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Published on: December 21, 2019
Prognostic value of several biomarkers for the patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma
1Department of Respiratory Medicine, The Second Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, 250033, People's Republic of China.
Abstract:
Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a highly aggressive tumor of the pleura closely related to asbestos exposure. Rare as it is, the incidence of MPM is predicted to increase mainly as a result of a lengthy latency period from the initial asbestos exposure, making it a public health concern for the next decades. Moreover, the patients with MPM have an extremely poor prognosis due to its high resistance to conventional oncologic treatments and delayed diagnosis. Although the result of current therapeutic modalities based on patient features and clinical stages is very frustrating, great advances have been shown in the knowledge of molecular biology of MPM in recent years. This is accompanied by dozens of putative prognostic biomarkers that are actively involved in tumor biological activities. These prognostic candidates can offer us a new insight into the biological characteristics of MPM, contributing to development of individualized therapeutic strategies directed against oncogenesis and tumor progression. Thus, personalized approaches based on the molecular biology of the patient's tissue or body fluid will potentially improve the present disappointing outcome, bringing new hope for patients with MPM. This article reviews the principal and several novel biomarkers that can have an influence on prognosis, in the hope that they can provide us with a more profound understanding of the biology of this lethal disease.
Insights
Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM), a rare but aggressive cancer linked to asbestos, has a poor prognosis. Research into novel biomarkers offers hope for personalized treatments and improved outcomes for this deadly disease.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Public Health
Background:
- Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is an aggressive cancer strongly associated with asbestos exposure.
- Its incidence is rising due to long latency periods, posing a significant public health challenge.
- Patients face poor prognoses due to treatment resistance and late diagnosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review principal and novel prognostic biomarkers for MPM.
- To enhance understanding of MPM's molecular biology and tumor progression.
- To explore the potential of personalized therapeutic strategies.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing and emerging prognostic biomarkers in MPM.
- Analysis of molecular biology research advancements in MPM.
- Synthesis of current knowledge on therapeutic resistance and delayed diagnosis.
Main Results:
- Numerous putative prognostic biomarkers have been identified, offering insights into MPM biology.
- These biomarkers are crucial for understanding tumor characteristics and progression.
- Advances in molecular biology are paving the way for individualized treatment approaches.
Conclusions:
- Personalized therapies targeting MPM's molecular landscape hold promise for improving patient outcomes.
- Biomarker discovery is key to developing targeted strategies against oncogenesis and progression.
- Further research into novel biomarkers offers hope for a better prognosis in MPM patients.
