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Updated: Feb 26, 2026
Generation and Expansion of Primary, Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma Tumor Lines
Published on: April 21, 2022
Diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for malignant mesothelioma: an update
Zhongjian Chen1,2, Giovanni Gaudino1, Harvey I Pass3
1University of Hawaii Cancer Center, Honolulu, HI, USA.
Abstract:
Malignant mesothelioma (MM) is an aggressive and lethal cancer, mostly related to inhalation of asbestos and erionite fibers. MM is associated with poor prognosis, because of its resistance to current therapies, even if higher survival occurs in patients diagnosed and treated when at stage I of the disease. However, these do not exceed 5% of the total number of cases, due to the inadequacy of the existing biomarkers for early and accurate diagnosis. Therefore, new effective biomarkers are needed for MM detection at earlier stages and to develop tailored therapies. Here we review the most promising biomarkers in MM to date: mesothelin, soluble mesothelin-related peptides (SMRPs), megakaryocyte potentiating factor (MPF), Osteopontin (OPN), Fibulin-3, high mobility group B1 (HMGB1), microRNAs (miRNAs), multiplex protein signatures. The validation of these biomarkers will allow their use, alone or in combination, for monitoring individuals from cohorts at risk of MM and attaining early detection of MM that is instrumental in improving patient survival.
Insights
Malignant mesothelioma (MM) is a lethal cancer often diagnosed late. This review highlights promising biomarkers for early detection and tailored therapies, aiming to improve patient survival rates.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Biomarker Discovery
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Malignant mesothelioma (MM) is an aggressive cancer linked to asbestos exposure.
- Current therapies are often ineffective, and early-stage diagnosis is rare due to inadequate biomarkers.
- Early detection significantly improves survival, necessitating novel diagnostic tools.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review promising biomarkers for malignant mesothelioma (MM).
- To discuss the potential of these biomarkers for early diagnosis and tailored therapy development.
- To emphasize the need for biomarker validation to improve patient outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of current research on MM biomarkers.
- Analysis of established and emerging biomarkers including mesothelin, SMRPs, MPF, OPN, Fibulin-3, HMGB1, miRNAs, and multiplex signatures.
- Evaluation of biomarker potential for early detection and patient monitoring.
Main Results:
- Several biomarkers show promise for MM detection, including mesothelin, SMRPs, MPF, OPN, Fibulin-3, HMGB1, and miRNAs.
- Multiplex protein signatures offer potential for enhanced diagnostic accuracy.
- Validation is crucial for clinical application.
Conclusions:
- Validated biomarkers are essential for the early detection of malignant mesothelioma (MM).
- These biomarkers can facilitate tailored therapies and improve patient survival.
- Further research and validation are needed to integrate these biomarkers into clinical practice.
