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Radiographics : a Review Publication of... Mar 2023A diverse spectrum of benign entities and malignant neoplasms originate from the monotonous mesothelium that lines the serosal membranes of the pleural, pericardial, and...
A diverse spectrum of benign entities and malignant neoplasms originate from the monotonous mesothelium that lines the serosal membranes of the pleural, pericardial, and peritoneal cavities. The mesothelium of myriad sites shows a common origin from the lateral plate mesoderm; primary mesothelial tumors thus demonstrate similar pathogenesis, imaging findings, and treatment options. Significant changes have been made in the 2021 World Health Organization (WHO) classification schemata of the pleural and pericardial tumors on the basis of recent advances in pathology and genetics. While malignant mesotheliomas are biologically aggressive malignancies that occur primarily in patients exposed to asbestos with attendant poor survival rates, well-differentiated papillary mesothelial tumors and adenomatoid tumors charter a benign clinical course with an excellent prognosis. Mesothelioma in situ is a newly characterized entity represented by recurrent unexplained pleural effusions without any identifiable mass at imaging or thoracoscopy. Immunohistochemical markers based on , and gene mutations help differentiate diffuse mesotheliomas from benign mesothelial proliferations and localized mesotheliomas. Cross-sectional imaging modalities, including US, CT, MRI, and fluorine 18-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) PET/CT, permit diagnosis and play a major role in staging and assessing surgical resectability. Imaging studies are invaluable in providing noninvasive and quantitative assessment of tumor response in patients with unresectable disease. Owing to significant overlap in patient characteristics and pathomorphology, accurate diagnosis based on advanced histopathology techniques and genetic abnormalities is imperative for optimal management and prognostication. While patients with nonepithelioid pleural mesotheliomas benefit from immunotherapy, novel targeted therapies for -, -, and -altered mesotheliomas are under consideration. RSNA, 2023 Quiz questions for this article are available through the Online Learning Center.
Topics: Humans; Adenomatoid Tumor; Positron Emission Tomography Computed Tomography; Mesothelioma; Mesothelioma, Malignant; Pleural Neoplasms; Neoplasms, Mesothelial; Biomarkers, Tumor
PubMed: 36757881
DOI: 10.1148/rg.220128 -
Cancer Cytopathology Aug 2018Pleural, pericardial, and peritoneal effusion specimens present diagnostic challenges and clinical opportunities for cytology. For the patient, these specimens may be... (Review)
Review
Pleural, pericardial, and peritoneal effusion specimens present diagnostic challenges and clinical opportunities for cytology. For the patient, these specimens may be the first diagnosis of malignancy or the first sign of disease recurrence. This review aims to provide useful approaches with which to resolve key difficulties in cytologic diagnosis through the use of ancillary studies, focusing on immunohistochemistry. These approaches are suggested in concert with clinical, radiographic, and morphologic findings. The differentiation of reactive mesothelial cells from malignant mesothelioma and adenocarcinoma is a recurring theme, and Wilms tumor 1 (WT1)/AE1/AE3, claudin 4, and BRCA1-associated protein 1 (BAP1) immunostains are useful new tools in the armamentarium. A targeted workup is suggested for patients with no known primary site or with multiple prior malignancies. Molecular and other biomarker testing can be performed on even modestly cellular fluid specimens and may allow patients to benefit from targeted therapy without the need for additional tissue biopsies. Cancer Cytopathol 2018;000:000-000. © 2018 American Cancer Society.
Topics: Ascitic Fluid; Biomarkers; Cytodiagnosis; Humans; Pericardial Effusion; Pleural Effusion, Malignant
PubMed: 30156768
DOI: 10.1002/cncy.22021 -
Seminars in Thoracic and Cardiovascular... 2022Primary pericardial mesothelioma is a rare malignancy of the mesothelial lining of the pericardium. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical characteristics and...
Primary pericardial mesothelioma is a rare malignancy of the mesothelial lining of the pericardium. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical characteristics and survival outcomes of these patients using a United States population-based cancer database. We queried the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results program (1973-2015). Primary pericardial mesothelioma patients with complete follow-up data were included, and primary pleural mesothelioma patients were identified as controls. Propensity-score matching was used to balance individual characteristics. Kaplan-Meier analysis and log-rank tests were performed to compare overall survival. Forty-one primary pericardial mesothelioma and 15,970 primary pleural mesothelioma patients were identified. Before matching, when compared to the pleural mesothelioma counterparts, primary pericardial mesothelioma patients were younger (median 57 vs 73 years, P < 0.001), more likely to be female (46.3% vs 20.2%, P < 0.001), more likely to be nonwhite (24.4% vs 8.4%, P = 0.001), and less likely to have been diagnosed in the most recent study decade (2006-2015, 34.1% vs 43.5%, P = 0.002). The overall 1- and 2-year survival rates were 22.0% and 12.2%, with a median survival of 2 months (IQR: 1-6). After 1:2 nearest neighbor propensity-score matching, 38 pericardial mesothelioma and 76 matched pleural mesothelioma cases were identified. The 2 matched groups had comparable baseline characteristics, including age, sex, race, year of diagnosis, histological type, and cancer history. Compared to their pleural mesothelioma counterparts, primary pericardial mesothelioma patients were less likely to receive chemotherapy (23.7% vs 50.0%, P = 0.01) and had worse overall survival (median survival: 2 vs 10 months, log-rank P = 0.006). Primary pericardial mesothelioma has worse survival outcomes than pleural mesothelioma, with a median survival of only 2 months. These patients should seek care from experienced multidisciplinary teams at tertiary care centers that handle high volumes of mesothelioma patients.
Topics: Female; Heart Neoplasms; Humans; Lung Neoplasms; Male; Mesothelioma; Mesothelioma, Malignant; Pleural Neoplasms; Propensity Score; Thymus Neoplasms; Treatment Outcome; United States
PubMed: 34320396
DOI: 10.1053/j.semtcvs.2021.07.020 -
International Journal of Colorectal... Jan 2015Malignant mesothelioma is a rare, insidious, and aggressive tumor arising from the mesothelial surface of pleural and peritoneal cavities, the pericardium, or the tunica... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Malignant mesothelioma is a rare, insidious, and aggressive tumor arising from the mesothelial surface of pleural and peritoneal cavities, the pericardium, or the tunica vaginalis, with an increasing incidence worldwide, high misdiagnosis rate, and overall negative prognosis. A total of 20% of all cases is peritoneum in origin.
METHODS
The present study is a review of literatures focusing on the advances in epidemiology, clinical presentations, radiological features, diagnosis, misdiagnosis, management, and prognostic factors of malignant peritoneal mesothelioma (MPM) occurred in the past decades.
RESULTS
Asbestos, SV40, and radiation exposures have been demonstrated to be correlated with the pathogenesis of MPM. The main presentations are abdominal distension and pain. Computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and positron-emission tomography (PET) play an important role in the preoperative imaging and staging. Definitive diagnosis is made on the basis of immunohistochemistry. Prognostic factors have been identified and verified. Negative indicators include advanced age, male gender, poor performance status, non-epithelial histology, and absence of surgery. The management of MPM has evolved from single chemotherapy to multimodality treatment of cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC), chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy. Promising results have been achieved after a combined treatment of CRS and HIPEC, with an elevated median survival time of 29.5-92 months and a 5-year survival rate of 39-63%.
CONCLUSIONS
CRS and HIPEC represent the standard treatment strategy for selected patients with MPM, and patients with unresectable tumors can benefit from the combined treatment of chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy.
Topics: Diagnosis, Differential; Female; Humans; Lung Neoplasms; Male; Mesothelioma; Mesothelioma, Malignant; Peritoneal Neoplasms; Prognosis
PubMed: 25331029
DOI: 10.1007/s00384-014-2029-1 -
Current Problems in Cardiology Dec 2022Diffuse primary malignant pericardial mesothelioma (PMPM) is an extremely rare and highly invasive tumor of pericardium. The tumor can infiltrate myocardium in part of... (Review)
Review
Diffuse primary malignant pericardial mesothelioma (PMPM) is an extremely rare and highly invasive tumor of pericardium. The tumor can infiltrate myocardium in part of cases, and will contribute to grave prognosis. Herein, we reported a 58-year-old man of diffuse PMPM with myocardial involvement, and summarized 39 cases of diffuse PMPM. Multimodal echocardiography, which combined conventional, tissue Doppler and speckle tracking echocardiography, was applied to diagnose diffuse PMPM with myocardial involvement, and assess the myocardial function. The common features were pericardial effusion, pericardial masses and thickened pericardium. The other echocardiographic characteristics were extensive and heterogenous echo, adhesion with pericardium and myocardium, reduced motion of adhered myocardium, and constriction performance. Diffuse PMPM with myocardial involvement revealed decreased LV diastolic function, and decreased LV and RV systolic function. Especially in systolic function, the unique strain features were reduced longitudinal strains from segmental to global and from epicardial to endocardial, relative 'septal sparing' pattern, and decreased transmural gradient of longitudinal strain. Our findings suggested that multimodal echocardiography not only can identify this disease, but also can provide detailed information of myocardial dysfunction, which provides a reference for clinicians to develop an optimal individualized treatment.
Topics: Humans; Middle Aged; Echocardiography; Myocardium; Pericardium; Pericardial Effusion; Mesothelioma
PubMed: 36007620
DOI: 10.1016/j.cpcardiol.2022.101356 -
Journal of Clinical Medicine May 2021Mesothelioma is an aggressive disease arising from parietal pleura. Surgery is a valuable option in the frame of a multimodality treatment. Several surgical approaches... (Review)
Review
Mesothelioma is an aggressive disease arising from parietal pleura. Surgery is a valuable option in the frame of a multimodality treatment. Several surgical approaches have been standardized with the aim of a macroscopic complete resection; these often require homolateral diaphragm and pericardial resection and reconstruction. Extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP) and extended pleurectomy decortication (EPD) have been recognized as radical surgical procedures. Nevertheless, both operations are technically challenging and associated with a significant rate of peri-operative morbidity and non-negligible mortality. The diaphragmatic and pericardial reconstruction technique is mandatory to avoid respiratory impairment and to reduce post-operative complications like gastric and cardiac herniation. Moreover, in the case of localized chest wall recurrence, surgery might be considered a valuable therapeutical option for highly selected and fit patients. All the technical aspects of the resection and reconstruction of the diaphragm, pericardium, and chest wall are described as well as the possible use of new minimally invasive techniques. In addition, the choice of different prosthetic materials, considering the most recent innovations in the field, are discussed.
PubMed: 34073544
DOI: 10.3390/jcm10112330 -
Current Oncology Reports Apr 2023This review aims to summarise the pathobiological role of mesothelin and the current data on therapeutic antibodies targeting mesothelin in solid tumours. (Review)
Review
PURPOSE OF REVIEW
This review aims to summarise the pathobiological role of mesothelin and the current data on therapeutic antibodies targeting mesothelin in solid tumours.
RECENT FINDINGS
High mesothelin expression is restricted to the pericardium, pleura, peritoneum and tunica vaginalis. Mesothelin does not seem to have any normal biological function in adult normal tissues. Mesothelin is highly expressed in mesothelioma, serous ovarian cancer, pancreatic cancer and some gastric cancer and adenocarcinoma of the lung and is responsible for tumour proliferation, metastasis, resistance to chemotherapy or radiation and evasion of immune system. To date, antibody, antibody drug conjugates and bispecific antibodies with immune checkpoints have been investigated in mesothelin expressing malignancies. After a couple of decades of clinical investigation in antibody targeting mesothelin, the therapeutic benefit is relatively modest. Novel delivery of mesothelin targeting agents, more potent payload in antibody drug conjugates and immune checkpoint inhibitor, may improve therapeutic benefit.
Topics: Humans; Adenocarcinoma; GPI-Linked Proteins; Immunoconjugates; Pharmaceutical Preparations; Mesothelin
PubMed: 36763234
DOI: 10.1007/s11912-023-01367-8 -
Cancers May 2020Mesothelioma is a malignancy of serosal membranes including the peritoneum, pleura, pericardium and the tunica vaginalis of the testes. Malignant mesothelioma (MM) is a... (Review)
Review
Mesothelioma is a malignancy of serosal membranes including the peritoneum, pleura, pericardium and the tunica vaginalis of the testes. Malignant mesothelioma (MM) is a rare disease with a global incidence in countries like Italy of about 1.15 per 100,000 inhabitants. Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma (MPM) is the most common form of mesothelioma, accounting for approximately 80% of disease. Although rare in the global population, mesothelioma is linked to industrial pollutants and mineral fiber exposure, with approximately 80% of cases linked to asbestos. Due to the persistent asbestos exposure in many countries, a worldwide progressive increase in MPM incidence is expected for the current and coming years. The tumor grows in a loco-regional pattern, spreading from the parietal to the visceral pleura and invading the surrounding structures that induce the clinical picture of pleural effusion, pain and dyspnea. Distant spreading and metastasis are rarely observed, and most patients die from the burden of the primary tumor. Currently, there are no effective treatments for MPM, and the prognosis is invariably poor. Some studies average the prognosis to be roughly one-year after diagnosis. The uniquely poor mutational landscape which characterizes MPM appears to derive from a selective pressure operated by the environment; thus, inflammation and immune response emerge as key players in driving MPM progression and represent promising therapeutic targets. Here we recapitulate current knowledge on MPM with focus on the emerging network between genetic asset and inflammatory microenvironment which characterize the disease as amenable target for novel therapeutic approaches.
PubMed: 32392897
DOI: 10.3390/cancers12051186 -
Critical Reviews in Oncology/hematology Jun 2023Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a rare but invasive cancer, which mainly arises from mesothelial tissues of pleura, peritoneum and pericardium. Despite... (Review)
Review
Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a rare but invasive cancer, which mainly arises from mesothelial tissues of pleura, peritoneum and pericardium. Despite significant advances in treatments, the prognosis of MPM patients remains poor, and the 5-year survival rate is less than 10%. Therefore, it is urgent to explore novel therapeutic targets for the treatment of MPM. Growing evidence has indicated that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) potentially could be promising therapeutic targets for numerous cancers. In this regard, lncRNAs might also potentially therapeutic targets for MPM. Recent advances have been made to investigate the molecular basis of MPM. This review first provides a comprehensive overview of roles of lncRNAs in MPM and then discusses the relationship between molecular basis of MPM and MPM-related lncRNAs to implement them as promising therapeutic targets for MPM.
Topics: Humans; Mesothelioma, Malignant; Mesothelioma; RNA, Long Noncoding; Pleural Neoplasms; Lung Neoplasms
PubMed: 37116816
DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2023.104012 -
La Medicina Del Lavoro Oct 2022The aim of this study is to describe the incidence of malignant mesothelioma (MM) and asbestos exposure in an Italian region in the period 1996-June 2021. (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
The aim of this study is to describe the incidence of malignant mesothelioma (MM) and asbestos exposure in an Italian region in the period 1996-June 2021.
METHODS
The study included cases with microscopic confirmation and those with instrumental confirmation. For each case, information on sex, age, tumour site, morphology and date of diagnosis was collected, along with details of exposure to asbestos.
RESULTS
3,097 cases of MM (2,233 males and 864 females) were registered: 90.8% with microscopic confirmation. A total of 2,840 cases involved the pleura (92%), 230 cases the peritoneum (7%), and a small number of cases the pericardium and testis (9 and 18, respectively). Most cases (78.0%) occurred after 65 years of age, while only 1.5% concerned individuals with age < 45 years. The standardized incidence rate for the entire period (adjusted to the 2000 Italian standard population and calculated per 100,000 person-years) was equal to 3.9 in males and 1.4 in females, and the trend showed an increase with age in both sexes. Concerning asbestos exposure, 79.7% of cases were exposed (86.7% males and 60.1% females). In 70.3%, exposure was occupational (83.4% males and 33.2% females), while 20.7% of females and 0.8% of males had familial exposure. Building construction, rolling stock manufacture/repair and metalworking were the most prevalent economic activities associated with occupational exposure.
CONCLUSIONS
This study offers an overview of MM in an Italian region characterized by high incidence and high exposure due to its particular production activities.
Topics: Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Asbestos; Incidence; Italy; Mesothelioma; Mesothelioma, Malignant; Occupational Exposure; Pleural Neoplasms
PubMed: 36282034
DOI: 10.23749/mdl.v113i5.13312