Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 24, 2026
Generation and Expansion of Primary, Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma Tumor Lines
Published on: April 21, 2022
Peritoneal Mesothelioma with Residential Asbestos Exposure. Report of a Case with Long Survival (Seventeen Years)
Gabriella Serio1, Federica Pezzuto2, Andrea Marzullo3
1Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, Division of Pathology, Medical School, University of Bari, 11 G. Cesare Square, 70124 Bari, Italy. gabriella.serio1@uniba.it.
Abstract:
Malignant mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive tumor with limited therapeutic options. We report a case of a malignant peritoneal mesothelioma (MPM) epithelioid type, with environmental asbestos exposure, in a 36-year-old man, with a long survival (17 years). The patient received standard treatment which included cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC).
Methods And Results:
Molecular analysis with comparative genomic hybridization (CGH)-array was performed on paraffin-embedded tumoral samples. Multiple chromosomal imbalances were detected. The gains were prevalent. Losses at 1q21, 2q11.1→q13, 8p23.1, 9p12→p11, 9q21.33→q33.1, 9q12→q21.33, and 17p12→p11.2 are observed. Chromosome band 3p21 (BAP1), 9p21 (CDKN2A) and 22q12 (NF2) are not affected. Conclusions: the defects observed in this case are uncommon in malignant peritoneal mesothelioma. Some chromosomal aberrations that appear to be random here, might actually be relevant events explaining the response to therapy, the long survival and, finally, may be considered useful prognostic factors in peritoneal malignant mesothelioma (PMM).
Insights
This case study details a rare malignant peritoneal mesothelioma (MPM) in a 36-year-old man. Unexpectedly, he experienced long-term survival after cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy, linked to uncommon chromosomal aberrations.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Genetics
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Malignant mesothelioma, particularly peritoneal mesothelioma (MPM), is a rare and aggressive cancer with limited treatment choices.
- Environmental asbestos exposure is a known risk factor for mesothelioma.
- Standard treatment for MPM often involves cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC).
Observation:
- A 36-year-old male patient with epithelioid type MPM and a history of asbestos exposure achieved 17 years of survival.
- The patient underwent standard treatment including CRS and HIPEC.
- Molecular analysis revealed multiple chromosomal imbalances, with gains being prevalent.
Findings:
- Specific chromosomal losses were identified at 1q21, 2q11.1→q13, 8p23.1, 9p12→p11, 9q21.33→q33.1, 9q12→q21.33, and 17p12→p11.2.
- Key tumor suppressor genes (BAP1, CDKN2A, NF2) located at 3p21, 9p21, and 22q12, respectively, were not affected in this case.
- The observed chromosomal defects were uncommon for malignant peritoneal mesothelioma.
Implications:
- The identified chromosomal aberrations, though unusual, may correlate with the patient's positive response to therapy and extended survival.
- These genetic alterations could serve as potential prognostic factors for peritoneal malignant mesothelioma.
- Further research into these specific chromosomal imbalances may reveal novel therapeutic targets and improve patient outcomes.
