Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 14, 2026
Implantation and Monitoring by PET/CT of an Orthotopic Model of Human Pleural Mesothelioma in Athymic Mice
Published on: December 21, 2019
Malignant pleural mesothelioma: factors influencing the prognosis
Tommaso Claudio Mineo1, Vincenzo Ambrogi
1Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, Policlinico Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy. mineo@uniroma2.it
Abstract:
Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a highly severe primary tumor of the pleura mainly related to exposure to asbestos fibers. The median survival after symptom onset is less than 12 months. Conventional medical and surgical therapies--either as single lines or combined--are not wholly effective. No universally accepted guidelines have yet been established for patient selection and the use of therapeutic strategies. In addition, retrospective staging systems have proved inadequate at improving therapeutic outcomes. Therapy is currently guided by gross tumor characteristics and patient features; however, these seem less accurate than the biological fingerprint of the tumor. A number of clinical prognostic factors have been considered in large multicenter series and independently validated. A series of novel biomarkers can predict the evolution of the disease. Here we summarize the principal and novel factors that influence prognosis and are thus potentially useful for selecting patients for targeted therapy.
Insights
Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) survival is poor, with current therapies often ineffective. Novel biomarkers and prognostic factors show promise for improving patient selection and targeted therapy in this asbestos-related cancer.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pulmonology
- Pathology
Background:
- Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a severe asbestos-related cancer with a median survival under 12 months.
- Current therapeutic strategies and staging systems for MPM lack universal guidelines and demonstrate limited efficacy.
- Accurate patient selection for treatment remains a challenge due to the inadequacy of traditional prognostic indicators.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review principal and novel prognostic factors influencing malignant pleural mesothelioma outcomes.
- To identify biomarkers that can predict disease progression in MPM patients.
- To highlight factors potentially useful for selecting patients for targeted therapy.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of clinical prognostic factors in malignant pleural mesothelioma.
- Analysis of novel biomarkers associated with MPM disease evolution.
- Synthesis of current understanding of factors impacting MPM prognosis.
Main Results:
- Traditional staging systems and clinical features offer limited accuracy in predicting MPM outcomes.
- Clinical prognostic factors have been identified and validated in large multicenter studies.
- Emerging biomarkers show potential for predicting MPM disease course.
Conclusions:
- Prognostic factors, particularly novel biomarkers, are crucial for improving therapeutic outcomes in MPM.
- Accurate identification of prognostic factors can guide patient selection for targeted therapies.
- Further research into biomarkers is essential for advancing MPM treatment strategies.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Pleural Disorders: Types and Brief Description
01:28Pleural Effusion II: Symptoms and Management
A pleural effusion is the abnormal collection of fluid between the parietal and visceral pleura layers of tissue that form the lining of the lungs and chest cavity. It can occur independently or due to surrounding parenchymal diseases, such as infection, malignancy, or inflammatory conditions.
Clinical Manifestations: