Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 22, 2026

Generation and Expansion of Primary, Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma Tumor Lines
Published on: April 21, 2022
Closed pleural biopsy to diagnose mesothelioma: dead or alive?
Kris M McLaughlin1, Keith M Kerr, Graeme P Currie
1Department of Respiratory Medicine, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, Aberdeen, UK. k.mclaughlin@nhs.net
Abstract:
This letter explores the role of closed pleural biopsy in the diagnosis of malignant mesothelioma. Through retrospective analysis of local data, we found that closed pleural biopsy had a sensitivity of 44% in the diagnosis of malignant mesothelioma. It should therefore still be considered as a first line investigation in suspected mesothelioma especially in centres where CT-guided or thoracoscopic pleural biopsy are not immediately available.
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