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT), an event induced by oxidative stress itself and related to cancer proliferation and metastasis. Asbestos-related primary oxidative damage is counteracted in the lungs by various redox-sensitive factors, often hyperactivated in some cancers. Among these redox-sensitive factors, Apurinic-apyrimidinic endonuclease 1 (APE-1)/Redox effector factor 1 (Ref-1) has been demonstrated to be overexpressed in MPM and lung cancer, but the molecular mechanism has not yet been fully understood. Moreover, asbestos exposure has been associated with induced EMT events, via some EMT transcription factors, such as Twist, Zeb-1 and Snail-1, in possible crosstalk with oxidative stress and inflammation events. To demonstrate this hypothesis, we inhibited/silenced Ref-1 in MPM cells; as a consequence, both EMT (Twist, Zeb-1 and Snail-1) markers and cellular migration/proliferation were significantly inhibited. Taken as a whole, these results show, for the first time, crosstalk between oxidative stress and EMT in MPM carcinogenesis and invasiveness, thus improving the knowledge to better address a preventive and therapeutic approach against this aggressive cancer.},
}

Animals
*Mesothelioma, Malignant
Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition
Oxidative Stress
Cell Proliferation
Carcinogenesis
Hyperplasia
Endonucleases
*Hominidae

@article {pmid37626858,
year = {2023},
author = {Fiorilla, I and Martinotti, S and Todesco, AM and Bonsignore, G and Cavaletto, M and Patrone, M and Ranzato, E and Audrito, V},
title = {Chronic Inflammation, Oxidative Stress and Metabolic Plasticity: Three Players Driving the Pro-Tumorigenic Microenvironment in Malignant Mesothelioma.},
journal = {Cells},
volume = {12},
number = {16},
pages = {},
pmid = {37626858},
issn = {2073-4409},
mesh = {Humans ; *Mesothelioma, Malignant ; Reactive Oxygen Species ; Oxidative Stress ; Carcinogenesis ; Inflammation ; Tumor Microenvironment ; },
abstract = {Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a lethal and rare cancer, even if its incidence has continuously increased all over the world. Asbestos exposure leads to the development of mesothelioma through multiple mechanisms, including chronic inflammation, oxidative stress with reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and persistent aberrant signaling. Together, these processes, over the years, force normal mesothelial cells' transformation. Chronic inflammation supported by "frustrated" macrophages exposed to asbestos fibers is also boosted by the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, growth factors, damage-associated molecular proteins (DAMPs), and the generation of ROS. In addition, the hypoxic microenvironment influences MPM and immune cells' features, leading to a significant rewiring of metabolism and phenotypic plasticity, thereby supporting tumor aggressiveness and modulating infiltrating immune cell responses. This review provides an overview of the complex tumor-host interactions within the MPM tumor microenvironment at different levels, i.e., soluble factors, metabolic crosstalk, and oxidative stress, and explains how these players supporting tumor transformation and progression may become potential and novel therapeutic targets in MPM.},
}

Humans
*Mesothelioma, Malignant
Reactive Oxygen Species
Oxidative Stress
Carcinogenesis
Inflammation
Tumor Microenvironment

@article {pmid37608979,
year = {2023},
author = {Moitra, S and Tabrizi, AF and Khadour, F and Henderson, L and Melenka, L and Lacy, P},
title = {Exposure to insulating materials and risk of coronary artery diseases: a cross-sectional study.},
journal = {Frontiers in public health},
volume = {11},
number = {},
pages = {1235189},
pmid = {37608979},
issn = {2296-2565},
mesh = {Adult ; Male ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; Female ; *Coronary Artery Disease/epidemiology/etiology ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; *Heart Diseases ; Heart ; *Mesothelioma, Malignant ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Although previous reports link exposure to insulating materials with an increased risk of mesothelioma and chronic respiratory diseases, studies evaluating their associations with the risk of coronary artery diseases (CAD) are lacking.

AIMS: We aimed at evaluating the associations between exposure to insulating materials and the 10-year risk of CAD among insulators.

METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, we recruited 643 adults (≥18 years), full-time insulators from the Local 110 Heat and Frost Insulators and Allied Workers Union in Edmonton, Alberta. We obtained demographic information, personal and family history, and job-exposure history, including experience (years) and types of exposure to insulating materials. Clinical profiling including Framingham risk scores (FRS) was assessed.

RESULTS: Of all insulators, 89% were men (mean ± SD age: 47 ± 12 years), 27% had a parental history of cardiac diseases, and 22% had a comorbid chronic respiratory disease. In total, 53% reported exposure to asbestos, while 61, 82, and 94% reported exposure to ceramic fibers, fiberglass, and mineral fibers, respectively. In single-exposure multivariable regression models adjusted for experience, marital status, and body mass index (BMI), asbestos was found to be associated with higher FRS (β: 1.004; 95%CI: 0.003-2.00). The association remained consistent in multi-exposure models and a higher association was found between asbestos exposure and FRS among insulators with comorbid chronic respiratory disease.

CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrates that apart from cancer and chronic respiratory diseases, asbestos exposure may also have a cardiac effect, thus warranting the need for systematic surveillance to protect workers from the adverse effects of these materials.},
}

Adult
Male
Humans
Middle Aged
Female
*Coronary Artery Disease/epidemiology/etiology
Cross-Sectional Studies
*Heart Diseases
Heart
*Mesothelioma, Malignant

@article {pmid37605147,
year = {2023},
author = {Welch, H and Harris, J and Pufulete, M and Dimagli, A and Benedetto, U and Maskell, N},
title = {Does previous asbestos exposure increase the risk of a post coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) pleural effusion - a routine data study?.},
journal = {BMC pulmonary medicine},
volume = {23},
number = {1},
pages = {307},
pmid = {37605147},
issn = {1471-2466},
mesh = {Humans ; *Asbestosis/epidemiology ; Prospective Studies ; *Pleural Effusion/epidemiology/etiology ; *Asbestos/adverse effects ; *Pleural Diseases/epidemiology/etiology ; Coronary Artery Bypass/adverse effects ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Development of pleural effusion (PE) following CABG is common. Post-CABG PE are divided into early- (within 30 days of surgery) and delayed-onset (30 days-1 year) which are likely due to distinct pathological processes. Some experts suggest asbestos exposure may confer an independent risk for late-onset post-CABG PE, however no large studies have explored this potential association.

RESEARCH QUESTION: To explore possible association between asbestos exposure and post-CABG PE using routine data.

METHODS: All patients who underwent CABG 01/04/2013-31/03/2018 were identified from the Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) Database. This England-wide population was evaluated for evidence of asbestos exposure, pleural plaques or asbestosis and a diagnosis of PE or PE-related procedure from 30 days to 1 year post-CABG. Patients with evidence of PE three months prior to CABG were excluded, as were patients with a new mesothelioma diagnosis.

RESULTS: 68,150 patients were identified, of whom 1,003 (1%) were asbestos exposed and 2,377 (3%) developed late-onset PE. After adjusting for demographic data, Index of Multiple Deprivation and Charlson Co-morbidity Index, asbestos exposed patients had increased odds of PE diagnosis or related procedure such as thoracentesis or drainage (OR 1.35, 95% CI 1.03-1.76, p = 0.04). In those with evidence of PE requiring procedure alone, the adjusted OR was 1.66 (95% CI 1.14-2.40, p = 0.01). Additional subgroup analysis of the 518 patients coded for pleural plaques and asbestosis alone revealed an adjusted OR of post-CABG PE requiring a procedure of 2.16 (95% CI 1.38-3.37, p = 0.002).

INTERPRETATION: This large-scale study demonstrates prior asbestos exposure is associated with modestly increased risk of post-CABG PE development. The risk association appears higher in patients with assigned clinical codes indicative of radiological evidence of asbestos exposure (pleural plaques or asbestosis). This association may fit with a possible inflammatory co-pathogenesis, with asbestos exposure 'priming' the pleura resulting in greater propensity for PE evolution following the physiological insult of CABG surgery. Further work, including prospective studies and clinicopathological correlation are suggested to explore this further.},
}

Humans
*Asbestosis/epidemiology
Prospective Studies
*Pleural Effusion/epidemiology/etiology
*Asbestos/adverse effects
*Pleural Diseases/epidemiology/etiology
Coronary Artery Bypass/adverse effects

@article {pmid37571934,
year = {2022},
author = {Nasirzadeh, N and Soltanpour, Z and Mohammadian, Y and Pourhasan, B},
title = {Lung Cancer and Pleural Mesothelioma Risk Assessment for the General Population Exposed to Asbestos in Different Regions of Tehran, Iran.},
journal = {Journal of research in health sciences},
volume = {22},
number = {4},
pages = {e00563},
pmid = {37571934},
issn = {2228-7809},
mesh = {Humans ; Iran/epidemiology ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; *Mesothelioma/epidemiology/etiology ; *Asbestos/toxicity ; *Lung Neoplasms/epidemiology/etiology ; *Pleural Neoplasms/epidemiology/etiology ; Risk Assessment ; *Occupational Exposure/adverse effects/analysis ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Asbestos is a natural fiber leading to health risks like chronic lung diseases. The current study aimed to estimate pleural mesothelioma and lung cancer risk for population exposure to asbestos in Tehran, Iran.

STUDY DESIGN: A cross-sectional study.

METHODS: According to the annual report of Air Quality Control Company (AQCC), from 2011-2020, carcinogenic risk and mesothelioma were assessed based on the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) method using the Monte Carlo simulation (MCS). The relative risk (RR) of mortality cancer was calculated based on Camus and colleagues' model. Moreover, mesothelioma risk was estimated by Bourgault and colleagues' model.

RESULTS: The mean concentration and health risk of asbestos in ambient air generally reduced from 2011 to 2020. The highest mortality risk for lung cancer was 8.4 per 100000 persons in 2011 and reduced to 1.8 in 2017. For mesothelioma, the corresponding values were 8.96 per 100000 persons in 2011 and reduced to 1.92 in 2017.

CONCLUSION: The findings of this study could be helpful to health policymakers in the management of asbestos risk.},
}

Humans
Iran/epidemiology
Cross-Sectional Studies
*Mesothelioma/epidemiology/etiology
*Asbestos/toxicity
*Lung Neoplasms/epidemiology/etiology
*Pleural Neoplasms/epidemiology/etiology
Risk Assessment
*Occupational Exposure/adverse effects/analysis

@article {pmid37567753,
year = {2023},
author = {Stella, S and Consonni, D and Migliore, E and Stura, A and Cavone, D and Vimercati, L and Miligi, L and Piro, S and Landi, MT and Caporaso, NE and Curti, S and Mattioli, S and Brandi, G and Gioscia, C and Eccher, S and Murano, S and Casotto, V and Comiati, V and Negro, C and D'Agostin, F and Genova, C and Benfatto, L and Romanelli, A and Grappasonni, I and Madeo, G and Cozzi, I and Romeo, E and Tommaso, S and Carrozza, F and Labianca, M and Tallarigo, F and Cascone, G and Melis, M and Marinaccio, A and Binazzi, A and Mensi, C and , },
title = {Pleural mesothelioma risk in the construction industry: a case-control study in Italy, 2000-2018.},
journal = {BMJ open},
volume = {13},
number = {8},
pages = {e073480},
pmid = {37567753},
issn = {2044-6055},
mesh = {Humans ; Male ; *Construction Industry ; Case-Control Studies ; *Occupational Exposure/adverse effects ; *Occupational Diseases/epidemiology ; *Mesothelioma/epidemiology/etiology ; *Mesothelioma, Malignant ; *Asbestos/adverse effects ; *Pleural Neoplasms/epidemiology/etiology ; Logistic Models ; Italy/epidemiology ; },
abstract = {OBJECTIVES: Workers in the construction industry have been exposed to asbestos in various occupations. In Italy, a National Mesothelioma Registry has been implemented more than 20 years ago. Using cases selected from this registry and exploiting existing control data sets, we estimated relative risks for pleural mesothelioma (PM) among construction workers.

DESIGN: Case-control study.

SETTING: Cases from the National Mesothelioma Registry (2000-2018), controls from three previous case-control studies.

METHODS: We selected male PM incident cases diagnosed in 2000-2018. Population controls were taken from three studies performed in six Italian regions within two periods (2002-2004 and 2012-2016). Age-adjusted and period-adjusted unconditional logistic regression models were fitted to estimate odds ratios (OR) for occupations in the construction industry. We followed two approaches, one (primary) excluding and the other (secondary) including subjects employed in other non-construction blue collar occupations for >5 years. For both approaches, we performed an overall analysis including all cases and, given the incomplete temporal and geographic overlap of cases and controls, three time or/and space restricted sensitivity analyses.

RESULTS: The whole data set included 15 592 cases and 2210 controls. With the primary approach (4797 cases and 1085 controls), OR was 3.64 (2181 cases) for subjects ever employed in construction. We found elevated risks for blue-collar occupations (1993 cases, OR 4.52), including bricklayers (988 cases, OR 7.05), general construction workers (320 cases, OR 4.66), plumbers and pipe fitters (305 cases, OR 9.13), painters (104 cases, OR 2.17) and several others. Sensitivity analyses yielded very similar findings. Using the secondary approach, we observed similar patterns, but ORs were remarkably lower.

CONCLUSIONS: We found markedly increased PM risks for most occupations in the construction industry. These findings are relevant for compensation of subjects affected with mesothelioma in the construction industry.},
}

Humans
Male
*Construction Industry
Case-Control Studies
*Occupational Exposure/adverse effects
*Occupational Diseases/epidemiology
*Mesothelioma/epidemiology/etiology
*Mesothelioma, Malignant
*Asbestos/adverse effects
*Pleural Neoplasms/epidemiology/etiology
Logistic Models
Italy/epidemiology

@article {pmid37553196,
year = {2023},
author = {Ferguson, K and Neilson, M and Mercer, R and King, J and Marshall, K and Welch, H and Tsim, S and Maskell, NA and Rahman, NM and Evison, M and Blyth, KG},
title = {Results of the Meso-ORIGINS feasibility study regarding collection of matched benign-mesothelioma tissue pairs by longitudinal surveillance.},
journal = {BMJ open},
volume = {13},
number = {8},
pages = {e067780},
pmid = {37553196},
issn = {2044-6055},
mesh = {Humans ; Feasibility Studies ; Prospective Studies ; Retrospective Studies ; *Mesothelioma, Malignant ; *Mesothelioma/pathology ; *Pleural Neoplasms/epidemiology ; *Asbestos ; *Lung Neoplasms/pathology ; },
abstract = {OBJECTIVES: To assess key elements of the design for Meso-ORIGINS (Mesothelioma Observational study of RIsk prediction and Generation of paired benign-meso tissue samples, Including a Nested MRI Substudy), an ambitious, UK-wide, prospective study that will collect ≥63 matched benign-mesothelioma tissue pairs through longitudinal surveillance and repeat biopsy of patients with asbestos-associated pleural inflammation (AAPI).

DESIGN: A multicentre, mixed-methods feasibility study, comprising a prospective observational element, evaluating recruitment feasibility, technical feasibility of repeat local anaesthetic thoracoscopy (LAT) and patient acceptability, and a retrospective cohort study focused on AAPI-mesothelioma evolution rate, informing sample size.

SETTING: 4 UK pleural disease centres (February 2019-January 2020).

PARTICIPANTS: Patients with AAPI (history or typical imaging plus appropriate pleural histology) were eligible for both elements. In August 2019, eligibility for the prospective element was broadened, including addition of radiological AAPI for technical feasibility and patient acceptability endpoints only. Retrospective cases required ≥2 years follow-up.

OUTCOME MEASURES: A prospective recruitment target was set a priori at 27 histological AAPI cases (or 14 in any 6 months). Technical feasibility and patient acceptability were determined at 6-month follow-up by thoracic ultrasound surrogates and questionnaires, respectively. Retrospective malignant pleural mesothelioma evolution rate was defined by proportion (95% CI). Baseline predictors of evolution were identified using logistic regression.

RESULTS: 296 patients with AAPI (39 prospective, 257 retrospective) were recruited/selected. 21/39 prospective recruits were histologically diagnosed (target n=27). Repeat LAT was technically feasible and acceptable in 13/28 (46%) and 24/36 (67%) cases with complete follow-up data. Mesothelioma evolution was confirmed histologically in 36/257 retrospective cases (14% (95% CI 10.3% to 18.8%)) and associated with malignant CT features (OR 4.78 (95% CI 2.36 to 9.86)) and age (OR 1.06 (95% CI 1.02 to 1.12)).

CONCLUSIONS: Our initial eligibility criteria were too narrow. Meso-ORIGINS will recruit a broader cohort, including prevalent cases, any biopsy type and patients with malignant CT features. A range of rebiopsy techniques will be allowed, accounting for technical and patient factors. The sample size has been reduced to 500.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ISRCTN12840870.},
}

Humans
Feasibility Studies
Prospective Studies
Retrospective Studies
*Mesothelioma, Malignant
*Mesothelioma/pathology
*Pleural Neoplasms/epidemiology
*Asbestos
*Lung Neoplasms/pathology

@article {pmid37547483,
year = {2023},
author = {Damiran, N and Frank, AL},
title = {Mongolia: Failure of Total Banning of Asbestos.},
journal = {Annals of global health},
volume = {89},
number = {1},
pages = {50},
pmid = {37547483},
issn = {2214-9996},
mesh = {Humans ; Mongolia ; *Occupational Exposure/adverse effects/prevention & control/analysis ; *Asbestos/toxicity ; *Mesothelioma/epidemiology/prevention & control ; *Mesothelioma, Malignant ; *Lung Neoplasms ; },
abstract = {The primary uses of asbestos in Mongolia are in thermal power plants, construction and at railway companies. There is, however, limited data on both asbestos consumption and asbestos related disease (ARD) in Mongolia. The purpose of this paper is to report on the failure to completely ban asbestos in Mongolia. To write this paper, available asbestos related literature, published nationally and internationally, and legal regulations, national standards and guidelines on asbestos control were reviewed. Mongolia consumed a total of 44,421.9 metric tons of asbestos containing materials (AMCs) between 1996 and 2014. As a key indicator of ARD, 54 cases of mesothelioma were diagnosed at the National Cancer Center by pathological testing of tissue samples between 1994 and 2013. In 2010, The government made the decision to stop all types of asbestos use under the Law on Toxic and Hazardous Substances. However, there was no nationwide action plan to gradually reduce asbestos use, promote substitutes and raise awareness of health hazards and economic burdens in the future from asbestos use. There was also no planning for safe removal of asbestos currently in place. After the banning of asbestos, thermal power plants told the government that they could not produce electricity without insulation of AMCs and substitution materials were economically not feasible. Due to pressure from the energy sector and inadequate awareness of asbestos hazards, the government changed the legal status on asbestos in 2011 as a restricted chemical. Asbestos is still allowed to be used, and workers and the general community are still unnecessarily exposed to this carcinogen.},
}

Humans
Mongolia
*Occupational Exposure/adverse effects/prevention & control/analysis
*Asbestos/toxicity
*Mesothelioma/epidemiology/prevention & control
*Mesothelioma, Malignant
*Lung Neoplasms

@article {pmid37529811,
year = {2023},
author = {Kuramochi, M and Muraoka, T and Shinonaga, M and Ohtani, H and Kuraoka, S},
title = {Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma (MPM) Presenting as Hydropneumothorax.},
journal = {Cureus},
volume = {15},
number = {7},
pages = {e41243},
pmid = {37529811},
issn = {2168-8184},
abstract = {An 86-year-old man presented with bilateral lower limb edema and was found to have hydropneumothorax on chest radiography. CT revealed a substantial pleural effusion and plaques. The patient had a history of working in a stone workshop, but the extent of asbestos exposure remained unknown. Thoracic drainage and subsequent thoracoscopic surgery confirmed the presence of biphasic malignant mesothelioma through pathological examination. Hydropneumothorax as a presentation of malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is rare, with only a few similar cases reported. Remarkably, despite the coexistence of plural effusion and pneumothorax, the patient did not experience dyspnea. The examination also revealed tumor rupture and disruption of the pleura. Considering the possibility of MPM in patients with asymptomatic hydropneumothorax is essential for early diagnosis and appropriate management.},
}

@article {pmid37528762,
year = {2023},
author = {Frank, AL},
title = {Four mesothelioma cases from a single automotive dealership: A case series.},
journal = {American journal of industrial medicine},
volume = {66},
number = {10},
pages = {904-906},
doi = {10.1002/ajim.23521},
pmid = {37528762},
issn = {1097-0274},
mesh = {Humans ; Asbestos, Serpentine ; *Lung Neoplasms/etiology ; *Mesothelioma/etiology ; *Asbestos ; *Mesothelioma, Malignant ; *Occupational Exposure/adverse effects ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Four cases of mesothelioma were noted in a workplace of some 110 persons at a tractor dealership between 2006 and 2023. Each worker had a different job title.

METHODS: Medical-legal case material was reviewed and abstracted from four cases from the same dealership, all supplied via one law firm.

RESULTS: Four mesotheliomas are reported from this single facility that used chrysotile asbestos automotive products. Two of the four cases had no other known exposures to asbestos.

DISCUSSION: Automotive products containing chrysotile do appear capable of causing mesothelioma. Job category is not a good surrogate for exposure.},
}

Humans
Asbestos, Serpentine
*Lung Neoplasms/etiology
*Mesothelioma/etiology
*Asbestos
*Mesothelioma, Malignant
*Occupational Exposure/adverse effects

@article {pmid37524680,
year = {2023},
author = {Zhang, GZ and Zheng, GQ and Wei, F and Liu, YY and Song, H and Liang, YF},
title = {[Pathological classification of malignant peritoneal mesothelioma and comparative analysis with peritoneal carcinomatosis].},
journal = {Zhonghua lao dong wei sheng zhi ye bing za zhi = Zhonghua laodong weisheng zhiyebing zazhi = Chinese journal of industrial hygiene and occupational diseases},
volume = {41},
number = {7},
pages = {541-546},
doi = {10.3760/cma.j.cn121094-20211203-00597},
pmid = {37524680},
issn = {1001-9391},
abstract = {Objective: To analyze the pathological classification of malignant peritoneal mesothelioma (MPeM) and screen the immunohistochemical markers that can distinguish MPeM from peritoneal metastatic carcinoma (PC) . Methods: In June 2020, the pathological results of peritoneal biopsy of 158 MPeM and 138 PC patients from Cangzhou Central Hospital, Cangzhou People's Hospital, and Cangzhou Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine from May 2011 to July 2019 were retrospectively analyzed, and the pathological classifications of MPeM in Cangzhou were summarized. Immunohistochemical markers of MPeM and PC patients were analyzed, and receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC curve) was drawn for differential diagnosis of MPeM and PC. Results: There were 55 male and 103 female MPeM patients in Cangzhou, with an average age of 57.1 years old. The asbestos exposure rate was 91.14% (144/158). The most common pathological classifications were cutaneous type, accounting for 90.51% (143/158). There were significant differences in the expression of calreticulum protein, CK5/6, vimentin, D2-40, carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and tail type homologous nuclear gene transcription factor 2 (CDX-2) between MPeM and PC (P<0.05). Among the 6 positive markers, the sensitivity of calreticulum protein was the highest (0.905) and CEA was the lowest (0.428) . Conclusion: Calreticulum protein, CK5/6, vimentin, D2-40, CEA and CDX-2 may be used as specific markers to distinguish the diagnosis of MPeM from PC.},
}

@article {pmid37517251,
year = {2023},
author = {Rouabeh, W and Cherif, T and Mgarrech, I and Ajmi, N and Kortas, C and Jerbi, S},
title = {Case report and analysis of the literature on sarcomatous mesothelioma of the left atrium.},
journal = {International journal of surgery case reports},
volume = {109},
number = {},
pages = {108537},
pmid = {37517251},
issn = {2210-2612},
abstract = {INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Primary intracardiac malignant mesothelioma is an extremely uncommon condition with a terrible prognosis. Because of its rarity, there have been extremely few examples described in the literature.

CASE PRESENTATION: We are reporting the instance of a 44-year-old lady who was referred to the department of cardiology for worsening dyspnea, palpitations, and a recent syncopal episode. On examination, the patient had signs of global heart failure. Cardiac imaging showed a tissue mass infiltrating the atrioventricular sulcus at the mitral valve level, responsible for severe mitral stenosis. Pleural effusion without an intrapleural mass was also noted. Urgent surgery was performed, including excision of the tumor mass, mechanical replacement of the mitral valve, and tricuspid plasty. The anatomo-pathological study concluded in cardiac mesothelioma. The patient was transferred back to the cardiology department 9 months after surgery due to severe left heart failure. TTE and TOE were performed and revealed tumor recurrence responsible for severe mitral stenosis. The course was marked by the onset of cardiogenic shock refractory to treatment, followed by the death of the patient. The case we are reporting seems to be the initial instance documented as exclusively primary intracardiac mesothelioma especially its lack of association with any other pleural sarcomatoid mesothelioma or asbestos exposure.

CLINICAL DISCUSSION: In cases where a large atrial tumor is present, prompt surgical intervention is recommended to mitigate the risk of catastrophic embolization or valve orifice obstruction. The objective of surgical intervention is to excise the entire neoplasm with sufficient surrounding tissue, a feat that is infrequently achievable. Palliative debulking may be a beneficial intervention for patients who do not necessitate complete resection, particularly those experiencing relevant or rapidly escalating symptoms. Cardiac transplantation remains a viable option in the event of an unresectable malignant tumor.

CONCLUSION: The short-term prognosis is poor. Surgical treatment remains the best treatment for this type of tumor. Total excision should be considered, but may not be feasible in all cases. Adjuvant chemotherapy may be considered.},
}

@article {pmid37483507,
year = {2023},
author = {Wang, J and Huang, X and Ma, R and Zhang, Q and Wu, N and Du, X and Ye, Q},
title = {The incidence of malignancies in asbestosis with chrysotile exposure: a large Chinese prospective cohort study.},
journal = {Frontiers in oncology},
volume = {13},
number = {},
pages = {1172496},
pmid = {37483507},
issn = {2234-943X},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Asbestos exposure is closely related to the occurrence and development of various malignancies. This prospective cohort study aimed to evaluate the incidence rate and potential risk factors in a cohort of asbestosis patients in China.

METHODS: The incidence of malignancies was determined in patients who had been exposed to chrysotile asbestos and diagnosed with asbestosis sequentially at Beijing Chaoyang Hospital from 1 January 2007 to 31 December 2019. Cox regression analyses were used to analyze the correlations between clinical variables and asbestosis combined with malignancies.

RESULTS: A total of 618 patients with asbestosis were identified, of whom 544 were eligible for analysis. Among them, 89 (16.36%) were diagnosed with various malignancies. The standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) of patients with asbestosis combined with malignancies were 16.61, 175, 5.23, and 8.77 for lung cancer, mesothelioma, breast cancer, and endometrial carcinoma, respectively. The risks of all malignancies and lung cancer increased with initial exposure before 17 years old, longer asbestos exposure, and smoking.

CONCLUSIONS: The SIRs of patients with asbestosis-related malignancies were significantly increased in lung cancer, mesothelioma, breast cancer, and endometrial carcinoma in a hospital-based Chinese cohort. Smoking and the duration of asbestos exposure increased the risk of lung cancer.},
}

@article {pmid37476375,
year = {2023},
author = {Shi, H and Zhang, L and Yu, TK and Zhuang, L and Ke, H and Johnson, B and Rath, E and Lee, K and Klebe, S and Kao, S and Qin, KL and Pham, HNT and Vuong, Q and Cheng, YY},
title = {Leptospermum extract (QV0) suppresses pleural mesothelioma tumor growth in vitro and in vivo by mitochondrial dysfunction associated apoptosis.},
journal = {Frontiers in oncology},
volume = {13},
number = {},
pages = {1162027},
pmid = {37476375},
issn = {2234-943X},
abstract = {Pleural mesothelioma (PM) is a highly aggressive, fast-growing asbestos-induced cancer with limited effective treatments. There has been interest in using naturally occurring anticancer agents derived from plant materials for the treatment of PM. However, it is unclear if an aqueous extract from Leptospermum polygalifolium (QV0) has activity against PM. Here we investigated the anti-cancer properties of QV0 and Defender[®] (QV0 dietary formula) in vitro and in vivo, respectively. QV0 suppressed the growth of eight PM cell lines in a dose-dependent manner, effective at concentrations as low as 0.02% w/v (equivalent to 0.2 mg/ml). This response was found to be associated with inhibited cell migration, proliferation, and colony formation but without evident cell cycle alteration. We observed mitochondrial dysfunction post-QV0 treatment, as evidenced by significantly decreased basal and maximal oxygen consumption rates. Ten SCID mice were treated with 0.25 mg/g Defender[®] daily and exhibited reduced tumor size over 30 days, which was associated with an average extension of seven days of mouse life. There was no evidence of liver toxicity or increased blood glucose post-treatment in animals treated with Defender[®]. Significantly enhanced tumor apoptosis was observed in the Defender[®]-treated animals, correlating to mitochondrial dysfunction. Lastly, the high levels of polyphenols and antioxidant properties of QV0 and Defender[®] were detected in HPLC analysis. To the best of our knowledge, this study constitutes the first demonstration of an improved host survival (without adverse effects) response in a QV0-treated PM mouse model, associated with evident inhibition of PM cell growth and mitochondrial dysfunction-related enhancement of tumor apoptosis.},
}

@article {pmid37469419,
year = {2023},
author = {Sahu, RK and Ruhi, S and Jeppu, AK and Al-Goshae, HA and Syed, A and Nagdev, S and Widyowati, R and Ekasari, W and Khan, J and Bhattacharjee, B and Goyal, M and Bhattacharya, S and Jangde, RK},
title = {Malignant mesothelioma tumours: molecular pathogenesis, diagnosis, and therapies accompanying clinical studies.},
journal = {Frontiers in oncology},
volume = {13},
number = {},
pages = {1204722},
pmid = {37469419},
issn = {2234-943X},
abstract = {The pathetic malignant mesothelioma (MM) is a extremely uncommon and confrontational tumor that evolves in the mesothelium layer of the pleural cavities (inner lining- visceral pleura and outer lining- parietal pleura), peritoneum, pericardium, and tunica vaginalis and is highly resistant to standard treatments. In mesothelioma, the predominant pattern of lesions is a loss of genes that limit tumour growth. Despite the worldwide ban on the manufacture and supply of asbestos, the prevalence of mesothelioma continues to increase. Mesothelioma presents and behaves in a variety of ways, making diagnosis challenging. Most treatments available today for MM are ineffective, and the median life expectancy is between 10 and 12 months. However, in recent years, considerable progress has already been made in understanding the genetics and molecular pathophysiology of mesothelioma by addressing hippo signaling pathway. The development and progression of MM are related to many important genetic alterations. This is related to NF2 and/or LATS2 mutations that activate the transcriptional coactivator YAP. The X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, and PET scans are used to diagnose the MM. The MM are treated with surgery, chemotherapy, first-line combination chemotherapy, second-line treatment, radiation therapy, adoptive T-cell treatment, targeted therapy, and cancer vaccines. Recent clinical trials investigating the function of surgery have led to the development of innovative approaches to the treatment of associated pleural effusions as well as the introduction of targeted medications. An interdisciplinary collaborative approach is needed for the effective care of persons who have mesothelioma because of the rising intricacy of mesothelioma treatment. This article highlights the key findings in the molecular pathogenesis of mesothelioma, diagnosis with special emphasis on the management of mesothelioma.},
}

@article {pmid37466108,
year = {2023},
author = {Lombardo, C and Broggi, G and Vitale, E and Ledda, C and Loreto, C and Matera, S and Hagnas, M and Caltabiano, R and Filetti, V},
title = {Expression of stathmin in asbestos-like fibers-induced mesothelioma: A preliminary report.},
journal = {Histology and histopathology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {18649},
doi = {10.14670/HH-18-649},
pmid = {37466108},
issn = {1699-5848},
support = {2020/2022//Interdepartment "PIA.CE.RI" Research Plan of University of Catania/ ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Mesothelioma is strongly associated with exposure to asbestos fibers, however, recent studies have also linked exposure to "naturally occurring asbestos" fibers with this disease. Fluoro-edenite, a silicate mineral found in the southeast of Biancavilla (Sicily, Italy), has been identified as a potential risk factor for mesothelioma. Unfortunately, this cancer often has a poor prognosis, and current diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers are inadequate. Histological subtype, gender, and age at diagnosis are the most significant parameters for mesothelioma. Stathmin, a cytosolic protein that regulates cell growth and migration and is overexpressed in many human malignancies, has not yet been linked to mesothelioma survival or clinical-pathological variables.

AIM: The aim of this study was to investigate the immunohistochemical expression of stathmin in ten mesothelioma tissue samples with available clinical and follow-up data.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: Paraffin-embedded tissue samples from ten mesothelioma patients were processed for immunohistochemical analyses to evaluate stathmin expression.

RESULTS: Our findings suggest that stathmin overexpression is associated with shorter overall survival in patients with mesothelioma. Furthermore, stathmin expression was significantly correlated with the survival time of mesothelioma patients.

CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that stathmin expression may serve as a potential prognostic biomarker for mesothelioma. This biomarker could be used to promptly identify patients with poor prognosis and to guide clinicians in the selection of treatment options.},
}

@article {pmid37460925,
year = {2023},
author = {Torricelli, F and Donati, B and Reggiani, F and Manicardi, V and Piana, S and Valli, R and Lococo, F and Ciarrocchi, A},
title = {Spatially resolved, high-dimensional transcriptomics sorts out the evolution of biphasic malignant pleural mesothelioma: new paradigms for immunotherapy.},
journal = {Molecular cancer},
volume = {22},
number = {1},
pages = {114},
pmid = {37460925},
issn = {1476-4598},
mesh = {Humans ; *Mesothelioma, Malignant ; *Mesothelioma/genetics/therapy ; Transcriptome ; Ecosystem ; *Pleural Neoplasms/genetics/therapy ; *Lung Neoplasms/genetics ; Prognosis ; Biomarkers, Tumor/genetics ; Immunotherapy ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma (MPM) is a dreadful disease escaping the classical genetic model of cancer evolution and characterized by wide heterogeneity and transcriptional plasticity. Clinical evolution of MPM is marked by a progressive transdifferentiation that converts well differentiated epithelioid (E) cells into undifferentiated and pleomorphic sarcomatoid (S) phenotypes. Catching the way this transition takes place is necessary to understand how MPM develops and progresses and it is mandatory to improve patients' management and life expectancy. Bulk transcriptomic approaches, while providing a significant overview, failed to resolve the timing of this evolution and to identify the hierarchy of molecular events through which this transition takes place.

METHODS: We applied a spatially resolved, high-dimensional transcriptomic approach to study MPM morphological evolution. 139 regions across 8 biphasic MPMs (B-MPMs) were profiled using the GeoMx™Digital Spatial Profiler to reconstruct the positional context of transcriptional activities and the spatial topology of MPM cells interactions. Validation was conducted on an independent large cohort of 84 MPMs by targeted digital barcoding analysis.

RESULTS: Our results demonstrated the existence of a complex circular ecosystem in which, within a strong asbestos-driven inflammatory environment, MPM and immune cells affect each other to support S-transdifferentiation. We also showed that TGFB1 polarized M2-Tumor Associated Macrophages foster immune evasion and that TGFB1 expression correlates with reduced survival probability.

CONCLUSIONS: Besides providing crucial insights into the multidimensional interactions governing MPM clinical evolution, these results open new perspectives to improve the use of immunotherapy in this disease.},
}

Humans
*Mesothelioma, Malignant
*Mesothelioma/genetics/therapy
Transcriptome
Ecosystem
*Pleural Neoplasms/genetics/therapy
*Lung Neoplasms/genetics
Prognosis
Biomarkers, Tumor/genetics
Immunotherapy

@article {pmid37441092,
year = {2023},
author = {Farahmand, P and Gyuraszova, K and Rooney, C and Raffo-Iraolagoitia, XL and Jayasekera, G and Hedley, A and Johnson, E and Chernova, T and Malviya, G and Hall, H and Monteverde, T and Blyth, K and Duffin, R and Carlin, LM and Lewis, D and Le Quesne, J and MacFarlane, M and Murphy, DJ},
title = {Asbestos accelerates disease onset in a genetic model of malignant pleural mesothelioma.},
journal = {Frontiers in toxicology},
volume = {5},
number = {},
pages = {1200650},
pmid = {37441092},
issn = {2673-3080},
abstract = {Hypothesis: Asbestos-driven inflammation contributes to malignant pleural mesothelioma beyond the acquisition of rate-limiting mutations. Methods: Genetically modified conditional allelic mice that were previously shown to develop mesothelioma in the absence of exposure to asbestos were induced with lentiviral vector expressing Cre recombinase with and without intrapleural injection of amosite asbestos and monitored until symptoms required euthanasia. Resulting tumours were examined histologically and by immunohistochemistry for expression of lineage markers and immune cell infiltration. Results: Injection of asbestos dramatically accelerated disease onset and end-stage tumour burden. Tumours developed in the presence of asbestos showed increased macrophage infiltration. Pharmacological suppression of macrophages in mice with established tumours failed to extend survival or to enhance response to chemotherapy. Conclusion: Asbestos-driven inflammation contributes to the severity of mesothelioma beyond the acquisition of rate-limiting mutations, however, targeted suppression of macrophages in established epithelioid mesothelioma showed no therapeutic benefit.},
}

@article {pmid37421230,
year = {2023},
author = {Jama, M and Zhang, M and Poile, C and Nakas, A and Sharkey, A and Dzialo, J and Dawson, A and Kutywayo, K and Fennell, DA and Hollox, EJ},
title = {Gene fusions during the early evolution of mesothelioma correlate with impaired DNA repair and Hippo pathways.},
journal = {Genes, chromosomes & cancer},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1002/gcc.23189},
pmid = {37421230},
issn = {1098-2264},
support = {//British Lung Foundation/ ; //Mesothelioma UK/ ; },
abstract = {Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM), a rare cancer a long latency period (up to 40 years) between asbestos exposure and disease presentation. The mechanisms coupling asbestos to recurrent somatic alterations are poorly defined. Gene fusions arising through genomic instability may create novel drivers during early MPM evolution. We explored the gene fusions that occurred early in the evolutionary history of the tumor. We conducted multiregional whole exome sequencing (WES) of 106 samples from 20 patients undergoing pleurectomy decortication and identified 24 clonal nonrecurrent gene fusions, three of which were novel (FMO9P-OR2W5, GBA3, and SP9). The number of early gene fusion events detected varied from zero to eight per tumor, and presence of gene fusions was associated with clonal losses involving the Hippo pathway genes and homologous recombination DNA repair genes. Fusions involved known tumor suppressors BAP1, MTAP, and LRP1B, and a clonal oncogenic fusion involving CACNA1D-ERC2, PARD3B-NT5DC2, and STAB2-NT5DC2 fusions were also identified as clonal fusions. Gene fusions events occur early during MPM evolution. Individual fusions are rare as no recurrent truncal fusions event were found. This suggests the importance of early disruption of these pathways in generating genomic rearrangements resulting in potentially oncogenic gene fusions.},
}

@article {pmid37399948,
year = {2023},
author = {Coccè, V and Bonelli, M and La Monica, S and Alfieri, R and Doneda, L and Martegani, E and Alessandri, G and Lagrasta, CA and Giannì, A and Sordi, V and Petrella, F and Roncoroni, L and Paino, F and Pessina, A},
title = {Mesenchymal stromal cells loaded with Paclitaxel (PacliMES) a potential new therapeutic approach on mesothelioma.},
journal = {Biochemical pharmacology},
volume = {214},
number = {},
pages = {115678},
doi = {10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115678},
pmid = {37399948},
issn = {1873-2968},
mesh = {Humans ; Paclitaxel ; *Mesothelioma, Malignant ; Cell Line, Tumor ; *Mesothelioma/drug therapy ; *Mesenchymal Stem Cells ; },
abstract = {Malignant pleural mesothelioma is an asbestos-related tumor originating in mesothelial cells of the pleura that poorly responds to chemotherapeutic approaches. Adult mesenchymal stromal cells derived either from bone marrow or from adipose tissue may be considered a good model for cell-based therapy, a treatment which has experienced significant interest in recent years. The present study confirms that Paclitaxel is effective on mesothelioma cell proliferation in 2D and 3D in vitro cultures, and that 80,000 mesenchymal stromal cells loaded with Paclitaxel inhibit tumor growth at a higher extent than Paclitaxel alone. An in vivo approach to treat in situ mesothelioma xenografts using a minimal amount of 10[6] mesenchymal stromal cells loaded with Paclitaxel showed the same efficacy of a systemic administration of 10 mg/kg of Paclitaxel. These data strongly support drug delivery system by mesenchymal stromal cells as a useful approach against many solid tumors. We look with interest at the favourable opinion recently expressed by the Italian Drug Agency on the procedure for the preparation of mesenchymal stromal cells loaded with Paclitaxel in large-scale bioreactor systems and their storage until clinical use. This new Advanced Medicinal Therapy Product, already approved for a Phase I clinical trial on mesothelioma patients, could pave the way for mesenchymal stromal cells use as drug delivery system on other solid tumors for adjuvant therapy associated with surgery and radiotherapy.},
}

Humans
Paclitaxel
*Mesothelioma, Malignant
Cell Line, Tumor
*Mesothelioma/drug therapy
*Mesenchymal Stem Cells

@article {pmid37398648,
year = {2023},
author = {Digifico, E and Erreni, M and Mannarino, L and Marchini, S and Ummarino, A and Anfray, C and Bertola, L and Recordati, C and Pistillo, D and Roncalli, M and Bossi, P and Zucali, PA and D'Incalci, M and Belgiovine, C and Allavena, P},
title = {Important functional role of the protein osteopontin in the progression of malignant pleural mesothelioma.},
journal = {Frontiers in immunology},
volume = {14},
number = {},
pages = {1116430},
pmid = {37398648},
issn = {1664-3224},
mesh = {Animals ; Humans ; Mice ; Cytokines/therapeutic use ; *Mesothelioma/drug therapy ; *Mesothelioma, Malignant ; *Osteopontin/genetics/metabolism ; *Pleural Neoplasms/drug therapy ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma (MPM) is an aggressive cancer of the mesothelial lining associated with exposure to airborne non-degradable asbestos fibers. Its poor response to currently available treatments prompted us to explore the biological mechanisms involved in its progression. MPM is characterized by chronic non-resolving inflammation; in this study we investigated which inflammatory mediators are mostly expressed in biological tumor samples from MPM patients, with a focus on inflammatory cytokines, chemokines and matrix components.

METHODS: Expression and quantification of Osteopontin (OPN) was detected in tumor and plasma samples of MPM patients by mRNA, immunohistochemistry and ELISA. The functional role of OPN was investigated in mouse MPM cell lines in vivo using an orthotopic syngeneic mouse model.

RESULTS: In patients with MPM, the protein OPN was significantly more expressed in tumors than in normal pleural tissues and predominantly produced by mesothelioma cells; plasma levels were elevated in patients and associated with poor prognosis. However, modulation of OPN levels was not significantly different in a series of 18 MPM patients receiving immunotherapy with durvalumab alone or with pembrolizumab in combination with chemotherapy, some of whom achieved a partial clinical response. Two established murine mesothelioma cell lines: AB1 and AB22 of sarcomatoid and epithelioid histology, respectively, spontaneously produced high levels of OPN. Silencing of the OPN gene (Spp1) dramatically inhibited tumor growth in vivo in an orthotopic model, indicating that OPN has an important promoting role in the proliferation of MPM cells. Treatment of mice with anti-CD44 mAb, blocking a major OPN receptor, significantly reduced tumor growth in vivo.

CONCLUSION: These results demonstrate that OPN is an endogenous growth factor for mesothelial cells and inhibition of its signaling may be helpful to restrain tumor progression in vivo. These findings have translational potential to improve the therapeutic response of human MPM.},
}

Animals
Humans
Mice
Cytokines/therapeutic use
*Mesothelioma/drug therapy
*Mesothelioma, Malignant
*Osteopontin/genetics/metabolism
*Pleural Neoplasms/drug therapy

@article {pmid37361656,
year = {2023},
author = {Mishra, K and Siddiquee, S and Mislang, AR},
title = {A rare presentation of malignant mesothelioma of the tunica vaginalis managed with immunotherapy and review of the literature.},
journal = {Clinical case reports},
volume = {11},
number = {6},
pages = {e7610},
pmid = {37361656},
issn = {2050-0904},
abstract = {KEY CLINICAL MESSAGE: We describe the first case in literature of malignant mesothelioma of the tunica vaginalis that has shown partial response to systemic immunotherapy (ipilimumab-nivolumab) post orchiectomy, warranting further investigation in a trial setting.

ABSTRACT: We present a case report of an 80-year-old ex-smoker with a rare diagnosis of metastatic mesothelioma of the tunica vaginalis, managed with immunotherapy. The patient, with no known history of asbestos exposure, presented with a left scrotal mass and pain. Scrotal ultrasound confirmed a large paratesticular mass, and computed tomography (CT) of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis revealed a bilobed mass in the left scrotal compartment without associated inguinal or abdominopelvic lymphadenopathy, and an indeterminate, subcentimeter, bi-basal subpleural nodules. He underwent a left orchiectomy, and histopathology confirmed the diagnosis of a paratesticular mesothelioma. Postoperatively, the patient had a positron emission tomography (PET) scan showing a new right pleural effusion as well as increasing size of the lobar and pleural nodules bilaterally, all metabolically active and suggestive of progressive metastatic disease. The patient was commenced on ipilimumab and nivolumab immunotherapy, a regimen indicated for malignant pleural mesothelioma; however, the efficacy on paratesticular mesothelioma is not known. After 6 months of treatment, the patient demonstrated a partial response to immunotherapy, with a reduction in the size of known pleural nodules and effusion.Literature review suggests that diagnosis requires a high index of suspicion and patients commonly have metastatic disease at the time of diagnosis. Orchiectomy is a common management modality. However, the role, regimen, and benefits of systemic therapy are unclear, warranting further studies investigating management strategies.},
}

@article {pmid37359917,
year = {2023},
author = {Charlaix Hidalgo, AL and Roux, A and Charissoux, A and Mathonnet, M and Descazeaud, A and Durand Fontanier, S and Taibi, A},
title = {First Case of Abdominal and Tunica Vaginalis Multicystic Benign Mesothelioma: Management and Review of Literature.},
journal = {Indian journal of surgical oncology},
volume = {14},
number = {Suppl 1},
pages = {92-96},
pmid = {37359917},
issn = {0975-7651},
abstract = {Multicystic benign mesothelioma is a rare tumor that affects the serosa. Most cases present with peritoneal lesions exclusively. Some identified risk factors are chronic abdominal inflammation, woman of childbearing age, and asbestos exposure. The symptomatology is not specific and can delay the diagnosis. There are no guidelines for the treatment of this pathology. We describe one male patient with abdominal and tunica vaginalis localizations of multicystic benign mesothelioma. The diagnosis was suspected on imaging and confirmed with histological examination. The treatment on an expert center was complete cytoreduction surgery and HIPEC, but the patient had two recurrences during the 2-year of follow-up. This is the first case of simultaneous rare localizations of multicystic benign mesothelioma. No new risk factors were identified. The case underlines the importance of regular examination of all serosa localizations.},
}

@article {pmid37359063,
year = {2023},
author = {Singh, R and Frank, AL},
title = {Analysis of the Indian Government's position on the use of asbestos and its health effects.},
journal = {Public health action},
volume = {13},
number = {2},
pages = {50-52},
pmid = {37359063},
issn = {2220-8372},
abstract = {Based on WHO guidance, all forms of asbestos are a health risk. In India, the mining of asbestos has been stopped, but chrysotile (a type of asbestos) is still imported and processed in large quantities. Chrysotile is mainly used for asbestos-cement roofing, and the manufacturers claim its use to be safe. We sought to understand the Indian Government's position on the use of asbestos. To do so, we have analysed the replies of the executive wing of the Indian Government to questions on asbestos in the Indian Parliament. This revealed that, despite a mining ban, the government has defended the import, processing and continued use of asbestos.},
}

@article {pmid37347449,
year = {2023},
author = {Mejia-Garcia, A and Bonilla, DA and Ramirez, CM and Escobar-Díaz, FA and Combita, AL and Forero, DA and Orozco, C},
title = {Genes and Pathways Involved in the Progression of Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma: A Meta-analysis of Genome-Wide Expression Studies.},
journal = {Biochemical genetics},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {37347449},
issn = {1573-4927},
support = {CV2022-CSD-B-12516//Fundación Universitaria del Area Andina/ ; },
abstract = {Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a rare and aggressive neoplasm of the pleural tissue that lines the lungs and is mainly associated with long latency from asbestos exposure. This tumor has no effective therapeutic opportunities nowadays and has a very low five-year survival rate. In this sense, identifying molecular events that trigger the development and progression of this tumor is highly important to establish new and potentially effective treatments. We conducted a meta-analysis of genome-wide expression studies publicly available at the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and ArrayExpress databases. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified, and we performed functional enrichment analysis and protein-protein interaction networks (PPINs) to gain insight into the biological mechanisms underlying these genes. Additionally, we constructed survival prediction models for selected DEGs and predicted the minimum drug inhibition concentration of anticancer drugs for MPM. In total, 115 MPM tumor transcriptomes and 26 pleural tissue controls were analyzed. We identified 1046 upregulated DEGs in the MPM samples. Cellular signaling categories in tumor samples were associated with the TNF, PI3K-Akt, and AMPK pathways. The inflammatory response, regulation of cell migration, and regulation of angiogenesis were overrepresented biological processes. Expression of SOX17 and TACC1 were associated with reduced survival rates. This meta-analysis identified a list of DEGs in MPM tumors, cancer-related signaling pathways, and biological processes that were overrepresented in MPM samples. Some therapeutic targets to treat MPM are suggested, and the prognostic potential of key genes is shown.},
}

@article {pmid37309879,
year = {2023},
author = {Vimercati, L and Cavone, D and De Maria, L and Caputi, A and Pentimone, F and Sponselli, S and Delvecchio, G and Chellini, E and Binazzi, A and Di Marzio, D and Mensi, C and Consonni, D and Migliore, E and Mirabelli, D and Angelini, A and Martini, A and Negro, C and D'Agostin, F and Grappasonni, I and Pascucci, C and Benfatto, L and Malacarne, D and Casotto, V and Comiati, V and Storchi, C and Mangone, L and Murano, S and Rossin, L and Tallarigo, F and Vitale, F and Verardo, M and Eccher, S and Madeo, G and Staniscia, T and Carrozza, F and Cozzi, I and Romeo, E and Pelullo, P and Labianca, M and Melis, M and Cascone, G and Marinaccio, A and Ferri, GM and Serio, G},
title = {Mesothelioma Risk among Construction Workers According to Job Title: Data from the Italian Mesothelioma Register.},
journal = {La Medicina del lavoro},
volume = {114},
number = {3},
pages = {e2023025},
pmid = {37309879},
issn = {0025-7818},
mesh = {Humans ; *Construction Industry ; *Mesothelioma ; *Mesothelioma, Malignant ; *Occupational Health ; Registries ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: An increased risk of mesothelioma has been reported in various countries for construction workers. The Italian National Mesothelioma Registry, from 1993 to 2018, reported exposure exclusively in the construction sector in 2310 cases. We describe the characteristics of these cases according to job title.

METHODS: We converted into 18 groups the original jobs (N=338) as reported by ISTAT codes ('ATECO 91'). The exposure level was attributed at certain, probable and possible in accordance with the qualitative classification of exposure as reported in the Registry guidelines. Descriptive analysis by jobs highlights the total number of subjects for each single job and certain exposure, in descending order, insulator, plumbing, carpenter, mechanic, bricklayer, electrician, machine operator, plasterer, building contractor, painter and labourer.

RESULTS: The cases grow for plumbing in the incidence periods 1993-2018, while, as expected, it decreases for insulator. Within each period considered the most numerous cases are always among bricklayers and labourers, these data confirm the prevalence of non-specialised "interchangeable" jobs in Italian construction sector in the past.

CONCLUSIONS: Despite the 1992 ban, the construction sector still presents an occupational health prevention challenge, circumstances of exposure to asbestos may still occur due to incomplete compliance with prevention and protection measures.},
}

Humans
*Construction Industry
*Mesothelioma
*Mesothelioma, Malignant
*Occupational Health
Registries

@article {pmid37306905,
year = {2023},
author = {Tamanna, MT and Egbune, C},
title = {Traditional Treatment Approaches and Role of Immunotherapy in Lung Malignancy and Mesothelioma.},
journal = {Cancer treatment and research},
volume = {185},
number = {},
pages = {79-89},
pmid = {37306905},
issn = {0927-3042},
mesh = {Humans ; B7-H1 Antigen ; *Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung ; Immunotherapy ; *Lung Neoplasms ; *Mesothelioma ; *Mesothelioma, Malignant ; Nivolumab ; Programmed Cell Death 1 Receptor ; Receptors, Death Domain ; },
abstract = {There is no denying that many revolutions took place in the fight against cancer during the last decades. However, cancers have always managed to find new ways to challenge humankinds. Variable genomic epidemiology, socio-economic differences and limitations of widespread screening are the major concerns in cancer diagnosis and early treatment. A multidisciplinary approach is essentially to manage a cancer patient efficiently. Thoracic malignancies including lung cancers and pleural mesothelioma are accountable for little more than 11.6% of the global cancer burden [4]. Mesothelioma is one of the rare cancers, but concern is the incidences are increasing globally. However, the good news is first-line chemotherapy with the combination of immune checkpoints inhibitors (ICIs) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and mesothelioma has showed promising respond and improved overall survival (OS) in pivotal clinical trials [10]. ICIs are commonly referred as immunotherapy are antigens on the cancer cells, and inhibitors are the antibodies produce by the T cell defence system. By inhibiting immune checkpoints, the cancer cells become visible to be identified as abnormal cells and attack by the body's defence system [17]. The programmed death receptor-1 (PD-1) and programmed death receptor ligand-1 (PD-L1) inhibitors are commonly used immune checkpoint blockers for anti-cancer treatment. PD-1/PD-L1 are proteins produced by immune cells and mimic by cancer cells that are implicated in inhibiting T cell response to regulate our immune system, which results tumour cells escaping the defence mechanism to achieve immune surveillance. Therefore, inhibiting immune checkpoints as well as monoclonal antibodies can lead to effective apoptosis of tumour cells [17]. Mesothelioma is an industrial disease caused by significant asbestos exposure. It is the cancer of the mesothelial tissue which presents in the lining of the mediastinum of pleura, pericardium and peritoneum, most commonly affected sites are pleura of the lung or chest wall lining [9] as route of asbestos exposure is inhalation. Calretinin is a calcium binding protein, typically over exposed in malignant mesotheliomas and the most useful marker even while initial changes take place [5]. On the other hand, Wilm's tumour 1 (WT-1) gene expression on the tumour cells can be related to prognosis as it can elicit immune response, thereby inhibit cell apoptosis. A systematic review and meta-analysis study conducted by Qi et al. has suggested that expression of WT-1 in a solid tumour is fatal however, it gives the tumour cell a feature of immune sensitivity which then acts positively towards the treatment with immunotherapy. Clinical significance of WT-1 oncogene in treatment is still hugely debatable and needs further attention [21]. Recently, Japan has reinstated Nivolumab in patients with chemo-refractory mesothelioma. According to NCCN guidelines, the salvage therapies include Pembrolizumab in PD-L1 positive patients and Nivolumab alone or with Ipilimumab in cancers irrespective of PD-L1 expression [9]. The checkpoint blockers have taken over the biomarker-based research and demonstrated impressive treatment options in immune sensitive and asbestos-related cancers. It can be expected that in near future the immune checkpoint inhibitors will be considered as approved first-line cancer treatment universally.},
}

Humans
B7-H1 Antigen
*Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung
Immunotherapy
*Lung Neoplasms
*Mesothelioma
*Mesothelioma, Malignant
Nivolumab
Programmed Cell Death 1 Receptor
Receptors, Death Domain

@article {pmid37305461,
year = {2023},
author = {Peña-Castro, M and Montero-Acosta, M and Saba, M},
title = {A critical review of asbestos concentrations in water and air, according to exposure sources.},
journal = {Heliyon},
volume = {9},
number = {5},
pages = {e15730},
pmid = {37305461},
issn = {2405-8440},
abstract = {Asbestos, a group of minerals with unique physical and chemical properties, has been widely used in various industries. However, extensive exposure to asbestos fibers, present in the environment, has been linked to several types of cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. Despite worldwide regulations prohibiting or regulating the use of this material, the uncertainty surrounding the concentrations of asbestos fibers in the environment (air and water) from different sources of exposure persists. The objective of this review paper is to identify the levels of asbestos in air and water reported in the literature based on the source of exposure in diverse contexts to assess conformity with the reference limits for this mineral. Initially, the review delineates various forms of exposure and the origin of fiber generation in the environment, whether direct or indirect. Regarding the presence of asbestos in the environment, high concentrations were identified in natural water bodies known as Naturally Occurring Asbestos (NOA), and there is a risk in the process of distributing drinking water due to the presence of asbestos-cement pipes. In the air, studies to determine asbestos concentrations vary based on the sources of exposure in each region or city studied. The presence of asbestos mines around the city and the intensity of vehicular traffic are some of the most relevant sources found to be related to high concentrations of asbestos fibers in the air. The present review paper features a critical review section in each chapter to highlight critical points found in the literature and suggest new methodologies/ideas to standardize future research. It emphasizes the necessity to standardize methods for measuring asbestos concentrations in air and water arising from diverse sources of exposure to enable comparisons between different regions and countries.},
}

@article {pmid37302119,
year = {2023},
author = {Torén, K and Neitzel, RL and Eriksson, HP and Andersson, E},
title = {Cancer incidence among workers in soft paper mills: A cohort study.},
journal = {American journal of industrial medicine},
volume = {66},
number = {9},
pages = {728-735},
doi = {10.1002/ajim.23508},
pmid = {37302119},
issn = {1097-0274},
mesh = {Male ; Humans ; Female ; Cohort Studies ; Incidence ; *Occupational Diseases/epidemiology/etiology ; *Neoplasms/chemically induced/epidemiology ; *Mesothelioma/epidemiology ; *Mesothelioma, Malignant ; *Pleural Neoplasms ; *Occupational Exposure/adverse effects ; *Sarcoma/complications ; Dust ; },
abstract = {OBJECTIVES: To elucidate whether occupational exposure to soft paper dust increases the incidence of cancer.

METHODS: We studied 7988 workers in Swedish soft paper mills from 1960 to 2008, of whom 3233 (2 187 men and 1046 women) had more than 10 years of employment. They were divided into high exposure (>5 mg/m[3] for >1 year) or lower exposure to soft paper dust based on a validated job-exposure matrix. They were followed from 1960 to 2019, and person-years at risk were stratified according to gender, age, and calendar-year. The expected numbers of incident tumors were calculated using the Swedish population as the reference, and standardized incidence ratios (SIR) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were assessed.

RESULTS: Among high-exposure workers with more than 10 years of employment, there was an increased incidence of colon cancer (SIR 1.66, 95% CI 1.20-2.31), small intestine cancer (SIR 3.27, 95% CI 1.36-7.86), and thyroid gland cancer (SIR 2.68, 95% CI 1.11-6.43), as well as lung cancer (SIR 1.56, 95% CI 1.12-2.19). Among the lower-exposed workers there was an increased incidence of connective tissue tumors (sarcomas) (SIR 2.26, 95% CI 1.13-4.51) and pleural mesothelioma (SIR 3.29, 95% CI 1.37-7.91).

CONCLUSION: Workers in soft paper mills with high exposure to soft paper dust have an increased incidence of large and small intestine tumors. Whether the increased risk is caused by paper dust exposure or some unknown associated factors is unclear. The increased incidence of pleural mesothelioma is probably linked to asbestos exposure. The reason for increased incidence of sarcomas is unknown.},
}

Male
Humans
Female
Cohort Studies
Incidence
*Occupational Diseases/epidemiology/etiology
*Neoplasms/chemically induced/epidemiology
*Mesothelioma/epidemiology
*Mesothelioma, Malignant
*Pleural Neoplasms
*Occupational Exposure/adverse effects
*Sarcoma/complications
Dust

@article {pmid37297561,
year = {2023},
author = {Fazzo, L and Minelli, G and De Santis, M and Ceccarelli, E and Iavarone, I and Zona, A},
title = {The Epidemiological Surveillance of Mesothelioma Mortality in Italy as a Tool for the Prevention of Asbestos Exposure.},
journal = {International journal of environmental research and public health},
volume = {20},
number = {11},
pages = {},
pmid = {37297561},
issn = {1660-4601},
mesh = {Male ; Female ; Humans ; *Mesothelioma, Malignant ; *Mesothelioma/epidemiology ; *Asbestos ; Italy/epidemiology ; Asbestos, Amphibole ; *Occupational Exposure ; },
abstract = {As part of a surveillance plan active since the early 1990s, this study evaluates malignant mesothelioma (MM) mortality for the time-window 2010-2019 in Italy, a country that banned asbestos in 1992. National and regional mortality rates for MM, and municipal standardized mortality ratios (all mesotheliomas, pleural (MPM) and peritoneal (MPeM)), by gender and age group were calculated. A municipal clustering analysis was also performed. There were 15,446 deaths from MM (11,161 males, 3.8 × 100,000; 4285 females, 1.1 × 100,000), of which 12,496 were MPM and 661 were MPeM. In the study period, 266 people ≤50 years died from MM. A slightly decreasing rate among males since 2014 was observed. The areas at major risk hosted asbestos-cement plants, asbestos mines (chrysotile in Balangero), shipyards, petrochemical and chemical plants, and refineries. Female mortality excesses particularly were found in municipalities with a fluoro-edenite-contaminated mine (Biancavilla) and textile facilities. Excesses were also found in a region with the presence of natural asbestos fibres and in males living in two small islands. The Italian National Prevention Plan stated recommendations to eliminate asbestos exposures and to implement health surveillance and healthcare for people exposed to asbestos.},
}

Male
Female
Humans
*Mesothelioma, Malignant
*Mesothelioma/epidemiology
*Asbestos
Italy/epidemiology
Asbestos, Amphibole
*Occupational Exposure

@article {pmid37296902,
year = {2023},
author = {Rondon, L and Fu, R and Patel, MR},
title = {Success of Checkpoint Blockade Paves the Way for Novel Immune Therapy in Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma.},
journal = {Cancers},
volume = {15},
number = {11},
pages = {},
pmid = {37296902},
issn = {2072-6694},
abstract = {Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a malignancy associated with asbestos exposure and is typically categorized as an orphan disease. Recent developments in immunotherapy with anti-PD-1 and anti-CTLA-4 antibodies, specifically with agents nivolumab and ipilimumab, have demonstrated an improvement in overall survival over the previous standard chemotherapy leading to their FDA-approval as first-line therapy for unresectable disease. For quite some time, it has been known that these proteins are not the only ones that function as immune checkpoints in human biology, and the hypothesis that MPM is an immunogenic disease has led to an expanding number of studies investigating alternative checkpoint inhibitors and novel immunotherapy for this malignancy. Early trials are also supporting the notion that therapies that target biological molecules on T cells, cancer cells, or that trigger the antitumor activity of other immune cells may represent the future of MPM treatment. Moreover, mesothelin-targeted therapies are thriving in the field, with forthcoming results from multiple trials signaling an improvement in overall survival when combined with other immunotherapy agents. The following manuscript will review the current state of immune therapy for MPM, explore the knowledge gaps in the field, and discuss ongoing novel immunotherapeutic research in early clinical trials.},
}

@article {pmid37295554,
year = {2023},
author = {Schaefer, IM and Mariño-Enríquez, A and Hammer, MM and Padera, RF and Sholl, LM},
title = {Recurrent Tumor Suppressor Alterations in Primary Pericardial Mesothelioma.},
journal = {Modern pathology : an official journal of the United States and Canadian Academy of Pathology, Inc},
volume = {36},
number = {9},
pages = {100237},
doi = {10.1016/j.modpat.2023.100237},
pmid = {37295554},
issn = {1530-0285},
abstract = {Primary pericardial mesotheliomas are extremely rare, accounting for <1% of all mesotheliomas, and their molecular genetic features and predisposing factors remain to be determined. Here, we report the clinicopathologic, immunohistochemical, and molecular genetic findings of 3 pericardial mesotheliomas without pleural involvement. Three cases diagnosed between 2004 and 2022 were included in the study and analyzed by immunohistochemistry and targeted next-generation sequencing (NGS); corresponding nonneoplastic tissue was sequenced in all cases. Two patients were female and 1 was male, aged between 66 and 75 years. Two patients each had prior asbestos exposure and were smokers. Histologic subtypes were epithelioid in 2 cases and biphasic in 1 case. Immunohistochemical staining identified expression of cytokeratin AE1/AE3 and calretinin in all cases, D2-40 in 2 cases, and WT1 in 1 case. Staining for tumor suppressors revealed loss of p16, MTAP, and Merlin (NF2) expression in 2 cases and loss of BAP1 and p53 in 1 case. Abnormal cytoplasmic BAP1 expression was observed in an additional case. Protein expression abnormalities correlated with NGS results, which showed concurrent complete genomic inactivation of CDKN2A/p16, CDKN2B, MTAP, and NF2 in 2 mesotheliomas and of BAP1 and TP53 in 1 mesothelioma each, respectively. In addition, 1 patient harbored a pathogenic BRCA1 germline mutation, which resulted in biallelic inactivation in the mesothelioma. All mesotheliomas were mismatch repair proficient and showed several chromosomal gains and losses. All patients died from disease. Our study demonstrates that pericardial mesotheliomas share common morphologic, immunohistochemical, and molecular genetic features with pleural mesothelioma, including recurrent genomic inactivation of canonical tumor suppressors. Our study adds new insights into the genetic landscape of primary pericardial mesothelioma and highlights BRCA1 loss as a potential contributing factor in a subset of cases, thereby contributing to refined precision diagnostics for this rare cancer.},
}

@article {pmid37293522,
year = {2023},
author = {Tagliaferri, AR and Melki, G and Rezkalla, A and Baddoura, W},
title = {Diffuse malignant peritoneal mesothelioma presenting as small bowel obstruction.},
journal = {Radiology case reports},
volume = {18},
number = {8},
pages = {2681-2684},
pmid = {37293522},
issn = {1930-0433},
abstract = {Mesotheliomas are aggressive malignant tumors which can occur most commonly in the pleural space, however can occur in the peritoneum in those with an extensive history of asbestos exposure. Primary peritoneal mesothelioma is relatively rare and is a fatal diagnosis. The prognosis of primary peritoneal mesothelioma is very poor and individuals are at high risk of developing mesothelioma in another cavity within the first year after initial diagnosis. Herein, we present a case of primary peritoneal mesothelioma, presenting as small bowel obstruction.},
}

@article {pmid37292347,
year = {2023},
author = {Migliore, M and Fiore, M and Filippini, T and Tumino, R and Sabbioni, M and Spatola, C and Polosa, R and Vigneri, P and Nardini, M and Castorina, S and Basile, F and Ferrante, M and , },
title = {Comparison of video-assisted pleurectomy/decortication surgery plus hyperthermic intrathoracic chemotherapy with VATS talc pleurodesis for the treatment of malignant pleural mesothelioma: A pilot study.},
journal = {Heliyon},
volume = {9},
number = {6},
pages = {e16685},
pmid = {37292347},
issn = {2405-8440},
abstract = {Hyperthermic intrathoracic chemotherapy (HITHOC) adjunct to surgery for Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma (MPM) has no definite role. The primary objective of this pilot-trial was to evaluate the feasibility for future large studies. The study design was a prospective randomized three-centric pilot trial. We recruited patients diagnosed with MPM and prospectively assigned them to two groups: Group A: Video Assisted Thoracic Surgery (VATS) talc pleurodesis or Group B: Video-assisted P/D plus HITHOC. From November-2011 to July-2017 24 males and 3 females, with a median age of 68-years were enrolled (recruitment rate 5 patients/year). Preoperative stage was I-II, and 18 had epithelioid type. 14 patients were in the Group A. Operative mortality was 0. Follow-up ranged 6-80 months. The median overall survival time started to diverge at 20 months, being 19 months (95% CI 12-25) in Group A and 28 months (95% CI 0-56) in Group B. Survival rate for the epithelioid type was 15 months (95% CI 0-34) in Group A and 45 months (95% CI 0-107) in the Group B. These findings suggest that video-assisted P/D plus HITHOC may improve survival time in MPM patients undergoing surgical treatment and support the need for a larger multicenter randomized clinical trial.},
}

@article {pmid37254056,
year = {2023},
author = {Ito, F and Kato, K and Yanatori, I and Maeda, Y and Murohara, T and Toyokuni, S},
title = {Matrigel-based organoid culture of malignant mesothelioma reproduces cisplatin sensitivity through CTR1.},
journal = {BMC cancer},
volume = {23},
number = {1},
pages = {487},
pmid = {37254056},
issn = {1471-2407},
support = {JP18J13646, JP20K22805 and JP21K15484//Japan Society for the Promotion of Science/ ; JP20K17145, JP22K08123//Japan Society for the Promotion of Science/ ; JP19H05462 and JP20H05502//Japan Society for the Promotion of Science/ ; JPMJCR19H4//Core Research for Evolutional Science and Technology/ ; 19-25126//Princess Takamatsu Cancer Research Fund/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Humans ; Mice ; *Cisplatin/pharmacology ; Collagen/metabolism ; *Mesothelioma, Malignant/metabolism ; Organoids/pathology ; *Copper Transporter 1/metabolism ; },
abstract = {Organoids are a three-dimensional (3D) culture system that simulate actual organs. Therefore, tumor organoids are expected to predict precise response to chemotherapy in patients. However, to date, few studies have studied the drug responses in organoids of malignant mesothelioma (MM). The poor prognosis of MM emphasizes the importance of establishing a protocol for generating MM-organoid for research and clinical use. Here, we established murine MM organoids from p53[+/-] or wild-type C57BL/6 strain by intraperitoneal injection either with crocidolite or carbon nanotube. Established MM-organoids proliferated in Matrigel as spheroids. Subcutaneous injection assays revealed that the MM-organoids mimicked actual tissue architecture and maintained the original histological features of the primary MM. RNA sequencing and pathway analyses revealed that the significant expressional differences between the 2D- and 3D-culture systems were observed in receptor tyrosine kinases, including IGF1R and EGFR, glycosylation and cholesterol/steroid metabolism. MM-organoids exhibited a more sensitive response to cisplatin through stable plasma membrane localization of a major cisplatin transporter, copper transporter 1/Slc31A1 (Ctr1) in comparison to 2D-cultures, presumably through glycosylation and lipidation. The Matrigel culture system facilitated the localization of CTR1 on the plasma membrane, which simulated the original MMs and the subcutaneous xenografts. These results suggest that the newly developed protocol for MM-organoids is useful to study strategies to overcome chemotherapy resistance to cisplatin.},
}

Animals
Humans
Mice
*Cisplatin/pharmacology
Collagen/metabolism
*Mesothelioma, Malignant/metabolism
Organoids/pathology
*Copper Transporter 1/metabolism

@article {pmid37253383,
year = {2023},
author = {Nash, A and Firth Née Phan, T and Creaney, J},
title = {New Markers for Management of Mesothelioma.},
journal = {Seminars in respiratory and critical care medicine},
volume = {44},
number = {4},
pages = {491-501},
doi = {10.1055/s-0043-1769097},
pmid = {37253383},
issn = {1098-9048},
mesh = {Humans ; *Mesothelioma, Malignant ; *Lung Neoplasms/diagnosis/drug therapy/genetics ; *Mesothelioma/diagnosis/therapy ; *Pleural Neoplasms/diagnosis/drug therapy ; Biomarkers, Tumor/genetics ; },
abstract = {In this review, we provide an update on the status of cancer biomarkers for the clinical management of pleural mesothelioma, an aggressive cancer associated with asbestos exposure. Mesothelioma can be difficult to diagnose, and response to treatment is transient, even with recently adopted immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) combinations. Identification of mesothelioma-specific biomarkers could facilitate early diagnosis and tailor treatment strategies. Mesothelioma is characterized by frequent loss or alteration of the tumor suppressor genes cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 2A (CDKN2A) and BRCA1-associated protein-1 (BAP1). Accumulating data show these genes and/or their related protein products will be valuable tissue-based biomarkers for mesothelioma. Loss of BAP1, CDKN2A, p16, or methylthioadenosine phosphorylase provide pathologists with a reliable means of differentiating between mesothelioma and reactive mesothelial cell proliferations. This can aid diagnosis in difficult cases and is requisite for the identification of the new pathological entity malignant mesothelioma in situ. However, limited progress in identifying clinically useful soluble biomarkers in this cancer type has been made, with mesothelin remaining the benchmark. To date, results from studies to identify predictive biomarkers for ICI response have been disappointing. A recent retrospective study demonstrated BAP1 loss was predictive of improved survival following combination pemetrexed- and platinum-based chemotherapy. Validation of this result could have important clinical implications. Clinical trials aimed at targeting therapy based on biomarker expression are generally in the early phase setting, with overall results being moderate. The identification of biomarkers for mesothelioma remains a key research question due to their potential to improve patient outcomes in this deadly cancer.},
}

Humans
*Mesothelioma, Malignant
*Lung Neoplasms/diagnosis/drug therapy/genetics
*Mesothelioma/diagnosis/therapy
*Pleural Neoplasms/diagnosis/drug therapy
Biomarkers, Tumor/genetics

@article {pmid37248188,
year = {2023},
author = {Zhao, F and Zhang, YL and Liu, X and Chen, TH and Li, J},
title = {[A case of malignant peritoneal mesothelioma].},
journal = {Zhonghua lao dong wei sheng zhi ye bing za zhi = Zhonghua laodong weisheng zhiyebing zazhi = Chinese journal of industrial hygiene and occupational diseases},
volume = {41},
number = {4},
pages = {307-309},
doi = {10.3760/cma.j.cn121094-20220328-00158},
pmid = {37248188},
issn = {1001-9391},
mesh = {Humans ; *Mesothelioma, Malignant/drug therapy ; *Mesothelioma/diagnosis ; Pemetrexed/therapeutic use ; Cisplatin/therapeutic use ; *Peritoneal Neoplasms/diagnosis ; *Pleural Neoplasms ; *Lung Neoplasms/drug therapy ; },
abstract = {Malignant mesothelioma is a highly malignant disease that most often occurs in the pleural cavity, followed by the peritoneum and pericardium. Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma (MPM) accounts for 10%-15% of all mesothelioma. The most important risk factor for MPM is exposure to asbestos. MPM has no specific clinical symptoms, imaging and histopathology are critical for the diagnosis. There are currently no generally accepted guidelines for curative treatment of MPM. The patient mainly presented with abdominal pain, abdominal distension and discomfort. Due to extensive omentum metastasis, no further surgical treatment was performed. Pemetrexed combined with cisplatin chemotherapy was given for 2 cycles, and the patient is still alive.},
}

Humans
*Mesothelioma, Malignant/drug therapy
*Mesothelioma/diagnosis
Pemetrexed/therapeutic use
Cisplatin/therapeutic use
*Peritoneal Neoplasms/diagnosis
*Pleural Neoplasms
*Lung Neoplasms/drug therapy

@article {pmid37247334,
year = {2023},
author = {Ntlailane, L and Sebola, L and Singo, D and Nthoke, T and Mizan, G},
title = {Managing the risks of an asbestos bulk storage facility at a research institute.},
journal = {Annals of work exposures and health},
volume = {67},
number = {7},
pages = {907-911},
doi = {10.1093/annweh/wxad028},
pmid = {37247334},
issn = {2398-7316},
mesh = {Humans ; *Mesothelioma ; *Occupational Exposure ; *Asbestos ; Asbestos, Crocidolite ; Academies and Institutes ; },
abstract = {The South African National Institute for Occupational Health (NIOH), formerly the Pneumoconiosis Research Unit, has previously milled about 544 kg of anthophyllite, crocidolite, amosite and chrysotile asbestos fibre materials. This endeavour came about in an attempt to address a recommendation, made by the International Union Against Cancer (UICC), to make asbestos standard reference samples available for research. Some of these reference samples, as well as the bulk, unprocessed materials are still within the care of the NIOH and can be obtained for the purpose of Public Health research under strict terms and conditions. Considering the hazardous nature of asbestos and regulated prohibitions imposed on this mineral, the NIOH asbestos storage facility is being subjected to various occupational and environmental control measures to ensure that any potential fibre release, and subsequent risk of exposure, are prevented.},
}

Humans
*Mesothelioma
*Occupational Exposure
*Asbestos
Asbestos, Crocidolite
Academies and Institutes

@article {pmid37232345,
year = {2023},
author = {Broggi, G and Filetti, V and Magro, G and Morante, B and Garro, R and Ledda, C and Rapisarda, V and Lombardo, C and Loreto, C and Caltabiano, R},
title = {Immunohistochemical expression of cAMP in fluoroedenite‑induced malignant pleural mesothelioma: Preliminary results.},
journal = {Molecular medicine reports},
volume = {28},
number = {1},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3892/mmr.2023.13019},
pmid = {37232345},
issn = {1791-3004},
mesh = {Male ; Female ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; *Mesothelioma, Malignant ; *Mesothelioma/chemically induced/metabolism ; *Lung Neoplasms/pathology ; *Asbestos ; },
abstract = {Despite advances in understanding of the biology of malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM), the prognosis of this malignancy remains poor. Although asbestos still remains the main pathogenic agent of MPM, other asbestos‑like fibers such as fluoro‑edenite (FE) fibers, induce MPM. Notable incidence and mortality rates of MPM have been found in Biancavilla, Italy, where FE fibers have been extracted from building materials for >50 years. Cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) is a secondary messenger that plays a key role in several physiological and pathological mechanisms regulating protein kinase A (PKA) and the CREB pathway. Hyperactivation of the cAMP/PKA/CREB pathway is involved in many neoplastic processes, including tumor cell proliferation, invasion and metastatic spread. The present study investigated immunohistochemical expression of cAMP in patients with FE‑induced MPM, which included six males and four females with an age range of 50‑93 years. There was high immunoexpression of cAMP in 5 out of 10 tumors while the remaining 5 cases showed low immunoexpression. In addition, there was a correlation between cAMP overexpression and decreased survival times (mean overall survival times, 7.5 months in high expression group vs. 18 months in low expression group).},
}

Male
Female
Humans
Middle Aged
Aged
Aged, 80 and over
*Mesothelioma, Malignant
*Mesothelioma/chemically induced/metabolism
*Lung Neoplasms/pathology
*Asbestos

@article {pmid37220527,
year = {2023},
author = {Wang, D and Zhu, J and Li, N and Lu, H and Gao, Y and Zhuang, L and Chen, Z and Mao, W},
title = {GC-MS-based untargeted metabolic profiling of malignant mesothelioma plasma.},
journal = {PeerJ},
volume = {11},
number = {},
pages = {e15302},
pmid = {37220527},
issn = {2167-8359},
mesh = {Humans ; *Mesothelioma, Malignant ; Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry ; Metabolomics ; Aggression ; Alanine ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Malignant mesothelioma (MM) is a cancer caused mainly by asbestos exposure, and is aggressive and incurable. This study aimed to identify differential metabolites and metabolic pathways involved in the pathogenesis and diagnosis of malignant mesothelioma.

METHODS: By using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), this study examined the plasma metabolic profile of human malignant mesothelioma. We performed univariate and multivariate analyses and pathway analyses to identify differential metabolites, enriched metabolism pathways, and potential metabolic targets. The area under the receiver-operating curve (AUC) criterion was used to identify possible plasma biomarkers.

RESULTS: Using samples from MM (n = 19) and healthy control (n = 22) participants, 20 metabolites were annotated. Seven metabolic pathways were disrupted, involving alanine, aspartate, and glutamate metabolism; glyoxylate and dicarboxylate metabolism; arginine and proline metabolism; butanoate and histidine metabolism; beta-alanine metabolism; and pentose phosphate metabolic pathway. The AUC was used to identify potential plasma biomarkers. Using a threshold of AUC = 0.9, five metabolites were identified, including xanthurenic acid, (s)-3,4-hydroxybutyric acid, D-arabinose, gluconic acid, and beta-d-glucopyranuronic acid.

CONCLUSIONS: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of a plasma metabolomics analysis using GC-MS analyses of Asian MM patients. Our identification of these metabolic abnormalities is critical for identifying plasma biomarkers in patients with MM. However, additional research using a larger population is needed to validate our findings.},
}

Humans
*Mesothelioma, Malignant
Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry
Metabolomics
Aggression
Alanine

@article {pmid37220304,
year = {2023},
author = {Korchevskiy, AA and Wylie, AG},
title = {Toxicological and epidemiological approaches to carcinogenic potency modeling for mixed mineral fiber exposure: the case of fibrous balangeroite and chrysotile.},
journal = {Inhalation toxicology},
volume = {35},
number = {7-8},
pages = {185-200},
doi = {10.1080/08958378.2023.2213720},
pmid = {37220304},
issn = {1091-7691},
mesh = {Humans ; Asbestos, Serpentine/toxicity ; Mineral Fibers/toxicity ; Carcinogens/toxicity ; Asbestos, Amphibole/toxicity ; *Mesothelioma/chemically induced/epidemiology ; *Mesothelioma, Malignant ; *Lung Neoplasms/chemically induced/epidemiology ; *Asbestos/analysis ; },
abstract = {CONTEXT: Excess mesothelioma risk was observed among chrysotile miners and millers in Balangero, Italy. The mineral balangeroite has been identified in an asbestiform habit from the Balangero chrysotile mine (Italy). Previous studies did not contain a detailed description of the fiber dimensions, thus limiting possible approaches to estimating their carcinogenic potential.

OBJECTIVES: To reconstruct excess mesothelioma risk based on characteristics of mixed fiber exposure.

METHODS: The lengths and widths of particles from a sample of balangeroite were measured by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Statistical analysis and modeling were applied to assess the toxicological potential of balangeroite.

RESULTS: Balangeroite fibers are characterized as asbestiform, with geometric mean length of 10 μm, width of 0.54 μm, aspect ratio of 19, and specific surface area of 13.8 (1/μm). Proximity analysis shows dimensional characteristics of balangeroite close to asbestiform anthophyllite. Modeling estimates the average potency of balangeroite as 0.04% (95% CI 0.0058, 0.16) based on dimensional characteristics and 0.05% (95% CI-0.04, 0.24) based on epidemiological data. The available estimate of the fraction of balangeroite in the Balangero mine is very approximate. There were no data for airborne balangeroite fibers from the Balangero mine and no lung burden data are available. All estimates were performed using weight fractions of balangeroite and chrysotile. However, based on reasonable assumptions, of the seven cases of mesothelioma in the cohort, about three cases (43%) can be attributed to fibrous balangeroite.

CONCLUSION: The presence of different types of mineral fibers in aerosolized materials even in small proportions can explain observed cancer risks.},
}

Humans
Asbestos, Serpentine/toxicity
Mineral Fibers/toxicity
Carcinogens/toxicity
Asbestos, Amphibole/toxicity
*Mesothelioma/chemically induced/epidemiology
*Mesothelioma, Malignant
*Lung Neoplasms/chemically induced/epidemiology
*Asbestos/analysis

@article {pmid37217834,
year = {2023},
author = {Zambrano, E and Matoso, A and Reyes-Múgica, M},
title = {Mesotheliomas in Children.},
journal = {Advances in anatomic pathology},
volume = {30},
number = {4},
pages = {275-279},
doi = {10.1097/PAP.0000000000000403},
pmid = {37217834},
issn = {1533-4031},
mesh = {Adult ; Humans ; Child ; *Mesothelioma/genetics/pathology ; *Asbestos ; },
abstract = {Mesotheliomas are rare and aggressive tumors that originate from mesothelial cells. Although exceedingly rare, these tumors may occur in children. Different from adult mesotheliomas, however, environmental exposures particularly to asbestos do not appear to play a major role in mesotheliomas in children, in whom specific genetic rearrangements driving these tumors have been identified in recent years. These molecular alterations may increasingly offer opportunities for targeted therapies in the future, which may provide better outcomes for these highly aggressive malignant neoplasms.},
}

Adult
Humans
Child
*Mesothelioma/genetics/pathology
*Asbestos

@article {pmid37210180,
year = {2023},
author = {Carbone, M and Yang, H and Pass, HI and Taioli, E},
title = {Did the Ban on Asbestos Reduce the Incidence of Mesothelioma?.},
journal = {Journal of thoracic oncology : official publication of the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer},
volume = {18},
number = {6},
pages = {694-697},
doi = {10.1016/j.jtho.2023.03.013},
pmid = {37210180},
issn = {1556-1380},
support = {R01 ES030948/ES/NIEHS NIH HHS/United States ; R01 CA237235/CA/NCI NIH HHS/United States ; R01 CA198138/CA/NCI NIH HHS/United States ; U01 CA214195/CA/NCI NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {Humans ; Incidence ; *Lung Neoplasms/epidemiology/prevention & control/complications ; *Mesothelioma/epidemiology/prevention & control/etiology ; *Mesothelioma, Malignant ; *Asbestos/adverse effects ; *Occupational Exposure/adverse effects/prevention & control ; },
}

Humans
Incidence
*Lung Neoplasms/epidemiology/prevention & control/complications
*Mesothelioma/epidemiology/prevention & control/etiology
*Mesothelioma, Malignant
*Asbestos/adverse effects
*Occupational Exposure/adverse effects/prevention & control

@article {pmid37199503,
year = {2023},
author = {Giacobbe, C and Moliterni, A and Di Giuseppe, D and Malferrari, D and Wright, JP and Mattioli, M and Raneri, S and Giannini, C and Fornasini, L and Mugnaioli, E and Ballirano, P and Gualtieri, AF},
title = {The crystal structure of the killer fibre erionite from Tuzköy (Cappadocia, Turkey).},
journal = {IUCrJ},
volume = {10},
number = {Pt 4},
pages = {397-410},
pmid = {37199503},
issn = {2052-2525},
support = {20173X8WA4//PRIN: Progetti di Ricerca di Rilevante Interesse Nazionale-Bando 2017-Prot/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *Zeolites/analysis ; *Mesothelioma/epidemiology ; Turkey/epidemiology ; Environmental Exposure ; *Asbestos ; Carcinogens ; },
abstract = {Erionite is a non-asbestos fibrous zeolite classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) as a Group 1 carcinogen and is considered today similar to or even more carcinogenic than the six regulated asbestos minerals. Exposure to fibrous erionite has been unequivocally linked to cases of malignant mesothelioma (MM) and this killer fibre is assumed to be directly responsible for more than 50% of all deaths in the population of the villages of Karain and Tuzköy in central Anatolia (Turkey). Erionite usually occurs in bundles of thin fibres and very rarely as single acicular or needle-like fibres. For this reason, a crystal structure of this fibre has not been attempted to date although an accurate characterization of its crystal structure is of paramount importance for our understanding of the toxicity and carcinogenicity. In this work, we report on a combined approach of microscopic (SEM, TEM, electron diffraction), spectroscopic (micro-Raman) and chemical techniques with synchrotron nano-single-crystal diffraction that allowed us to obtain the first reliable ab initio crystal structure of this killer zeolite. The refined structure showed regular T-O distances (in the range 1.61-1.65 Å) and extra-framework content in line with the chemical formula (K2.63Ca1.57Mg0.76Na0.13Ba0.01)[Si28.62Al7.35]O72·28.3H2O. The synchrotron nano-diffraction data combined with three-dimensional electron diffraction (3DED) allowed us to unequivocally rule out the presence of offretite. These results are of paramount importance for understanding the mechanisms by which erionite induces toxic damage and for confirming the physical similarities with asbestos fibres.},
}

Humans
*Zeolites/analysis
*Mesothelioma/epidemiology
Turkey/epidemiology
Environmental Exposure
*Asbestos
Carcinogens

@article {pmid37194050,
year = {2023},
author = {RanYue, W and ChunYan, W and Likun, H and LiPing, Z and JieLu, L and ZhengWei, D},
title = {Diffuse intrapulmonary mesothelioma mimicking pulmonary lepidic adenocarcinoma: a rare case report and review of the literature.},
journal = {Diagnostic pathology},
volume = {18},
number = {1},
pages = {64},
pmid = {37194050},
issn = {1746-1596},
mesh = {Humans ; In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence ; *Mesothelioma/diagnosis/pathology ; *Mesothelioma, Malignant/diagnosis ; *Lung Neoplasms/diagnosis/pathology ; *Pleural Neoplasms/pathology ; *Adenocarcinoma of Lung/diagnosis ; *Lung Diseases, Interstitial/diagnosis ; Biomarkers, Tumor/metabolism ; Diagnosis, Differential ; },
abstract = {Mesothelioma, with various clinical manifestations, radiological features, and histomorphological types, can be divided into epithelioid, sarcomatoid, and biphasic types, according to their histomorphological characteristics. There is a rare growth pattern of pleural mesothelioma: diffuse intrapulmonary mesothelioma (DIM), with a distinctive pattern of predominantly intrapulmonary growth, has no or minimal pleural involvement, and simulates interstitial lung disease(ILD) clinically and radiologically. A 59-year-old man presented to the hospital with recurrent pleural effusions for 4 years and a history of asbestos exposure. Computed tomography (CT) showed bilateral pure ground-glass opacity lesions, and the tumor cells showed a lepidic growth pattern pathologically. Immunohistochemical staining was positive for CK, WT-1, calretinin, D2-40, CK5/6, and Claudin4, while TTF-1, CEA, EMA, CK7, CK20, and other epithelial markers were negative. BAP1 loss its expression, and MTAP was positive in cytoplasm. CDKN2A was negative tested by Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). The final diagnosis was DIM. In conclusion, we should recognize this rare disease to avoid misdiagnosis and delayed treatment.},
}

Humans
In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence
*Mesothelioma/diagnosis/pathology
*Mesothelioma, Malignant/diagnosis
*Lung Neoplasms/diagnosis/pathology
*Pleural Neoplasms/pathology
*Adenocarcinoma of Lung/diagnosis
*Lung Diseases, Interstitial/diagnosis
Biomarkers, Tumor/metabolism
Diagnosis, Differential

@article {pmid37190292,
year = {2023},
author = {Ahmadzada, T and Vijayan, A and Vafaee, F and Azimi, A and Reid, G and Clarke, S and Kao, S and Grau, GE and Hosseini-Beheshti, E},
title = {Small and Large Extracellular Vesicles Derived from Pleural Mesothelioma Cell Lines Offer Biomarker Potential.},
journal = {Cancers},
volume = {15},
number = {8},
pages = {},
pmid = {37190292},
issn = {2072-6694},
support = {Corporate/private financial support//Turner Freeman Lawyers/ ; TBC//Dust Diseases Board/ ; },
abstract = {Pleural mesothelioma, previously known as malignant pleural mesothelioma, is an aggressive and fatal cancer of the pleura, with one of the poorest survival rates. Pleural mesothelioma is in urgent clinical need for biomarkers to aid early diagnosis, improve prognostication, and stratify patients for treatment. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have great potential as biomarkers; however, there are limited studies to date on their role in pleural mesothelioma. We conducted a comprehensive proteomic analysis on different EV populations derived from five pleural mesothelioma cell lines and an immortalized control cell line. We characterized three subtypes of EVs (10 K, 18 K, and 100 K), and identified a total of 4054 unique proteins. Major differences were found in the cargo between the three EV subtypes. We show that 10 K EVs were enriched in mitochondrial components and metabolic processes, while 18 K and 100 K EVs were enriched in endoplasmic reticulum stress. We found 46 new cancer-associated proteins for pleural mesothelioma, and the presence of mesothelin and PD-L1/PD-L2 enriched in 100 K and 10 K EV, respectively. We demonstrate that different EV populations derived from pleural mesothelioma cells have unique cancer-specific proteomes and carry oncogenic cargo, which could offer a novel means to extract biomarkers of interest for pleural mesothelioma from liquid biopsies.},
}

@article {pmid37190163,
year = {2023},
author = {Collatuzzo, G and Turati, F and Malvezzi, M and Negri, E and La Vecchia, C and Boffetta, P},
title = {Attributable Fraction of Cancer Related to Occupational Exposure in Italy.},
journal = {Cancers},
volume = {15},
number = {8},
pages = {},
pmid = {37190163},
issn = {2072-6694},
support = {22987//Italian Association for Cancer Research/ ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Exposure to occupational carcinogens is an important and avoidable cause of cancer. We aimed to provide an evidence-based estimate of the burden of occupation-related cancers in Italy.

METHODS: The attributable fraction (AF) was calculated based on the counterfactual scenario of no occupational exposure to carcinogens. We included exposures classified as IARC group 1 and with reliable evidence of exposure in Italy. Relative risk estimates for selected cancers and prevalences of exposure were derived from large-scale studies. Except for mesothelioma, a 15-20-year latency period between exposure and cancer was considered. The data on cancer incidence in 2020 and mortality in 2017 in Italy were obtained from the Italian Association of Cancer Registries.

RESULTS: The most prevalent exposures were UV radiation (5.8%), diesel exhaust (4.3%), wood dust (2.3%) and silica dust (2.1%). Mesothelioma had the largest AF to occupational carcinogens (86.6%), followed by sinonasal cancer (11.8%) and lung cancer (3.8%). We estimated that 0.9% of cancer cases (N~3500) and 1.6% of cancer deaths (N~2800) were attributable to occupational carcinogens in Italy. Of these, about 60% were attributable to asbestos, 17.5% to diesel exhaust, followed by chromium and silica dust (7% and 5%).

CONCLUSIONS: Our estimates provide up-to-date quantification of the low, but persistent, burden of occupational cancers in Italy.},
}

@article {pmid37189132,
year = {2023},
author = {Kauschke, V and Philipp-Gehlhaar, M and Schneider, J},
title = {Expression of microRNAs in leukocytes and serum of asbestosis patients.},
journal = {European journal of medical research},
volume = {28},
number = {1},
pages = {175},
pmid = {37189132},
issn = {2047-783X},
mesh = {Humans ; *MicroRNAs ; *Asbestosis/genetics ; Biomarkers ; *Asbestos ; Leukocytes/metabolism ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Although asbestos use is banned in many countries, long latency of asbestos-related diseases like pleural plaques or asbestosis mean it is still a public health issue. People suffering from these diseases have a higher risk of developing mesothelioma or lung cancer, which can progress quickly and aggressively. MicroRNAs were suggested as potential biomarkers in several diseases. However, in asbestosis, blood microRNAs are less explored. Since miR-32-5p, miR-143-3p, miR-145-5p, miR-146b-5p, miR-204-5p and miR-451a are involved in fibrotic processes and in cancer, expression of these microRNAs was analyzed in leukocytes and serum of asbestosis patients.

METHODS: MicroRNA expression was analyzed in leukocytes and serum of 36 patients (26 affected by pleural plaques and 10 by asbestosis) and 15 healthy controls by real-time RT-PCR. Additionally, data analyses were performed regarding disease severity based on ILO classification.

RESULTS: MicroRNA miR-146b-5p was significantly down-regulated in leukocytes of patients suffering from pleural plaques with a large effect indicated by η[2]p = 0.150 and Cohen's f = 0.42, a value of difference of 0.725 and a 95% confidence interval of 0.070-1.381. In patients suffering from asbestosis miR-146b-5p was not significantly regulated. However, data analyses considering disease severity only, revealed that miR-146b-5p was significantly down-regulated in leukocytes of mildly diseased patients compared to controls with a large effect indicated by η[2]p = 0.178 and Cohen's f = 0.465, a value of difference of 0.848 and a 95% confidence interval of 0.097-1.599. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and an area under the ROC curve value of 0.757 for miR-146b-5p indicated acceptable discrimination ability between patients suffering from pleural plaques and healthy controls. Less microRNAs were detectable in serum than in leukocytes, showing no significant expression differences in all participants of this study. Moreover, miR-145-5p was regulated significantly differently in leukocytes and serum. An R[2] value of 0.004 for miR-145-5p indicated no correlation in microRNA expression between leukocytes and serum.

CONCLUSION: Leukocytes seem more suitable than serum for microRNA analyses regarding disease and potentially cancer risk assessment of patients suffering from asbestos-related pleural plaques or asbestosis. Long-term studies may reveal whether down-regulation of miR-146b-5p in leukocytes might be an early indicator for an increased cancer risk.},
}

Humans
*MicroRNAs
*Asbestosis/genetics
Biomarkers
*Asbestos
Leukocytes/metabolism