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Updated: Jun 3, 2026
Generation and Expansion of Primary, Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma Tumor Lines
Published on: April 21, 2022
Soluble markers for diagnosis of malignant pleural mesothelioma
Alfonso Cristaudo1, Alessandra Bonotti, Silvia Simonini
1Department of Endocrinology & Metabolism, Orthopedics & Traumatology, Occupational Medicine, University of Pisa, via Paradisa, 2 Pisa 56124, Italy. a.cristaudo@med.unipi.it
Abstract:
Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a highly aggressive and invasive tumor, whose incidence is expected to peak, in many countries, at the end of the present decade, 20-40 years after the peak of asbestos use (asbestos being the most important etiological factor). MPM has a poor prognosis, in part, owing to a difficult and often late diagnosis hindered by a lack of available tests able to diagnose or predict this cancer in its early stages. Recently, there has been increased interest in noninvasive, economic and well-accepted diagnostic tests for screening of asbestos-exposed subjects, as well as for monitoring response of MPM patients to treatment. Several markers have been studied in biofluids, such as serum, plasma and pleural effusions, especially using ELISA, and some of them are still under investigation. However, only mesothelin and ostepontin have proven levels of sensitivity and specificity that are worth testing in the clinical setting.
Insights
Diagnosing malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is challenging. Researchers are investigating noninvasive biomarkers like mesothelin and osteopontin for early detection and treatment monitoring in asbestos-exposed individuals.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Environmental Health
Background:
- Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is an aggressive cancer linked to asbestos exposure.
- Diagnosis is often delayed due to a lack of early detection methods, contributing to poor prognosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore noninvasive diagnostic tests for MPM screening in asbestos-exposed populations.
- To identify reliable biomarkers for monitoring treatment response in MPM patients.
Main Methods:
- Review of studies investigating biomarkers in biofluids (serum, plasma, pleural effusions).
- Focus on enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and other detection methods.
- Evaluation of marker sensitivity and specificity for clinical utility.
Main Results:
- Several biomarkers have been investigated for MPM detection.
- Mesothelin and osteopontin show promising sensitivity and specificity.
- These markers warrant further clinical evaluation for diagnostic and monitoring purposes.
Conclusions:
- Developing effective, noninvasive diagnostic tools for MPM is crucial.
- Mesothelin and osteopontin are leading candidates for clinical application in MPM management.
- Further research is needed to validate these biomarkers in diverse patient cohorts.
