Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 26, 2026
Implantation and Monitoring by PET/CT of an Orthotopic Model of Human Pleural Mesothelioma in Athymic Mice
Published on: December 21, 2019
Novel insights into mesothelioma biology and implications for therapy
Timothy A Yap1, Joachim G Aerts2, Sanjay Popat3,4
1The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, USA.
Abstract:
Malignant mesothelioma is a universally lethal cancer that is increasing in incidence worldwide. There is a dearth of effective therapies, with only one treatment (pemetrexed and cisplatin combination chemotherapy) approved in the past 13 years. However, the past 5 years have witnessed an exponential growth in our understanding of mesothelioma pathobiology, which is set to revolutionize therapeutic strategies. From a genomic standpoint, mesothelioma is characterized by a preponderance of tumour suppressor alterations, for which novel therapies are currently in development. Other promising antitumour agents include inhibitors against angiogenesis, mesothelin and immune checkpoints, which are at various phases of clinical trial testing.
Insights
Malignant mesothelioma is a deadly cancer with few treatments. Recent advances in understanding its genetics and biology are paving the way for revolutionary new therapies targeting tumor suppressors and other pathways.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Cancer Biology
- Genomics
Background:
- Malignant mesothelioma is a rare but aggressive cancer with increasing global incidence.
- Current therapeutic options are limited, with only one chemotherapy regimen approved in over a decade.
- Significant progress in understanding mesothelioma pathobiology offers hope for improved treatment strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advancements in understanding malignant mesothelioma.
- To highlight novel therapeutic strategies emerging from genomic and pathobiological insights.
- To discuss the potential impact of these new approaches on patient outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent scientific literature on mesothelioma genomics and pathobiology.
- Analysis of current clinical trial data for novel mesothelioma therapeutics.
- Synthesis of findings to project future therapeutic directions.
Main Results:
- Mesothelioma is characterized by numerous tumor suppressor gene alterations.
- Emerging therapies target angiogenesis, mesothelin, and immune checkpoints.
- Several novel agents are progressing through various phases of clinical trials.
Conclusions:
- Recent breakthroughs in mesothelioma research are revolutionizing therapeutic strategies.
- Targeting tumor suppressor pathways and other novel agents show significant promise.
- The development of new treatments offers hope for patients with this lethal cancer.
Related Concept Videos
02:49Cancer Therapies
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...
02:57Targeted Cancer Therapies
There are several types of targeted therapies against...
02:38Mitogens and the Cell Cycle