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Archives of Pathology & Laboratory... May 2024Molecular testing has increasingly been utilized in the evaluation of mesothelioma. Diffuse mesothelioma comprises multiple distinct genetic subgroups. While most... (Review)
Review
CONTEXT.—
Molecular testing has increasingly been utilized in the evaluation of mesothelioma. Diffuse mesothelioma comprises multiple distinct genetic subgroups. While most diffuse mesotheliomas lack oncogenic kinase mutations and instead harbor alterations involving tumor suppressors and chromatin regulators, a minor subset of tumors is characterized by uncommon alterations such as germline mutations, genomic near-haploidization, ALK rearrangement, ATF1 rearrangement, or EWSR1::YY1 fusion.
OBJECTIVE.—
To provide updates on the salient molecular features of diffuse mesothelioma, mesothelioma in situ, and other mesothelial lesions: well-differentiated papillary mesothelial tumor, adenomatoid tumor, peritoneal inclusion cyst, and others. We consider the diagnostic, prognostic, and predictive utility of molecular testing in mesothelial lesions.
DATA SOURCES.—
We performed a literature review of recently described genetic features, molecular approaches, and immunohistochemical tools, including BAP1, MTAP, and merlin in mesothelioma and other mesothelial lesions.
CONCLUSIONS.—
Our evolving understanding of the molecular diversity of diffuse mesothelioma and other mesothelial lesions has led to considerable changes in pathology diagnostic practice, including the application of immunohistochemical markers such as BAP1, MTAP, and merlin (NF2), which are surrogates of mutation status. In young patients and/or those without significant asbestos exposure, unusual mesothelioma genetics such as germline mutations, ALK rearrangement, and ATF1 rearrangement should be considered.
Topics: Humans; Mesothelioma; Immunohistochemistry; Biomarkers, Tumor; Neoplasms, Mesothelial; Mesothelioma, Malignant; Mutation; Tumor Suppressor Proteins; Ubiquitin Thiolesterase
PubMed: 38190277
DOI: 10.5858/arpa.2023-0213-RA -
Cancer Cytopathology Jul 2021Malignant mesothelioma is a rare malignancy with a poor prognosis whose development is related to asbestos fiber exposure. An increasing role of genetic predisposition... (Review)
Review
Malignant mesothelioma is a rare malignancy with a poor prognosis whose development is related to asbestos fiber exposure. An increasing role of genetic predisposition has been recognized recently. Pleural biopsy is the gold standard for diagnosis, in which the identification of pleural invasion by atypical mesothelial cell is a major criterion. Pleural effusion is usually the first sign of disease; therefore, a cytological specimen is often the initial or the only specimen available for diagnosis. Given that reactive mesothelial cells may show marked atypia, the diagnosis of mesothelioma on cytomorphology alone is challenging. Accordingly, cell block preparation is encouraged, as it permits immunohistochemical staining. Traditional markers of mesothelioma such as glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1) and insulin-like growth factor 2 mRNA-binding protein 3 (IMP3) are informative, but difficult to interpret when reactive proliferations aberrantly stain positive. BRCA1-associated protein 1 (BAP1) nuclear staining loss is highly specific for mesothelioma, but sensitivity is low in sarcomatoid tumors. Cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 2A (CDKN2A)/p16 homozygous deletion, assessed by fluorescence in situ hybridization, is more specific for mesothelioma with better sensitivity, even in the sarcomatoid variant. The surrogate marker methylthioadenosine phosphorylase (MTAP) has been found to demonstrate excellent diagnostic correlation with p16. The purpose of this review is to provide an essential appraisal of the literature regarding the diagnostic value of many of these emerging biomarkers for malignant mesothelioma in effusion cytology.
Topics: Biomarkers, Tumor; Homozygote; Humans; Immunohistochemistry; In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence; Mesothelioma, Malignant; Pleural Effusion; Tumor Suppressor Proteins; Ubiquitin Thiolesterase
PubMed: 33465294
DOI: 10.1002/cncy.22398 -
Occupational and Environmental Medicine Feb 2023Mesothelioma is a rare, aggressive cancer caused by exposure to asbestos fibres. Mesothelioma patients who receive trimodal therapy (chemotherapy, surgical resection and...
OBJECTIVES
Mesothelioma is a rare, aggressive cancer caused by exposure to asbestos fibres. Mesothelioma patients who receive trimodal therapy (chemotherapy, surgical resection and radiation) survive longer than those who receive two or fewer therapy modalities. This study analyses the 2016-2019 Medicare claims data to estimate the burden of malignant mesothelioma and describe therapy patterns (when available) among continuously enrolled fee-for-service (FFS; Medicare parts A and B) beneficiaries.
METHODS
We analysed claims and enrolment information from 42 529 117 FFS Medicare beneficiaries using three mesothelioma case definitions (broad, intermediate and narrow) with varying levels of diagnostic requirements. Results are presented as ranges of values for the three definitions.
RESULTS
Among FFS beneficiaries, 8213-19 036 beneficiaries with mesothelioma were identified depending on the case definition. The annual prevalence per 100 000 beneficiaries ranged from 8.8 in 2016 (narrow) to 31.3 in 2019 (broad) and annual incidence per 100 000 beneficiaries ranged from 4.5 in 2019 (narrow) to 12.6 in 2017 (broad). Depending on the mesothelioma case definition, 41.8%-81.5% had available therapy claim information indicating that 7.6%-11.3% received chemotherapy alone, 1.3%-1.5% received radiation alone, and 14.3%-27.0% underwent surgery only, with 4.6%-10.5% receiving all three therapy modalities.
CONCLUSIONS
Mesothelioma was a prevalent disease among FFS Medicare beneficiaries during 2016-2019, and a limited proportion of beneficiaries received all three therapy modalities. Medicare data build on findings from cancer registry data to enhance our understanding of the mesothelioma burden and therapy patterns.
Topics: Humans; Aged; United States; Medicare; Mesothelioma, Malignant; Prevalence; Incidence; Fee-for-Service Plans
PubMed: 36635096
DOI: 10.1136/oemed-2022-108706 -
Ugeskrift For Laeger Jan 2024Mesothelioma of the tunica vaginalis testis (MTVT) is a rare tumour and a cause of hydrocele. This case report concerns a 26-year-old male with hydrocele treated with...
Mesothelioma of the tunica vaginalis testis (MTVT) is a rare tumour and a cause of hydrocele. This case report concerns a 26-year-old male with hydrocele treated with left hydrocelectomy. Histopathology revealed MTVT, and left radical orchiectomy was performed followed by chemotherapy. Fluorescence in situ hybridization, DNA and RNA next-generation sequencing showed no mesothelioma-associated tumour suppressor gene mutations, but deletion of CDKN2A and a rare TFG-ADGRG7 fusion both reported in pleural mesotheliomas, were detected. Clinicians should consider malignancy in case of discrepancy between symptoms and objective findings in scrotal conditions.
Topics: Male; Humans; Adult; Testis; In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence; Testicular Neoplasms; Mesothelioma; Mesothelioma, Malignant; Testicular Hydrocele
PubMed: 38305267
DOI: 10.61409/V07230476 -
International Journal of Molecular... May 2023Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma (MPM) is a rare neoplasm that is typically diagnosed in a locally advanced stage, making it not eligible for radical surgery and requiring... (Review)
Review
Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma (MPM) is a rare neoplasm that is typically diagnosed in a locally advanced stage, making it not eligible for radical surgery and requiring systemic treatment. Chemotherapy with platinum compounds and pemetrexed has been the only approved standard of care for approximately 20 years, without any relevant therapeutic advance until the introduction of immune checkpoint inhibitors. Nevertheless, the prognosis remains poor, with an average survival of only 18 months. Thanks to a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying tumor biology, targeted therapy has become an essential therapeutic option in several solid malignancies. Unfortunately, most of the clinical trials evaluating potentially targeted drugs for MPM have failed. This review aims to present the main findings of the most promising targeted therapies in MPM, and to explore possible reasons leading to treatments failures. The ultimate goal is to determine whether there is still a place for continued preclinical/clinical research in this area.
Topics: Humans; Mesothelioma, Malignant; Mesothelioma; Lung Neoplasms; Pleural Neoplasms; Pemetrexed; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols
PubMed: 37298116
DOI: 10.3390/ijms24119165 -
Archives of Pathology & Laboratory... Apr 2019Primary malignant deciduoid mesothelioma is a rare subtype of epithelioid mesothelioma that was first described in the peritoneum in young women without a history of... (Review)
Review
Primary malignant deciduoid mesothelioma is a rare subtype of epithelioid mesothelioma that was first described in the peritoneum in young women without a history of asbestos exposure. It was thought to be a distinct clinicopathologic entity with ominous prognosis; recent studies have better characterized this entity. On morphology, primary malignant deciduoid mesothelioma is characterized by cytomorphologic features resembling decidualized tissue. Pleomorphism is variable. The immunoprofile is similar to other epithelioid mesotheliomas. The prognosis is the same as other epithelioid mesotheliomas and seems to depend on histological grade.
Topics: Decidua; Female; Humans; Lung Neoplasms; Mesothelioma; Mesothelioma, Malignant; Peritoneal Neoplasms
PubMed: 30500290
DOI: 10.5858/arpa.2017-0461-RS -
Geospatial Health May 2021Exposure to asbestos causes a wide range of diseases, such as asbestosis, malignant mesothelioma (MM) and other types of cancer. Many European countries have reduced...
Exposure to asbestos causes a wide range of diseases, such as asbestosis, malignant mesothelioma (MM) and other types of cancer. Many European countries have reduced production and use of asbestos and some have banned it altogether. Based on data derived from the World Health Organisation (WHO) Cancer Mortality Database, we investigated whether some regions in Europe could have a higher relative risk of MM incidence than others. The data were compared, including the number of MM deaths per million inhabitants and aged-standardized mortality rates. Applying Moran's I and Getis-Ord Gi statistic on the agedstandardized mortality rates of MM cases assisted the spatial analysis of the occurrence of health events leading to an assessment of the heterogeneity of distribution and cluster detection of MM. We found a statistically significant positive autocorrelation for the male population and also the general population, while there was no statistically significant positive one for the female population. Hotspots of relative risk of developing MM were found in northwestern Europe. For the general population, Great Britain and the Netherlands stood out with high levels at the 99% and 95% confidence levels, respectively. For the male population, the results were similar, but with addition of risk also in Belgium and Switzerland. However, in many European countries with high asbestos use per capita, the MM incidence was found to still be low. The reasons for this are not yet clear, but part of the problem is certainly due to incomplete data in registers and databases. The latency time can be longer than 40 years and is related to the intensity and time of exposure (occupational, para-occupational and environmental). In Europe, even though peak production occurred in the 1960s and 1970s, a significant decrease in production did not occur until 25 years later, which means that the impact will continue for as late as The mid 2030s.
Topics: Aged; Asbestos; Cluster Analysis; Europe; Female; Humans; Lung Neoplasms; Male; Mesothelioma; Mesothelioma, Malignant; Spatial Analysis; Switzerland
PubMed: 34000787
DOI: 10.4081/gh.2021.951 -
Journal of Thoracic Oncology : Official... Sep 2018Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a rare and aggressive cancer that arises from the mesothelial surface of the pleural and peritoneal cavities, the pericardium,... (Review)
Review
Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a rare and aggressive cancer that arises from the mesothelial surface of the pleural and peritoneal cavities, the pericardium, and rarely, the tunica vaginalis. The incidence of MPM is expected to increase worldwide in the next two decades. However, even with the use of multimodality treatment, MPM remains challenging to treat, with a 5-year survival rate of less than 5%. The International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer has gathered experts in different areas of mesothelioma research and management to summarize the most significant scientific advances and new frontiers related to mesothelioma therapeutics.
Topics: Humans; Lung Neoplasms; Mesothelioma; Mesothelioma, Malignant
PubMed: 29966799
DOI: 10.1016/j.jtho.2018.06.011 -
The Journal of Veterinary Medical... Jul 2021The histology and immunohistochemistry of pleomorphic and conventional epithelioid mesotheliomas were examined. The former was detected in two young calves aged 2 and 4...
The histology and immunohistochemistry of pleomorphic and conventional epithelioid mesotheliomas were examined. The former was detected in two young calves aged 2 and 4 months and was characterized by pleomorphic and atypical cells with decreased expression of cytokeratin 7 (CK7). In contrast, the latter was found in a 31-month-old heifer, consisting of tumor cells uniform in size and shape with CK7 expression in nearly all cells. Production of collagen by tumor cells was demonstrated in both histological types, and was considered to be characteristic of bovine epithelioid mesothelioma. Pleomorphic mesothelioma is far more pleomorphic and mitotically active than conventional mesothelioma, and its normal counterpart may be immature mesothelial cells with high proliferation potential, which exist in fetal life and early calfhood.
Topics: Animals; Biomarkers, Tumor; Cattle; Cattle Diseases; Diagnosis, Differential; Female; Immunohistochemistry; Lung Neoplasms; Mesothelioma; Mesothelioma, Malignant
PubMed: 34078754
DOI: 10.1292/jvms.20-0467 -
Expert Opinion on Drug Discovery Jun 2021Mesothelioma is an aggressive mesothelial lining tumor. Available drug therapies include chemotherapeutic agents, targeted molecular therapies, and immune system... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Mesothelioma is an aggressive mesothelial lining tumor. Available drug therapies include chemotherapeutic agents, targeted molecular therapies, and immune system modulators. Mouse models were instrumental in the discovery and evaluation of such therapies, but there is need for improved understanding of the role of inflammation, tumor heterogeneity, mechanisms of carcinogenesis, and the tumor microenvironment. Novel mouse models may provide new insights and drive drug therapy discovery that improves efficacy.
AREAS COVERED
This review concerns available mouse models for mesothelioma drug discovery and development including the advantages and disadvantages of each. Gaps in current knowledge of mesothelioma are highlighted, and future directions for mouse model research are considered.
EXPERT OPINION
Soon, CRISPR-Cas gene-editing will improve understanding of mesothelioma mechanisms foundational to the discovery and testing of efficacious therapeutic targets. There are at least two likely areas of upcoming methodology development. One is concerned with precise modeling of inflammation - is it a causal process whereby inflammatory signals contribute to tumor initiation, or is it a secondary passenger process driven by asbestos exposure effects? The other area of methods improvement regards the availability of humanized immunocompromised mice harboring patient-derived xenografts. Combining human tumors in an environment with human immune cells will enable rapid innovation in immuno-oncology therapeutics.
Topics: Animals; Asbestos; Carcinogenesis; Drug Discovery; Lung Neoplasms; Mesothelioma; Mesothelioma, Malignant; Mice; Tumor Microenvironment
PubMed: 33380218
DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2021.1867530