@article {pmid39871092,
year = {2025},
author = {Toyokuni, S and Kong, Y},
title = {Decoding the Molecular Enigma Behind Asbestos and Fibrous Nanomaterial-induced carcinogenesis.},
journal = {Journal of occupational health},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/joccuh/uiae064},
pmid = {39871092},
issn = {1348-9585},
abstract = {OBJECTIVES: Natural fibrous mineral, asbestos, has been useful in industry for many centuries. In the 1960's, epidemiology had recognized the association between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma and the IARC designated all kinds of asbestos as Group 1 in 1987. However, various scientific enigmas remained regarding the molecular mechanisms of asbestos-induced mesothelial carcinogenesis. This review article was undertaken to reveal and summarize the recent discoveries how the enigma has been resolved.

METHODS: We collected recent important findings of our own laboratory and the others to explain why mesothelial cells are the target for asbestos-induced carcinogenesis and what is the key molecular mechanisms.

RESULTS: Long incubation period of 30 ~ 40 years for mesothelial carcinogenesis after asbestos exposure is responsible for the asbestos fibers to go through the pulmonary parenchyma from the central to peripheral portions finally to reach the parietal mesothelium by piercing visceral pleura. Asbestos fibers have affinity for hemoglobin and histones, thus accumulating iron on the surface while travelling through the lung. The other important point is that mesothelial cells are phagocytic cells, engulfing iron-coated asbestos fibers. Accordingly, homozygous deletion of p16INK4a tumor suppressor gene, a signature of excess iron-induced carcinogenesis, is acquired through oxidative DNA damage. Recently, exosome-dependent iron transfer from asbestos-fed macrophages to mesothelial cells was reported. Similar molecular mechanisms are observed in multiwalled carbon nanotube of ~50-nm-diameter.

CONCLUSION: Physical dimension, biopersistence and affinity to iron/histones are essential for fibrous material to be carcinogenic to mesothelial cells. Therefore, local iron reduction maybe a strategy to prevent mesothelial carcinogenesis.},
}

@article {pmid39867168,
year = {2025},
author = {Jadhav, AV and Gawde, N and Veerappan, R and Choi, Y and Frank, AL},
title = {Understanding exposure risk using soil testing and GIS around an abandoned asbestos mine.},
journal = {Annals of global health},
volume = {91},
number = {1},
pages = {2},
pmid = {39867168},
issn = {2214-9996},
mesh = {*Mining ; Humans ; *Geographic Information Systems ; *Environmental Exposure/analysis ; India/epidemiology ; *Asbestos/analysis ; *Soil Pollutants/analysis ; Dust/analysis ; Soil/chemistry ; Asbestos, Serpentine/analysis ; Environmental Monitoring/methods ; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning ; },
abstract = {Background: Abandoned asbestos mines are a potential source of environmental contamination and exposure for nearby residents. The asbestos exposure risk may persist even after the cessation of mining activity if the mine is not properly closed. One such abandoned mine is at Roro Hills in the Jharkhand state of India. There are limited studies examining soil contamination and asbestos exposure to nearby residents due to abandoned mines. Objectives: The aim of this study is to examine the presence of asbestos in the residential areas of villages surrounding an abandoned asbestos mine and to understand the spread of visible asbestos dust using geographic information system map analysis. Methods: This study examined the presence of asbestos in soil samples from four villages surrounding an abandoned asbestos mine using the scanning electron microscopy technique. The study also compared satellite images taken 13 years apart to determine whether the mine waste containing asbestos had spread over time. Findings: The soil sample testing indicated that, out of 16 soil samples from residential areas, 12 showed the presence of chrysotile asbestos. It was found in the map analysis that asbestos-containing areas had enlarged by around 20% in those years. Conclusion: The evidence indicated the presence of asbestos in the soil of nearby residential areas around the mine, and this contamination has spread over the years. Similar studies at other mine locations are needed, and timely interventions are warranted to protect nearby residents.},
}

*Mining
Humans
*Geographic Information Systems
*Environmental Exposure/analysis
India/epidemiology
*Asbestos/analysis
*Soil Pollutants/analysis
Dust/analysis
Soil/chemistry
Asbestos, Serpentine/analysis
Environmental Monitoring/methods
Microscopy, Electron, Scanning

@article {pmid39447855,
year = {2024},
author = {Opitz, I and Lauk, O and Werner, R and Matter, A and Hebeisen, M and Battilana, B and Batirel, H and Pass, H and Flores, R and Wolf, A and de Perrot, M and Hoda, MA and Klepetko, W and Klikovits, T and Hashimoto, M and Hasegawa, S and Richards, WG and Bueno, R},
title = {Characteristics of Long-term Survivors With Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma.},
journal = {The Annals of thoracic surgery},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.athoracsur.2024.10.004},
pmid = {39447855},
issn = {1552-6259},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Pleural mesothelioma (PM) is a cancer with a usually dismal prognosis. However, long-term survivors do exist. Herein, we analyzed long-term survivors (>5 years after surgery) from high-volume centers around the world.

METHODS: This is a multicenter retrospective descriptive analysis of long-term survivors (overall survival ≥5 years from surgery) treated within a multimodality therapy approach, including macroscopic complete resection. Overall survival was calculated with Kaplan-Meier analysis, and patients were matched by center and surgery year and compared with a control group of short-term survivors (<2 years) in a conditional logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS: There were 276 long-term survivors (166 men [63%]), with a median age of 59 years (range 21-83 years) at the time of diagnosis. The histology was epithelioid for 246 patients and nonepithelioid for 30 patients. The disease was on the right side in 58% of the patients. As of this analysis, 148 patients had died, 104 were alive, and 10 were lost to follow-up. Pathologic tumor stages were: pT1 (n = 50), pT2 (n = 63), pT3 (n = 90), or pT4 (n = 16) and pN0 (n = 150), pN1 (n = 20), and pN2 (n = 39). The matched control data set included 333 patients, 95 cases and 238 controls. Comparing short- with long-term survivors, we found moderate evidence that a low white blood cell count before surgery was more often observed in long-term survivors.

CONCLUSIONS: The data show that long-term survival in PM is possible in a subgroup of surgically treated patients. Histologic subtype and white blood cell count seem to be prognosticators for longer survival.},
}

@article {pmid39833869,
year = {2025},
author = {Ahmad, Z and Jehanzeb, H and Hussain, SN and Umar, M and Saleem, H},
title = {A synchronous occurrence of breast cancer and pleural mesothelioma: a case report.},
journal = {Journal of medical case reports},
volume = {19},
number = {1},
pages = {25},
pmid = {39833869},
issn = {1752-1947},
mesh = {Humans ; Female ; *Pleural Neoplasms/therapy/pathology/diagnosis ; Adult ; *Breast Neoplasms/pathology ; *Neoplasms, Multiple Primary/pathology ; *Mesothelioma, Malignant/pathology ; Lung Neoplasms/pathology ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed ; Paclitaxel/therapeutic use ; Mesothelioma/pathology/diagnosis ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Malignant mesotheliomas are aggressive forms of tumors arising from mesothelial cells. The most common type is malignant pleural mesothelioma, which progresses rapidly and leads to pleural effusion. It typically affects older men and is strongly associated with asbestos exposure. However, a few studies have reported cases of malignant pleural mesothelioma resulting from non-asbestos factors, including radiotherapy for breast cancer, viruses, chronic inflammation, and BRCA1-associated protein-1-associated genetic mutations. Breast cancer is the most common sporadic cancer among women, and a small percentage of cases are related to genetic factors, such as BRCA1/2 and BRCA1-associated protein-1 mutations. While breast cancer can be linked with other primary malignancies through germline mutations, the synchronous occurrence of breast cancer with pleural mesothelioma is extremely rare.

CASE PRESENTATION: We present the case of a 40-year-old Pashtun woman diagnosed with primary breast cancer. She underwent surgery followed by chemotherapy (paclitaxel). During chemotherapy, she developed right-sided chest pain and dyspnea. A computed tomography scan revealed pleural thickening, and a pleural biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of malignant pleural mesothelioma, with positive results for the diagnostic markers WT1 and D240.

CONCLUSION: This case represents a rare occurrence of synchronous breast cancer and pleural mesothelioma in a 40-year-old female, and is the first case reported in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. These findings demonstrate the importance of comprehensive diagnostic testing and the potential role of genetic mutations in concurrent cancers. The challenge of simultaneously treating these cancers highlights the need for further research and the importance of multidisciplinary approaches.},
}

Humans
Female
*Pleural Neoplasms/therapy/pathology/diagnosis
Adult
*Breast Neoplasms/pathology
*Neoplasms, Multiple Primary/pathology
*Mesothelioma, Malignant/pathology
Lung Neoplasms/pathology
Tomography, X-Ray Computed
Paclitaxel/therapeutic use
Mesothelioma/pathology/diagnosis

@article {pmid39831243,
year = {2024},
author = {Vinci, L and Wanner, M and Karavasiloglou, N and Dressel, H and Barresi, F and Korol, D and Rohrmann, S},
title = {Incidence, mortality and survival of pleural mesothelioma in Zurich between 1981 and 2019, Switzerland.},
journal = {Journal of thoracic disease},
volume = {16},
number = {12},
pages = {8240-8249},
doi = {10.21037/jtd-24-766},
pmid = {39831243},
issn = {2072-1439},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Pleural mesothelioma is mainly caused by (occupational) asbestos exposure. Since 1990, the import and use of asbestos is prohibited in Switzerland. However, due to the long latency time between exposure and the development of disease, incidence in Switzerland was expected to further increase for years after the ban. The aim of the present study was to analyse incidence, mortality, and survival of patients diagnosed with malignant pleural mesothelioma in the canton of Zurich in Switzerland.

METHODS: Population-based cancer registry data and cause of death statistics of the canton of Zurich from 1981 to 2019 were used to calculate age-standardized incidence and mortality rates. Time trends were investigated with joinpoint regression and net survival was computed using the Pohar-Perme method.

RESULTS: In men, the incidence rate increased from 1981 to 2002 {annual percentage change (APC) 4.7 [95% confidence interval (CI): 2.6 to 6.8]}
and then decreased until 2019 [APC: -2.3 (95% CI: -4.2 to -0.3)], while in women it increased over the whole period [APC 6.2 (95% CI: -1.3 to 14.4)]. Mortality rates were stable in men and women. Three-year net survival was 9.7% (95% CI: 7.8% to 12.2%) for men and 22.1% (95% CI: 15.3% to 32.1%) for women. Men with stage I or II pleural mesothelioma had a net survival of 25.4% (95% CI: 17.2% to 37.5%) after three years whereas men with stage III or IV experienced a net survival of 7.4% (95% CI: 3.9% to 13.8%) after three years.

CONCLUSIONS: Malignant pleural mesothelioma incidence seems to have reached the peak in the canton of Zurich in men, but not yet in women. Mortality rates were stable in men and women, and net survival was poor for both sexes, particularly in men.},
}

@article {pmid39831064,
year = {2024},
author = {Jaurand, MC and Murphy, F and Felley-Bosco, E},
title = {Editorial: Asbestos and disease genomics: is mesothelioma a genomic paradigm?.},
journal = {Frontiers in toxicology},
volume = {6},
number = {},
pages = {1536344},
doi = {10.3389/ftox.2024.1536344},
pmid = {39831064},
issn = {2673-3080},
}

@article {pmid39818191,
year = {2025},
author = {Imai, H},
title = {Current drug therapy for pleural mesothelioma.},
journal = {Respiratory investigation},
volume = {63},
number = {2},
pages = {200-209},
doi = {10.1016/j.resinv.2024.12.017},
pmid = {39818191},
issn = {2212-5353},
abstract = {Pleural mesothelioma (PM) is a rare and highly aggressive malignancy originating from the pleural lining, with a median overall survival of merely 1 year. This cancer primarily arises from mesothelial cells following exposure to carcinogenic, biopersistent mineral fibers, particularly asbestos. The histological subtypes of mesothelioma are epithelioid (approximately 60%), sarcomatoid (20%), and biphasic (20%), exhibiting epithelioid and sarcomatoid characteristics. Classification is important for prognosis and guides the therapeutic strategy. Due to the typical late presentation, most patients with PM are ineligible for localized treatments such as surgery or radiotherapy. Systemic therapy, including cytotoxic chemotherapy, targeted therapies, and immunotherapy, is thus critical for managing advanced PM. For unresectable PM, decisions regarding systemic treatment are guided by patient suitability and histological characteristics. First-line therapies for advanced PM currently include the cisplatin-pemetrexed combination and the nivolumab-ipilimumab regimen. Historically, cisplatin-pemetrexed has been administered as first-line treatment, though recent advancements have introduced new therapies that significantly prolong patient survival. Innovative approaches combining immunotherapy and chemotherapy offer promising avenues for further improvement. Future treatment strategies should incorporate novel paradigms, such as combination chemo-immunotherapy, targeted agents, and potential cellular therapies, alongside companion biomarkers tailored to the histologic and molecular diversity of mesothelioma. This review explores the latest advancements in drug therapy for PM and provides an overview of current systemic treatment options.},
}

@article {pmid39791266,
year = {2025},
author = {Kadariya, Y and Sementino, E and Hua, X and Kappes, DJ and Testa, JR},
title = {Modeling Malignant Mesothelioma in Genetically Engineered Mice.},
journal = {Current protocols},
volume = {5},
number = {1},
pages = {e70086},
doi = {10.1002/cpz1.70086},
pmid = {39791266},
issn = {2691-1299},
mesh = {Animals ; *Mesothelioma/genetics/chemically induced/pathology ; Mice ; *Disease Models, Animal ; *Mesothelioma, Malignant/genetics/pathology ; *Lung Neoplasms/genetics/chemically induced/pathology ; Humans ; Asbestos/toxicity ; Mice, Transgenic ; Genetic Engineering ; },
abstract = {Mesothelioma is a lethal cancer of the serosal lining of the body cavities. Risk factors include environmental and genetic factors. Asbestos exposure is considered the principal environmental risk factor, but other carcinogenic mineral fibers, such as erionite, also have a causal role. Pathogenic germline (heritable) mutations of specific genes, especially BAP1, are thought to predispose the individual to mesothelioma in about 10% of cases. Somatic mutations and deletions of specific tumor suppressor genes, particularly BAP1, CDKN2A/B, and NF2, occur frequently in human mesothelioma, and asbestos-exposed mice with heterozygous deletions of any one of these genes have been shown to develop mesothelioma more often and at an accelerated rate than in control animals. Autochthonous mesothelioma mouse models, which are genetically engineered to carry multiple genetic lesions matching those observed in the human disease counterpart, closely resemble the disease phenotype and the extensive inflammatory responses that characterize human mesothelioma. Because autochthonous mice do not require asbestos exposure and form tumors rapidly, these models are invaluable for assessing novel therapeutic strategies in an immunocompetent setting. The overlapping genetic, epigenetic, and immune environments of the tumors observed in these genetically engineered mouse models (GEMMs) and human primary mesothelioma specimens support the clinical relevance of these preclinical models. This article presents protocols for studies of asbestos-induced mesothelioma in GEMMs and non-carcinogenic conditional knockout models of mesothelioma, including an example of a preclinical application. These models are invaluable for understanding the biological underpinnings of mesothelioma and for testing new therapeutics and chemoprevention or interception agents. © 2025 Wiley Periodicals LLC. Basic Protocol 1: Generation of a genetically engineered mouse model (GEMM) with a germline Bap1 knockout allele Basic Protocol 2: Generation of GEMMs with germline Bap1 knock-in alleles Basic Protocol 3: Asbestos carcinogenicity investigations with GEMMs Basic Protocol 4: Preclinical chemoprevention and chemotherapy studies using a GEMM with asbestos-induced mesothelioma Basic Protocol 5: Generation of a GEMM with conditional knockout of Bap1 Basic Protocol 6: Generation of a conditional knockout model of mesothelioma.},
}

Animals
*Mesothelioma/genetics/chemically induced/pathology
Mice
*Disease Models, Animal
*Mesothelioma, Malignant/genetics/pathology
*Lung Neoplasms/genetics/chemically induced/pathology
Humans
Asbestos/toxicity
Mice, Transgenic
Genetic Engineering

@article {pmid39776006,
year = {2025},
author = {Franzoi, IG and Sauta, MD and Bonafede, M and Francioso, G and De Luca, A and Barbagli, F and Granieri, A},
title = {Psychological Distress in Patients With Asbestos-Related Diseases and Their Families: A Systematic Literature Review.},
journal = {Psycho-oncology},
volume = {34},
number = {1},
pages = {e70051},
doi = {10.1002/pon.70051},
pmid = {39776006},
issn = {1099-1611},
mesh = {Humans ; *Caregivers/psychology ; *Asbestos ; *Psychological Distress ; Quality of Life/psychology ; Mesothelioma, Malignant/psychology ; Anxiety/psychology ; Depression/psychology ; Stress, Psychological/psychology ; Occupational Exposure/adverse effects ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Exposure to asbestos in the workplace is currently recognized as one of the leading causes of work-related deaths, with more than half of deaths attributable to cancer.

AIMS: The aim of this systematic literature review was to investigate the mental health and psychological distress of patients affected by asbestos-related diseases and their caregivers.

METHODS: The review was conducted using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. The studies were identified in October 2023 by searching four electronic databases: Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed and PsycInfo/PsycArtcicles. Risk of bias was assessed using the JBI checklist.

RESULTS: Fourteen articles were identified. The studies focused exclusively on the psychological distress of patients with malignant mesothelioma (MM) and their caregivers. MM appears to have traumatic effects on both patients and caregivers, who may experience anxiety and depression, an impoverished emotional life, somatization, social withdrawal, and a deterioration in their quality of life. In addition, a need for information about MM, its progression and associated care tasks was identified, and patients and caregivers reported frequently seeking information from online sources.

CONCLUSIONS: Our review has shown that there are still few studies addressing psychological distress in MM patients and their caregivers, and none addressing distress in the context of other asbestos-related diseases. The somatopsychic consequences of MM in patients and caregivers should encourage institutions and health professionals to develop assessment and intervention models that are tailored to the specific suffering and needs of MM patients and their caregivers and promote their residual vitality.},
}

Humans
*Caregivers/psychology
*Asbestos
*Psychological Distress
Quality of Life/psychology
Mesothelioma, Malignant/psychology
Anxiety/psychology
Depression/psychology
Stress, Psychological/psychology
Occupational Exposure/adverse effects

@article {pmid39773018,
year = {2025},
author = {Pyana Kitenge, J and Dubbeldam, A and Said-Hartley, Q and Ronsmans, S and Jeebhay, M and Nemery, B},
title = {Asbestos-related diseases in Africa: sentinel cases of mesothelioma and asbestosis from DR Congo.},
journal = {Pulmonology},
volume = {31},
number = {1},
pages = {2449268},
doi = {10.1080/25310429.2024.2449268},
pmid = {39773018},
issn = {2531-0437},
}

@article {pmid39765992,
year = {2024},
author = {Ferrante, P},
title = {Respiratory Diseases with High Occupational Fraction in Italy: Results from the Italian Hospital Discharge Registry (2010-2021).},
journal = {Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {12},
number = {24},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/healthcare12242565},
pmid = {39765992},
issn = {2227-9032},
abstract = {OBJECTIVES: Occupational respiratory diseases represent a major public health concern worldwide. This study analyses the hospitalization costs and characteristics of four major occupational respiratory diseases: malignant mesothelioma (MM), sinonasal cancer (SNC), pneumoconiosis (PN), and hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP). The findings are situated within the context of Italy's population trends and healthcare system, offering insights into the economic and clinical burden of these diseases.

STUDY DESIGN: This retrospective, population-based study examines Italian hospitalizations for MM, SNC, PN, and HP during the period 2010-2021. The primary outcomes were the number of hospitalizations, length of stay, and associated cost. Costs were derived from charges linked to diagnosis-related groups (version 24) and major diagnostic category coding systems.

RESULTS: Though the Italian population is rapidly aging, the annual number and rate of hospitalizations declined by 35% over the study period. SNC hospitalizations aligned with the overall trend, PN and MM experienced faster declines, whereas HP admissions remained steady. MM emerged as the most resource-intensive (EUR 25 million yearly, with 86% attributable to occupation), followed by PN (EUR 10 million, entirely occupational), SNC (EUR 5 million, with EUR 650,000 occupational), and HP (EUR 2 million, with EUR 370,000 occupational). All studied diseases had an average length of stay exceeding the national one. The SNC admissions were the shortest (6.5 days) and least expensive (EUR 3647). In contrast, MM, PN, and HP had a mean length of stay exceeding 10 days, with admission costs averaging EUR 4700 for MM and EUR 4000 for PN and HP. The median age was the highest for PN (78 years) and MM (71 years), while SNC and HP patients had a median age of approximately 65 years.

CONCLUSIONS: Consistent with their anticipated benefits, Italian workplace health regulations over the last three decades, including the 1992 asbestos ban and D.lgs. 81/2008, are associated with significant reductions in the hospitalization burden and an increased median age at discharge for MM and PN. In contrast, fewer conclusions can be drawn for SNC and HP due to their lower occupational fractions (10-20%). This finding suggests adding an occupational exposure flag in hospital records for acknowledged occupational diseases to enhance surveillance. Finally, this study provides the first estimate of the occupational fraction of hospitalization costs for the studied diseases in Italy.},
}

@article {pmid39758284,
year = {2025},
author = {Bertolotti, M and Tamburro, M and Salzo, A and Cassinari, A and Crivellari, S and Bertolina, C and Farotto, M and Adesso, C and Di Palma, MA and Natale, A and Torregiani, F and Pacileo, G and Maconi, A and Ripabelli, G},
title = {Knowledge and awareness of asbestos risk among General Practitioners: Validation of a questionnaire in an area with a high incidence of asbestos-related diseases.},
journal = {Preventive medicine reports},
volume = {49},
number = {},
pages = {102940},
pmid = {39758284},
issn = {2211-3355},
abstract = {OBJECTIVE: Given the critical role of general practitioners (GPs) in the early diagnosis and management of asbestos-related diseases (ARDs), and the significant history of asbestos fibres pollution in Alessandria Local Health Authority (ASL AL), this project aimed to assess the knowledge and awareness of asbestos risks, as well as the experience in diagnosing ARDs among GPs working in Alessandria province, Northern Italy.

METHODS: A questionnaire was administered to 216 GPs from all ASL AL territorial districts during 26 Territorial Assistance Equipes (EATs) meetings, held from September 2022 to January 2023. It contained 29 questions covering three main areas: 'knowledge and awareness', 'competence and experience', 'sociodemographic characteristics and workload'.

RESULTS: Although GPs were aware of the health hazards of asbestos (94 %) and the increased risk of mesothelioma from asbestos exposure (92.6 %), significant disparities and heterogeneity of knowledge were observed among territorial districts and by comparing Casale Monferrato district with all the others, particularly regarding asbestos exposure routes, reporting of occupational diseases, and mesothelioma latency.

CONCLUSIONS: This project provides a comprehensive overview of GPs' knowledge, awareness and experience in managing ARDs, providing indications of customised training requirements. This evaluation could be extended to all areas with a history of previous asbestos exposure and provide a useful tool for policy makers to define and plan strategic actions on asbestos. This work could also be adapted to different realities with a history of environmental pollutant exposure other than asbestos, which pose a risk for the development of several diseases.},
}

@article {pmid39751851,
year = {2025},
author = {D'Alonzo, RA and Keam, S and Gill, S and Rowshanfarzad, P and Nowak, AK and Ebert, MA and Cook, AM},
title = {Fractionated low-dose radiotherapy primes the tumor microenvironment for immunotherapy in a murine mesothelioma model.},
journal = {Cancer immunology, immunotherapy : CII},
volume = {74},
number = {2},
pages = {44},
pmid = {39751851},
issn = {1432-0851},
support = {APP1197652//National Health & Medical Research Council with a Centre of Research Excellence/ ; APP1197652//National Health & Medical Research Council with a Centre of Research Excellence/ ; APP1197652//National Health & Medical Research Council with a Centre of Research Excellence/ ; 1163065//Cancer Australia Priority-driven Collaborative Cancer Research Scheme/ ; 1163065//Cancer Australia Priority-driven Collaborative Cancer Research Scheme/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Mice ; *Tumor Microenvironment/immunology/radiation effects ; *Immunotherapy/methods ; *Mesothelioma/radiotherapy/immunology/therapy/pathology ; *Disease Models, Animal ; Dose Fractionation, Radiation ; Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors/therapeutic use/pharmacology ; Female ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Humans ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Combined Modality Therapy/methods ; },
abstract = {Combination immune checkpoint inhibitors (nivolumab and ipilimumab) are currently a first-line treatment for mesothelioma; however, not all patients respond. The efficacy of treatment is influenced by the tumor microenvironment. Murine mesothelioma tumors were irritated with various radiotherapy doses. Radiotherapy induced vasculature changes were monitored by power Doppler and photoacoustic ultrasound and analyzed via mixed-effects models. Tissue staining was used to investigate the immune cell infiltrate of tumors. The optimal radiotherapy schedule was combined with immune checkpoint inhibitors, and the survival of mice was analyzed. Using low-dose, low-fraction radiotherapy allowed favorable modification of the murine mesothelioma tumor microenvironment. Irradiating tumors with 2 Gy × 5 fractions significantly improved blood flow and reduced hypoxia, consequently increasing the presence of CD8[+] and regulatory T cells in the tumor. Understanding the transient nature of these changes is crucial for optimizing the timing of therapeutic delivery. The combination of radiotherapy with dual immunotherapy (anti-PD-1 plus anti-CTLA-4) proved highly curative when administered concurrently. A diminishing rate of cures was noted with an increasing delay between radiotherapy and subsequent immunotherapy. Concurrent low-dose, low-fraction radiotherapy emerges as a translatable approach for improving the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors in patients.},
}

Animals
Mice
*Tumor Microenvironment/immunology/radiation effects
*Immunotherapy/methods
*Mesothelioma/radiotherapy/immunology/therapy/pathology
*Disease Models, Animal
Dose Fractionation, Radiation
Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors/therapeutic use/pharmacology
Female
Mice, Inbred C57BL
Humans
Cell Line, Tumor
Combined Modality Therapy/methods

@article {pmid39747518,
year = {2025},
author = {Nielsen, DM and Hsu, M and Zapata, M and Ciavarra, G and van Zyl, L},
title = {Bayesian analysis of the rate of spontaneous malignant mesothelioma among BAP1 mutant mice in the absence of asbestos exposure.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {169},
pmid = {39747518},
issn = {2045-2322},
abstract = {Cancers of the mesothelium, such as malignant mesothelioma (MM), historically have been attributed solely to exposure to asbestos. Recent large scale genetic and genomic functional studies now show that approximately 20% of all human mesotheliomas are causally linked to highly penetrant inherited (germline) pathogenic mutations in numerous cancer related genes. The rarity of these mutations in humans makes it difficult to perform statistically conclusive genetic studies to understand their biological effects. This has created a disconnect between functional and epidemiological studies. However, since the molecular pathogenesis of MM in mice accurately recapitulates that of human disease, this disconnect between functional and epidemiological studies can be overcome by using inbred mouse strains that harbor mutation(s) in genes involved in the disease. Most mouse studies have focused on the effect of asbestos exposure, leaving the effects of genetic mutations in the absence of exposure understudied. Here, using existing peer-reviewed studies, we investigate the rate of spontaneous MM among mice with and without germline genetic mutations, in the absence of asbestos exposure. We leveraged these published data to generate a historical control dataset (HCD) to allow us to improve statistical power and account for genetic heterogeneity between studies. Our Bayesian analyses indicate that the odds of spontaneous MM among germline BAP1 mutant mice is substantially larger than that of wildtype mice. These results support the existing biological study findings that mesotheliomas can arise in the presence of pathogenic germline mutations, independently of asbestos exposure.},
}

@article {pmid39737233,
year = {2024},
author = {Franzoi, IG},
title = {Rediscovering one's own voice in a brief psychoanalytic group intervention aimed at malignant mesothelioma patients and their families.},
journal = {Frontiers in psychology},
volume = {15},
number = {},
pages = {1471057},
pmid = {39737233},
issn = {1664-1078},
abstract = {Occupational and/or environmental exposure to asbestos can lead to clinical manifestation of a variety of diseases, including malignant mesothelioma (MM), a rare cancer with a particularly high incidence rate in areas with a long history of asbestos processing. This paper aims to describe brief psychoanalytic groups (BPGs), which is an intervention model aimed at MM patients and their families in the early stages of the disease, shortly after diagnosis. The BPG model comprises 12 weekly sessions of 1 h each, co-led by two psychoanalytically oriented psychotherapists who are trained in working with cancer patients and their families and in the specifics of the BPG setting. Reflections in this paper on the BPGs will attempt to trace the voice of the group in clinical material, paying attention to its horizontal unfolding as a melodic development over time and its vertical unfolding as a harmonic interweaving between the different individual voices, which, even when opposed to each other, can find a generative interlocking of meaning. In the BPG, then, it is possible to set in motion transformations that allow one to embrace the different and diverse affective colorations of experience, evolve toward a thinking that is capable of incorporating intense emotions related to death and grief, follow healthier paths of interaction on an intrapsychic and interpersonal level, and find traces of one's own vitality.},
}

@article {pmid39731918,
year = {2024},
author = {Chin, WL and Cook, AM and Chee, J and Principe, N and Hoang, TS and Kidman, J and Hmon, KPW and Yeow, Y and Jones, ME and Hou, R and Denisenko, E and McDonnell, AM and Hon, CC and Moody, J and Anderson, D and Yip, S and Cummins, MM and Stockler, MR and Kok, PS and Brown, C and John, T and Kao, SC and Karikios, DJ and O'Byrne, KJ and Hughes, BGM and Lake, RA and Forrest, ARR and Nowak, AK and Lassmann, T and Lesterhuis, WJ},
title = {Coupling of response biomarkers between tumor and peripheral blood in patients undergoing chemoimmunotherapy.},
journal = {Cell reports. Medicine},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {101882},
doi = {10.1016/j.xcrm.2024.101882},
pmid = {39731918},
issn = {2666-3791},
abstract = {Platinum-based chemotherapy in combination with anti-PD-L1 antibodies has shown promising results in mesothelioma. However, the immunological mechanisms underlying its efficacy are not well understood and there are no predictive biomarkers to guide treatment decisions. Here, we combine time course RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) of peripheral blood mononuclear cells with pre-treatment tumor transcriptome data from the single-arm, phase 2 DREAM trial (N = 54). Single-cell RNA-seq and T cell receptor sequencing (TCR-seq) reveal that CD8[+] T effector memory (TEM) cells with stem-like properties are more abundant in peripheral blood of responders and that this population expands upon treatment. These peripheral blood changes are linked to the transcriptional state of the tumor microenvironment. Combining information from both compartments, rather than individually, is most predictive of response. Our study highlights complex interactions between the tumor and immune cells in peripheral blood during objective tumor responses to chemoimmunotherapy. This trial is registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry, number ACTRN12616001170415.},
}

@article {pmid39697085,
year = {2024},
author = {Kurzhunbaeva, Z and Dzhusupov, K and Spinazzè, A and Visonà, SD and Sulaimanova, C and Kasymov, O and Belluso, E and Colosio, C},
title = {Human Exposure to Asbestos in Central Asian Countries and Health Effects: A Narrative Review.},
journal = {La Medicina del lavoro},
volume = {115},
number = {6},
pages = {e2024042},
doi = {10.23749/mdl.v115i6.15453},
pmid = {39697085},
issn = {0025-7818},
mesh = {Humans ; *Asbestos/adverse effects ; Environmental Exposure/adverse effects ; Occupational Exposure/adverse effects ; Asia, Central/epidemiology ; Asbestosis/epidemiology/etiology ; Kazakhstan/epidemiology ; Mesothelioma/etiology/epidemiology ; },
abstract = {The discovery of the detrimental effects of asbestos on human health came long after its widespread use, with the first scientific evidence of asbestos-related diseases emerging in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Despite efforts to ban its use, asbestos continues to be mined and used in Central Asia (as well as in Russia, China, and other countries). To gain a deeper understanding of the situation in Central Asia, we have conducted a systematic review of scientific literature on the use of asbestos, exposure assessment, and health consequences of asbestos exposure in this geographic area. This review encompasses studies about exposure assessments, epidemiological data, and biochemical or clinical surveys conducted in Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Kyrgyzstan. A total of 18 articles met the inclusion criteria, and their content is summarised in this review, which represents the first attempt to systematically examine research on asbestos and its impact on the health of workers and the general population in Central Asia countries, including literature published in Russian and English. The findings here highlighted the substantial limitations of the currently available knowledge about the impact of asbestos on health in this geographical area.},
}

Humans
*Asbestos/adverse effects
Environmental Exposure/adverse effects
Occupational Exposure/adverse effects
Asia, Central/epidemiology
Asbestosis/epidemiology/etiology
Kazakhstan/epidemiology
Mesothelioma/etiology/epidemiology

@article {pmid39686704,
year = {2024},
author = {Meisenkothen, C},
title = {Underestimation of Chrysotile Health Risk due to Under-ascertainment of Mesothelioma: Evidence from a Century of Connecticut's Experience with the "Magic Mineral".},
journal = {New solutions : a journal of environmental and occupational health policy : NS},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {10482911241303469},
doi = {10.1177/10482911241303469},
pmid = {39686704},
issn = {1541-3772},
abstract = {Over a century ago, Connecticut industry began using chrysotile asbestos. Chrysotile found a home in several factories that used it exclusively or predominantly. The occurrence of mesothelioma in 4 of those factories is the subject of this paper-2 have been reported previously and are updated here with new information; one was the subject of a prior internal corporate study that was never published; one is reported here for the first time. Twenty-four cases of mesothelioma have been identified among these workers, including several who had no known amphibole exposure. It is likely that additional cases of mesothelioma have been missed. The full scale of the hazard may never be completely known, but reports such as the present one add to the weight of evidence that chrysotile causes mesothelioma in humans and that the full extent of the epidemic is probably wider than retrospective studies have revealed. Continued vigilance is required.},
}

@article {pmid39682143,
year = {2024},
author = {Stella, S and Ceresoli, GL and Dallari, B and Barile, R and Maisenti, F and Rugarli, S and Marinaccio, A and Consonni, D and Mensi, C},
title = {Mesothelioma of the Tunica Vaginalis Testis: Diagnostic and Therapeutic Management. A Comprehensive Review, 1982-2024.},
journal = {Cancers},
volume = {16},
number = {23},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/cancers16233956},
pmid = {39682143},
issn = {2072-6694},
support = {BRIC INAIL ID 66/2022 [Grant PB-0184]//INAIL: Istituto Nazionale per l'Assicurazione contro gli Infortuni sul Lavoro/ ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Mesothelioma of the tunica vaginalis testis (MTVT) is an extremely rare and aggressive cancer. The diagnosis and management of MTVT is complex, and no standard treatment protocol is available.

METHODS: We conducted a systematic literature review from 1 January 1982 to 14 March 2024 using PubMed to collect all the available case reports and case series. A descriptive analysis of patient characteristics with clinical presentation, diagnostic work-up, therapeutic management, and past asbestos exposure was performed. Survival times of patients treated with different therapeutic approaches were evaluated.

RESULTS: Overall, 289 patients with MTVT were included in our analysis. The most common clinical presentations were scrotal/testicular swelling or mass (187 patients, 65%) and the presence of hydrocele (159, 55%). Imaging evaluation, mostly with ultrasonography or CT scan, was reported in two-thirds of cases. Radical surgery (216 patients, 75%) with orchiectomy and, in select cases, hemiscrotectomy and inguinal lymphadenectomy was the most frequent therapeutic approach. A minority of patients (49, 17%) received adjuvant therapy after surgery (radiotherapy, chemotherapy, or a combination of the two), with no evidence of survival improvement.

CONCLUSIONS: No standard guidelines for MTVT are available so far. Radical surgery following accurate radiological staging should be the mainstay of treatment. The role of adjuvant treatments remains undefined. Due to its rarity, MTVT should be treated in referral centers, and patients' data should be collected in a dedicated register in order to improve the knowledge of this exceedingly rare disease and establish optimal diagnostic and therapeutic management.},
}

@article {pmid39679483,
year = {2024},
author = {Taiano, L and Porzio, A and Massari, S and Iavicoli, I and Palladino, R and Menegozzo, S and Mensi, C and Binazzi, A and Menegozzo, M and Marinaccio, A},
title = {[Mortality due to mesothelioma and asbestosis in Campania Region (Southern Italy): perspectives for reducing asbestos exposure].},
journal = {Epidemiologia e prevenzione},
volume = {48},
number = {6},
pages = {429-437},
doi = {10.19191/EP24.6.A754.134},
pmid = {39679483},
issn = {1120-9763},
mesh = {Humans ; Italy/epidemiology ; *Asbestosis/mortality ; Female ; Male ; *Mesothelioma/mortality ; *Asbestos/adverse effects ; Aged ; Middle Aged ; Environmental Exposure/adverse effects ; Lung Neoplasms/mortality ; Aged, 80 and over ; Adult ; },
abstract = {OBJECTIVES: to provide an overview of the geographical distribution of mesothelioma and asbestosis deaths in the Campania Region (Southern Italy) occurred from 2005 to 2018 and to identify areas at higher risk.

DESIGN: for each municipality, Standardized Mortality Ratios (SMRs) for mesothelioma and asbestosis have been estimated from the mortality data provided by the Italian National Institute of Statistics (Istat). Deaths for which mesothelioma and asbestosis were identified as the underlying causes, according to the classification system ICD-10 codes (C45 and J61, respectively), were included. Expected cases were estimated applying age- and gender-specific mortality rates in Campania on resident populations of each municipality. Furthermore, the association between the municipal SMR and the local socioeconomic deprivation index based on the 2011 General Census of Population and Housing was also analysed.

SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: Campania Region.

MAIN OUTCOMES MEASURES: the study outcomes were standardized mortality ratios for mesothelioma and asbestosis and the identification of territorial subareas.

RESULTS: a total of 998 deaths attributed to mesothelioma and 62 to asbestosis were identified. No cases of death due to mesothelioma or asbestosis were reported in the province of Benevento. A significant increase in mortality due to mesothelioma was observed across 34 municipalities. These findings show that several municipalities within the province of Naples display a high increase in mortality due to mesothelioma and asbestosis, with 506 deaths in total and 246 cases recorded in the municipality of Naples against 178,37 expected (SMR 1,38; 90%CI 1.24-1.53). In 15 municipalities, a notable increase in mortality for asbestosis was recorded; in Naples, 28 cases occurred (SMR 2,51; 90%CI 1.84-3.42). The overlap between mortality maps for mesothelioma and asbestosis confirms the existence of areas subjected to definite and prolonged asbestos exposure. Additionally, a correlation with the deprivation index was noted: the pooled SMR by quintiles increases with higher quintiles of the deprivation index, for both mesothelioma and asbestosis.

CONCLUSIONS: results highlight the crucial need for epidemiological surveillance of asbestos-related diseases in Campania. Actively searching out for new cases of mesothelioma in the entire region is a crucial task in primary prevention of occupational, environmental, and domestic exposures to asbestos.},
}

Humans
Italy/epidemiology
*Asbestosis/mortality
Female
Male
*Mesothelioma/mortality
*Asbestos/adverse effects
Aged
Middle Aged
Environmental Exposure/adverse effects
Lung Neoplasms/mortality
Aged, 80 and over
Adult

@article {pmid39668371,
year = {2024},
author = {Tibaldi, E and Gnudi, F and Mandrioli, D and Bruno, C and Zona, A and Fazzo, L and Comba, P},
title = {Pathological characterization of lung fibrosis in Sprague-Dawley rats treated with fluoro-edenite fibres by intrapleural injection.},
journal = {Journal of occupational medicine and toxicology (London, England)},
volume = {19},
number = {1},
pages = {45},
pmid = {39668371},
issn = {1745-6673},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: An increased incidence of pleural mesotheliomas in Biancavilla (Italy) was attributed to the environmental exposure to fluoro-edenite (FE). Results from the Ramazzini Institute (RI) in vivo long-term study confirmed the evidence that exposure to FE fibres is correlated with an increase of malignant pleural mesotheliomas in Sprague-Dawley rats. Recently asbestosis-like features were substantiated in Biancavilla residents without known occupational exposures. Aim of this work was to establish whether FE induce lung fibrosis with a pathogenetic mechanism similar to other asbestiform fibres.

METHODS: Original slides from the RI study were systematically re-examined to characterize the FE-induced lesions. Quantitative analysis of lung fibrosis was assessed following the Ashcroft method. Immunohistochemical analysis of protein involved in fibrotic responses and histochemical staining for FE-fibres identification were performed.

RESULTS: Like asbestos, FE caused fibrotic lesions, pleural plaques or nodules and mesotheliomas. A significant increase of lung fibrosis (p < 0.001) was observed in the FE-treated groups compared to untreated controls. In the fibrotic responses to FE, vimentin was the most expressed protein, followed by collagen-I and alpha-SMA. Finally, ferruginous bodies, characterized by iron deposits and ferritin expression, were observed in FE-induced lesions.

CONCLUSIONS: This study confirmed that FE exposure promotes the onset of fibrotic lesions at pleural level, as fibrous plaques or nodules and fibrosis, through a mechanism similar to other form of asbestos. These results combined with epidemiological study reported in Biancavilla residents, corroborate the need to promote health and epidemiological surveillance plans of respiratory diseases in population living in FE contaminated sites.},
}

@article {pmid39611075,
year = {2024},
author = {Fadl, L and Fadl, M and Fadl, O and Thaplar G Gouda, SG and Mirza, H},
title = {A Case Report of Peritoneal Mesothelioma as an Acute Abdomen Mimic: A Rare Presentation and Diagnostic Challenges.},
journal = {Cureus},
volume = {16},
number = {11},
pages = {e74598},
pmid = {39611075},
issn = {2168-8184},
abstract = {Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma (MPM) is a rare and aggressive cancer often linked to asbestos exposure. This case report presents a 60-year-old man with a history of asbestos exposure who developed MPM, initially presenting with acute abdominal pain, an uncommon mimic of the acute abdomen. Diagnosing MPM is challenging due to its vague symptoms, often leading to delayed diagnosis. Additionally, the patient developed internal jugular vein thrombosis, a rare complication associated with malignancies. This case highlights the rare presentation of peritoneal mesothelioma as an acute abdomen mimic, the diagnostic complexities associated with MPM, and the rare type of thromboembolic event in this case.},
}

@article {pmid39609252,
year = {2024},
author = {Visonà, SD and Untalan, M and Bertoglio, B and Capella, S and Belluso, E and Billò, M and Ivic-Pavlicic, T and Taioli, E},
title = {Asbestos Burden in Lungs of Subjects Deceased From Mesothelioma Who Lived in Proximity to an Asbestos Factory: A Topographic Post-Mortem SEM-EDS Study.},
journal = {American journal of industrial medicine},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1002/ajim.23680},
pmid = {39609252},
issn = {1097-0274},
support = {//The authors received no specific funding for this work./ ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Asbestos exposure and its pathological consequences, especially malignant mesothelioma (MM) still represent a major public health problem on a global scale. After the ban of asbestos in most western countries, nonoccupational exposure plays an essential role in MM pathogenesis. However, few studies have quantified asbestos lung burden after environmental exposure. The main objective of this work is to understand if asbestos lung content is different between occupationally and environmentally exposed individuals, and if the distance between the subjects' residences and the source of exposure is significantly associated with the asbestos lung burden.

METHODS: In this retrospective, observational study we quantified, with analytical scanning electron microscopy, asbestos content in lungs of individuals deceased from MM between 2005 and 2019, who were exposed to asbestos (occupationally and/or environmentally) in Broni, a small town in northern Italy where an important asbestos-cement plant operated until 1993.

RESULTS: We analyzed asbestos lung content of 77 subjects. We found that the asbestos lung content in MM patients who lived around the asbestos factory was as high as that seen in occupationally exposed individuals; this holds true in residents up to 10 km radius from the factory. We found no significant associations between the residence duration/distance ratio and asbestos lung burden.

CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that heavy asbestos pollution involves not only the area adjacent to the factory, but the entire town of Broni and the surroundings. This is alarming if we consider that most asbestos factories still active in some countries are located close to towns and dwellings.},
}

@article {pmid39607779,
year = {2024},
author = {Faccioli, E and Dell'Amore, A and Lorenzoni, G and Schiavon, M and Canu, G and Pasello, G and Zambello, G and Sepulcri, M and Sambataro, V and Labella, F and Giraudo, C and Gregori, D and Calabrese, F and Rea, F},
title = {Surgery for pleural mesothelioma in multimodality setting: comparison between surgical techniques in a high-volume center.},
journal = {European journal of cardio-thoracic surgery : official journal of the European Association for Cardio-thoracic Surgery},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/ejcts/ezae431},
pmid = {39607779},
issn = {1873-734X},
abstract = {OBJECTIVES: Pleural mesothelioma (PM) is an aggressive disease linked to asbestos exposure, presenting significant treatment challenges. The recommended approach is multimodal treatment, even if the concept of resectable PM and the superiority of one surgical technique over the other [(extended) pleurectomy decortication [(E)PD] vs extra-pleural pneumonectomy (EPP)] are matter of debates. The aim of this study is to compare the two techniques in terms of short- and long-term outcomes at a high-volume center.

METHODS: Clinical data from PM patients who underwent radical surgery [(E)PD and EPP] between 1994 and 2022 were collected. A propensity score weighting approach was used for non-random intervention allocation. Survival distribution was estimated using Kaplan-Meier method and the association with outcomes was evaluated using a weighted Cox Proportional Hazard Models.

RESULTS: Among 254 patients, 125 (49%) underwent EPP and 129 (51%) (E)PD. The 90-day mortality was higher in the EPP group (7.2% vs 0%; p = 0.01). No difference in 1-,3- and 5-year survival was found: 65.8%, 26%, 17% for EPP and 75.5%, 39.7% and 21.3% for (E)PD; p = 0.39). The multivariable weighted Cox model identified no increased risk of death (HR 1.25; p = 0.49) or recurrence (HR 1.05; p = 0.858) in the EPP group. Pre-operative total lung capacity (TLC) was significantly associated with a reduced risk of death (HR 0.96; p = 0.023) and recurrence (HR 0.97; p = 0.019) at follow-up while preoperative disease burden to a higher risk of recurrence (HR 1.01; p = 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS: Our experience showed acceptable short- and long-term outcomes in both procedures, making EPP still an option only for carefully selected patients at high volume center. Surgery, although recently debated, should be performed exclusively in expert centers to minimize post-operative risks. The identification of new prognostic factors is crucial for better selecting patients who may benefit from surgery within the context of multimodal treatment.},
}

@article {pmid39604235,
year = {2024},
author = {Chen, YQ and Gao, ZB and Shen, W and Ying, SB and He, XL and Zhang, X and Jiang, ZQ and Lou, JL},
title = {[The prognostic value of BAP1 protein loss in patients with malignant mesothelioma].},
journal = {Zhonghua lao dong wei sheng zhi ye bing za zhi = Zhonghua laodong weisheng zhiyebing zazhi = Chinese journal of industrial hygiene and occupational diseases},
volume = {42},
number = {11},
pages = {815-820},
doi = {10.3760/cma.j.cn121094-20240112-00016},
pmid = {39604235},
issn = {1001-9391},
support = {KYYB202113//The Basic Scientific Research Business Fee and Basic Scientific Research Plan of Hangzhou Medical College/ ; 81973011//The National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; //The Key Discipline of Zhejiang Province in Public Health and Preventive Medicine (First Class, Category A) of Hangzhou Medical College/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *Ubiquitin Thiolesterase/metabolism ; Female ; *Tumor Suppressor Proteins/metabolism ; Male ; Middle Aged ; *Mesothelioma, Malignant/metabolism ; Prognosis ; *Lung Neoplasms/metabolism ; Aged ; *Mesothelioma/metabolism ; Survival Rate ; Kaplan-Meier Estimate ; Proportional Hazards Models ; Adult ; },
abstract = {Objective: To explore the prognostic value of BRCA1-associated protein 1 (BAP1) expression loss in patients with malignant mesothelioma (MM) . Methods: A total of 82 MM patients from January 1998 to December 2017 in Zhejiang Province were selected to detect the expression of BAP1 protein by immunohistochemical analysis. Kaplan-Meier method was used to draw the survival curve, and multivariate Cox proportional risk model was used to analyze the factors affecting the survival rate. Results: Among 82 MM patients, 61 (74.4%) were female, aged (57±11) years. BAP1 protein expression was deficient in 39 patients (47.6%). The survival rate was correlated with the loss of BAP1 protein expression and age (χ(2)=5.27, 5.66, P=0.022, 0.017). Subgroup analysis showed that loss of BAP1 protein expression was associated with better prognosis in MM patients <57 years of age, female, pleural MM, epithelial MM, and treated with drugs or surgery (P<0.05). Multivariate model results showed that positive expression of BAP1 protein (HR=3.75, 95%CI: 2.23-6.30, P<0.001) and age ≥57 years (HR=1.66, 95% CI: 1.01-2.72, P=0.049) were risk factors for survival in patients with MM. Conclusion: Loss of BAP1 protein expression may be an independent prognostic factor in patients with MM, which is associated with longer survival.},
}

Humans
*Ubiquitin Thiolesterase/metabolism
Female
*Tumor Suppressor Proteins/metabolism
Male
Middle Aged
*Mesothelioma, Malignant/metabolism
Prognosis
*Lung Neoplasms/metabolism
Aged
*Mesothelioma/metabolism
Survival Rate
Kaplan-Meier Estimate
Proportional Hazards Models
Adult

@article {pmid39569577,
year = {2024},
author = {Angelini, A and Martini, A and Masala, G},
title = {[Update. Inventory of occupational exposure to asbestos with particular reference to Tuscan worker].},
journal = {Epidemiologia e prevenzione},
volume = {48},
number = {6},
pages = {1-128},
doi = {10.19191/EP24.6.S1.128},
pmid = {39569577},
issn = {1120-9763},
mesh = {Italy/epidemiology ; *Asbestos/adverse effects ; Humans ; *Occupational Exposure/adverse effects ; Occupational Diseases/epidemiology ; Lung Neoplasms/epidemiology/etiology/chemically induced ; Asbestosis/epidemiology/etiology ; Mesothelioma/epidemiology/etiology ; Carcinogens ; Population Surveillance ; },
abstract = {This Catalogue is a collection of information on the use of raw asbestos and asbestos-containing materials used in several industries and occupational activities, with particular attention to the situation of Tuscany, a region of Central Italy. The work was developed at the Institute for Cancer Research, Prevention and Clinical Network (ISPRO) of Florence, where epidemiologic research and surveillance activities have been developing since 1988 and where the coordination and evaluation of the regional health surveillance programme provided to past asbestos workers started in 2016 and is still ongoing. The Catalogue aims at being a working tool for all health professionals engaged in examining and classifying the occupational asbestos exposures of subjects both affected by diseases that could be associated to this carcinogen and examined within the regional health surveillance programme. It is necessary for the health personnel engaged in the above-mentioned activities to know or to have the possibility to find exact and detailed data on asbestos exposure by occupational sector. These data are briefly described in the 29 factsheets this Catalogue consists of. In each factsheet, the presence and every use of asbestos are described, with reference to a precise occupational sector. Several occupational sectors can be considered together because of analogies on asbestos exposure. Occupations are considered on the basis of existing evidence on the use of raw asbestos or asbestos-containing materials (as semi-finished or finished products or as auxiliary materials in production processes). Besides the presence and use of asbestos, a description of the possible exposures of workers is reported. Sources of information were scientific and grey literature as well as the 8,097 occupational histories of mesothelioma registered by the specific Tuscan registry. Some factsheets have been revised and enhanced by Italian experts on the asbestos exposure with a specific competence in the examined sectors. Each factsheet includes also questions to be addressed to workers in order to examine in depth their possible asbestos exposure. For those who would like to expand their knowledge on this topic, references are reported both at the end of each factsheet and at the end of the volume. In all industrialized countries, also in those which have not already banned asbestos use, a decrease in the use of this material and in the relative exposure have been observing since the end of the Seventies, few years after the general consensus within the scientific community on asbestos carcinogenicity. This decreasing trend has been becoming greater and greater since the end of the Eighties, when more restrictive regulations have been approved and applied, especially in occupational settings. Nevertheless, nowadays asbestos-related diseases are still diagnosed due to past exposures, although during next decade a decreasing incidence of malignant mesothelioma - the cancer most specifically related to this carcinogen and characterized by a very bad prognosis and the longest latency - could be observed. Particular attention will be paid to jobs regarding renovation of old buildings containing asbestos and to decontamination activities. In conclusion, this Catalogue is a working tool - although it is not exhaustive and could be upgraded with new information - for all professionals engaged in asbestos risk prevention activities as health personnel, personnel of insurance companies, employers, and employee representatives.},
}

Italy/epidemiology
*Asbestos/adverse effects
Humans
*Occupational Exposure/adverse effects
Occupational Diseases/epidemiology
Lung Neoplasms/epidemiology/etiology/chemically induced
Asbestosis/epidemiology/etiology
Mesothelioma/epidemiology/etiology
Carcinogens
Population Surveillance

@article {pmid39568634,
year = {2024},
author = {Yilmaz, ME and Rashidfarokhi, M and Pollard, K and Durmus, N and Keserci, S and Sterman, DH and Arslan, AA and Shao, Y and Reibman, J},
title = {Mesothelioma Cases in the World Trade Center Survivors.},
journal = {Annals of case reports},
volume = {9},
number = {2},
pages = {},
pmid = {39568634},
issn = {2574-7754},
abstract = {OBJECTIVES: The destruction of the World Trade Center (WTC) towers in New York City on September 11, 2001 (9/11), released approximately 1 million tons of pulverized particulate matter throughout southern Manhattan and areas in Brooklyn, exposing community members and responders to high levels of potentially toxic environmental particles. Asbestos exposure was a health concern because of its use in certain sections of the WTC towers. Malignant mesothelioma, originating from the lining cells (mesothelium) of the peritoneal and pleural cavities, is one complication associated with asbestos exposure.

METHODS: The WTC Environmental Health Center (WTC EHC) is a treatment and surveillance program for community members (Survivors) exposed to WTC dust and fumes.

RESULTS: In this report, we describe four cases of mesothelioma in the WTC EHC as of July 1st, 2023. Two of our patients have been diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma and two patients have been diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma.

CONCLUSION: Given the known delay in the development of mesotheliomas after asbestos exposure, we provide information on these early mesothelioma cases to enhance the understanding of the adverse health effects of WTC exposures on the local community.},
}

@article {pmid39558529,
year = {2024},
author = {Willis, VJ and Levin, JL and Nessim, DE},
title = {A Review of Job Assignments and Asbestos Workplace Exposure Measurements for TAWP Mesothelioma Deaths Through 2011.},
journal = {American journal of industrial medicine},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1002/ajim.23675},
pmid = {39558529},
issn = {1097-0274},
support = {//This study was supported by the Jesse Jones Distinguished Professorship of Occupational Health Sciences Endowment, University of Texas at Tyler Health Science Center Occupational and Environmental Medicine Residency Program./ ; },
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Asbestos workers have a higher risk of developing mesothelioma; however, few studies have looked at specific jobs and job locations within asbestos factories. The purpose of this study was to investigate asbestos exposure in different job locations of the Tyler, Texas asbestos plant to determine if there was a relationship between the duration of exposure and air fiber concentration burden in workers who developed pleural versus peritoneal mesothelioma.

METHODS: This study used a patient information database to compile secondary data on 23 workers who died from mesothelioma through 2011. The airborne fiber exposure burdens for each of the 23 workers were estimated and then stratified by job location category and by type of mesothelioma for analysis.

RESULTS: Most of the worker cases were assigned to the forming area which had the overall highest fiber concentration of all the plant's job locations. Workers who developed pleural mesothelioma spent the most time in the packing and miscellaneous locations, whereas workers who developed peritoneal mesothelioma worked mostly in the forming and miscellaneous locations. There were significant differences in days worked and estimated airborne exposure fiber burden between the pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma cases in the forming and curing locations.

CONCLUSION: Results from this study reiterate the association between occupational asbestos exposure and mesothelioma, emphasizing the importance of concentration of respirable asbestos dust levels and duration of exposure.},
}

@article {pmid39539262,
year = {2024},
author = {Ebrahimi, A and Ak, G and Özel, C and İzgördü, H and Ghorbanpoor, H and Hassan, S and Avci, H and Metintaş, M},
title = {Clinical Perspectives and Novel Preclinical Models of Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma: A Critical Review.},
journal = {ACS pharmacology & translational science},
volume = {7},
number = {11},
pages = {3299-3333},
doi = {10.1021/acsptsci.4c00324},
pmid = {39539262},
issn = {2575-9108},
abstract = {Pleural mesothelioma (PM), a rare malignant tumor explicitly associated with asbestos and erionite exposures, has become a global health problem due to limited treatment options and a poor prognosis, in which the median life expectancy varies depending on the method of treatment. However, the importance of early diagnosis is emphasized, and the practical methods have not matured yet. This study provides a critical overview of PM, addressing various aspects like epidemiology, etiology, diagnosis, treatment options, and the potential use of advanced technologies like microfluidic chip-based models for research and diagnosis. It initially begins with fundamentals of clinical aspects and then discusses the identification of disease-specific biomarkers in patients' serum or plasma samples, which could potentially be used for early diagnosis. A detailed investigation of the sophisticated preclinical models is highlighted. Recent three-dimensional (3D) model accomplishments, including microarchitecture modeling by transwell coculture, spheroids, organoids, 3D bioprinting constructs, and ex vivo tumor slices, are discussed comprehensively. On-chip models that imitate physiological processes, such as detection chips and therapeutic screening chips, are assessed as potential techniques. The review concludes with a critical and constructive discussion of the growing interest in the topic and its limitations and suggestions.},
}

@article {pmid39534944,
year = {2024},
author = {Wu, Y and Zhao, Y and Yu, L and Wang, R and Feng, W and Wu, Y and Wang, L and Chen, H and He, Z and Wang, Q},
title = {Case report: targeted therapy of malignant pleural mesothelioma with anaplastic lymphoma kinase receptor tyrosine kinase gene fusion mutation by crizotinib.},
journal = {The Journal of international medical research},
volume = {52},
number = {11},
pages = {3000605241287320},
doi = {10.1177/03000605241287320},
pmid = {39534944},
issn = {1473-2300},
mesh = {Humans ; *Crizotinib/therapeutic use ; Female ; *Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase/genetics ; *Mesothelioma, Malignant/drug therapy/genetics/pathology ; *Mutation ; *Lung Neoplasms/genetics/drug therapy/pathology ; *Pleural Neoplasms/genetics/drug therapy/pathology ; *Protein Kinase Inhibitors/therapeutic use ; *Mesothelioma/genetics/drug therapy/pathology ; Pyridines/therapeutic use ; Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases/genetics ; Pyrazoles/therapeutic use ; Molecular Targeted Therapy ; Middle Aged ; Gene Fusion ; },
abstract = {Malignant mesothelioma is a rare highly invasive tumour originating from the mesothelial cells of the pleura, peritoneum and pericardium. Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is the most common type in all malignant mesothelioma. The onset of MPM is associated with exposure to asbestos and it can have an incubation period of up to 40 years. The incidence of MPM has been increasing worldwide in recent years, so more attention has been focused on its diagnosis, treatment and prognosis. Activating mutations, amplifications and fusions/rearrangements of the anaplastic lymphoma kinase receptor tyrosine kinase (ALK) gene are commonly seen in patients with non-small cell lung cancer. However, it is rare in MPM. This current case report describes a female patient with advanced MPM with an ALK gene fusion mutation. In this particular case, treatment with crizotinib demonstrated some initial efficacy, which suggests that this might be a promising strategy for patients with advanced MPM with an ALK gene mutation. This required further research and evaluation in the future.},
}

Humans
*Crizotinib/therapeutic use
Female
*Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase/genetics
*Mesothelioma, Malignant/drug therapy/genetics/pathology
*Mutation
*Lung Neoplasms/genetics/drug therapy/pathology
*Pleural Neoplasms/genetics/drug therapy/pathology
*Protein Kinase Inhibitors/therapeutic use
*Mesothelioma/genetics/drug therapy/pathology
Pyridines/therapeutic use
Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases/genetics
Pyrazoles/therapeutic use
Molecular Targeted Therapy
Middle Aged
Gene Fusion

@article {pmid39514167,
year = {2024},
author = {Guglielmo, P and Crivellaro, C and Castello, A and Della Corte, CM and Pagano, M and Marchesi, S and Occhipinti, M and Zucali, PA and Evangelista, L},
title = {Emerging Radiopharmaceuticals in Pet Imaging for Mesothelioma: A Review of [[18]F]FDG Alternatives.},
journal = {Molecular diagnosis & therapy},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {39514167},
issn = {1179-2000},
abstract = {Mesothelioma is a malignant tumor associated primarily with asbestos exposure, characterized by an aggressive nature and poor prognosis. Accurate diagnosis, staging, and monitoring of therapeutic response are crucial for effective patient management. Along with a computed tomography (CT) scan, fluorodeoxyglucose labeled with fluorine-18 ([[18]F]FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) is commonly used in mesothelioma evaluation. However, it has some limitations, including lower sensitivity after pleurodesis and poor accuracy for involved lymph node evaluation. Thus, there is the need to explore other agents. The aim of the present review is to analyze the current literature on the use of alternative radiopharmaceuticals for PET imaging in patients with mesothelioma. A comprehensive search of scientific databases (PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science) for studies published in the last decade was performed by using the following keywords: "mesothelioma" AND "PET" AND "PET/CT" "radiopharmaceuticals", "[[18]F]FDG alternatives". Articles focused solely on [[18]F]FDG, non-English publications or preclinical studies, reviews, meeting abstracts, letters to the editors, and editorials were excluded. A qualitative assessment was made by using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) checklist for diagnostic test studies, when applicable. In total, 14 papers were selected; in seven articles more than five patients were enrolled, while the other seven were only clinical cases (enrolling up to two subjects). [[18]F]/gallium-68 ([[68]Ga])-labeled fibroblast activation protein inhibitor (FAPI) compounds, [[18]F]Fluorothymidine ([[18]F]FLT), methionine labeled with carbon-11 ([[11]C]MET), and fluoromisonidazole labeled with fluorine-18 ([[18]F]FMISO) PET/CT were the alternative agents used most often. In 12 articles, [[18]F]FDG PET/CT was used as a comparator imaging modality. Detection rate of [[18]F]FDG was similar to the other radiopharmaceuticals ([[68]Ga]/[18F]-labeled FAPI compounds, [[18]F]FLT, [[18]F]FMISO, [[11]C]MET, and [[68]Ga]-Pentaxifor), although radiolabeled FAPI seems to exhibit a higher diagnostic performance. [[18]F]FDG is still a valuable agent in patients with mesothelioma. However, radiolabeled FAPI appears to be promising and its theranostic properties should therefore be further assessed.},
}

@article {pmid39516654,
year = {2023},
author = {Gold, LT and Bray, SE and Kernohan, NM and Henderson, N and Nowicki, M and Masson, GR},
title = {The amino-acid stress sensing eIF2α kinase GCN2 is a survival biomarker for malignant mesothelioma.},
journal = {BJC reports},
volume = {1},
number = {1},
pages = {4},
pmid = {39516654},
issn = {2731-9377},
support = {119615//Tenovus/ ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Malignant mesothelioma is a tumour that is strongly associated with a history of asbestos exposure, and which derives from mesothelial cells that line the serous cavities of the body. The tumour most commonly arises in the pleural cavity, but can also arise in the pericardium, peritoneum, and tunica vaginalis. At present the lesion has a very poor prognosis and is an incurable form of cancer with median survival times of up to 19 months being quoted for some histological subtypes. A large proportion of mesotheliomas have been shown to be arginine auxotrophic, leading to new research for therapeutics which might exploit this potential vulnerability.

METHODS: We measured the levels of General Control Non-derepressible 2 (GCN2) protein in malignant mesothelioma tumour samples and determined whether these levels correlate with clinical outcomes.

RESULTS: We observed that the expression levels of GCN2 correlated with patient survival and was an independent prognostic variable in pairwise comparisons with all available clinical data.

CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that GCN2 levels provides prognostic information and may allow for stratification of care pathways. It may suggest that targeting GCN2 is a viable strategy for mesothelioma therapy development.},
}

@article {pmid39507169,
year = {2024},
author = {Lief, S and Patibandla, S and Ansari, AZ and Bhatt, N and Gulraiz, A and Beauti, SM and Ali, R},
title = {Ascites as a Rare Manifestation of Malignant Peritoneal Mesothelioma: A Case Report.},
journal = {Cureus},
volume = {16},
number = {10},
pages = {e70982},
doi = {10.7759/cureus.70982},
pmid = {39507169},
issn = {2168-8184},
abstract = {Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma (MPM) is an aggressive neoplasm that originates from the mesothelial cells lining the parietal peritoneum or visceral peritoneum and extensively spreads within the abdominal cavity. It is a rare malignancy characterized by an insidious onset and poor prognosis. We present the case of a 79-year-old Caucasian male who experienced escalating abdominal pain for six weeks and acute abdominal distension. His medical history was significant for hypertension, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), hypercholesterolemia, and prior coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). The patient had a 30-pack-year smoking history and worked as a plumber and roofer until retirement. We also confirmed with the patient that he has never been diagnosed with asbestosis. He reported no family history of mesothelioma or related conditions. A computed tomography (CT) scan revealed a prior sternotomy, mild pleural calcifications, mild hepatic steatosis, diffuse peritoneal ascites, diffuse omental edema, and pelvic phleboliths. MPM was confirmed through histopathological examination, which revealed atypical mesothelial cells with high nucleus-to-cytoplasm ratios, prominent nucleoli, and irregular nuclear membranes. It also revealed tumor cells positive for p53, calretinin, WT1, and podoplanin (D2-40). This case highlights the importance of considering MPM in the differential diagnosis for patients with ascites and possible asbestos exposure, particularly with respect to occupational hazards, as it is a rare manifestation of the disease.},
}

@article {pmid39481034,
year = {2024},
author = {Gilbert, A and Wieland, R and Zacher, N and Rieger, K and Berry, GJ and Novoa, R},
title = {Metastatic Mesothelioma of the Tunica Vaginalis Presenting as Scrotal and Abdominal Nodules: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.},
journal = {The American Journal of dermatopathology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1097/DAD.0000000000002848},
pmid = {39481034},
issn = {1533-0311},
abstract = {Mesothelioma of the tunica vaginalis testis (MMTVT) is a rare neoplasm comprising <3% of all cases of malignant mesothelioma (MM). MMTVT derives from the tunica vaginalis testis, an outpouching of the mesothelial-lined abdominal peritoneum that detaches from the abdominal cavity after the descent of the testis. Similar to pleural mesothelioma, asbestos exposure is a known risk factor. However, MMTVT has a better prognosis than pleural mesothelioma. Cutaneous metastases from MMTVT are exceedingly rare. Herein, we describe a case of a 67-year-old man with a history of asbestos exposure presenting with scrotal pain and indurated plaques on his lower abdomen and scrotum. Histologic sections showed a sheet-like dermal proliferation comprising epithelioid cells with necrosis and increased mitotic activity. The clinical and histologic differential diagnosis was broad, including metastatic carcinoma, melanoma, sarcoma, germ cell tumor, hematologic malignancy, neuroendocrine carcinoma, and malignant mesothelioma. By immunohistochemistry, the neoplastic cells were positive for WT1, D2-40, and AE1/AE3, with rare positivity for calretinin, consistent with a diagnosis of mesothelioma. Additional immunohistochemical studies provided no support for the other diagnostic considerations listed above. BAP1 showed retained nuclear expression (normal) by immunohistochemistry. A DNA sequencing panel identified copy number losses in CDKN2A, MTAP, CDKN2B, and NF2, which are frequently identified genetic alterations in malignant mesothelioma. Subsequent testicular imaging demonstrated a diffusely thickened scrotal wall with an enlarged left testicle. Overall, this represents a case of malignant mesothelioma presenting with cutaneous metastases to the scrotum and lower abdomen, with clinical and imaging features suggestive of primary MMTVT. The International Mesothelioma Interest Group recommends using at least 2 mesothelial markers, such as calretinin, WT1, CK5/6 or D2-40, and 2 epithelial markers, such as claudin-4, CEA, MOC-31, as well as a broad-spectrum cytokeratin stain (AE1/AE3) as part of an initial immunohistochemical panel. Metastatic mesothelioma should be included in the differential diagnosis of malignant epithelioid dermal tumors with unusual staining patterns.},
}

@article {pmid39474071,
year = {2024},
author = {Behrouzfar, K and Mutsaers, SE and Chin, WL and Patrick, K and Ng, IT and Pixley, FJ and Morahan, G and Lake, RA and Fisher, SA},
title = {Mesothelioma survival prediction based on a six-gene transcriptomic signature.},
journal = {iScience},
volume = {27},
number = {10},
pages = {111011},
pmid = {39474071},
issn = {2589-0042},
abstract = {Mesothelioma is a lethal cancer. Despite promising outcomes associated with immunotherapy, durable responses remain restricted to a minority of patients, highlighting the need for improved strategies that better predict outcome. Here, we described the development of a mesothelioma-specific gene signature that accurately predicts survival. Comprehensive gene expression analysis of asbestos exposed MexTAg Collaborative Cross mouse tumors revealed distinct tumor clusters characterized by epithelial mesenchymal transition/extracellular matrix, or immune infiltrate related gene expression profiles. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) identified 20 hub genes that drove differential gene expression. Human homologues of these 20 hub genes were refined through univariate Cox regression and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression analyses to identify a six-gene mesothelioma-specific prognostic signature that accurately predicted patient survival across four independent human mesothelioma datasets. Furthermore, this six-gene signature demonstrated the potential to predict treatment response, thus advancing the management of this challenging malignancy.},
}

@article {pmid39472148,
year = {2024},
author = {Mei, W and Yang, SJ and Zhang, YP},
title = {[Establishment and research progress of early diagnosis system for pleural mesothelioma].},
journal = {Zhonghua lao dong wei sheng zhi ye bing za zhi = Zhonghua laodong weisheng zhiyebing zazhi = Chinese journal of industrial hygiene and occupational diseases},
volume = {42},
number = {10},
pages = {793-800},
doi = {10.3760/cma.j.cn121094-20230915-00060},
pmid = {39472148},
issn = {1001-9391},
support = {202301BA070001-26, 202301BA070001-027//Special Basic Cooperative Research Programs of Yunnan Provincial Undergraduate Universities/ ; 81560458, 31601155//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *Mesothelioma/diagnosis ; *Pleural Neoplasms/diagnosis ; *Early Detection of Cancer/methods ; MicroRNAs/blood ; Lung Neoplasms/diagnosis ; Biomarkers, Tumor/blood ; Breath Tests ; Early Diagnosis ; Mesothelioma, Malignant/diagnosis ; },
abstract = {Pleural mesothelioma (PMe) was associated with asbestos exposure.The Diagnosis of PMe is difficult due to the lack of specificity of clinical signs and symptoms, although there are many tools available for early diagnosis of mesothelioma. Most PMe patients are diagnosed at an advanced stage. This article reviews advances in strategies for early diagnosis of mesothelioma, focusing on breath analysis, early diagnosis of pleural effusion cytology in patients with mesothelioma, serum biomarkers and miRNA.},
}

Humans
*Mesothelioma/diagnosis
*Pleural Neoplasms/diagnosis
*Early Detection of Cancer/methods
MicroRNAs/blood
Lung Neoplasms/diagnosis
Biomarkers, Tumor/blood
Breath Tests
Early Diagnosis
Mesothelioma, Malignant/diagnosis

@article {pmid39469233,
year = {2024},
author = {Santos, C and Sacadura-Leite, E and Feijó, S and Dixe, MDA and Astoul, P and Sousa-Uva, A},
title = {Translation, Cultural Adaptation, and Content Validation of a Pleural Mesothelioma Questionnaire to Portuguese Context - A Key Tool for Epidemiological Surveillance.},
journal = {Portuguese journal of public health},
volume = {42},
number = {2},
pages = {101-110},
pmid = {39469233},
issn = {2504-3145},
abstract = {OBJECTIVE: The main objective of this study was to describe the translation, cultural adaptation, and content validation process of the French National Surveillance Programme for Pleural Mesothelioma (FNSPPM) questionnaire for the Portuguese context.

METHODS: A search was conducted in the PubMed database and Web of Science, in the period from January 1, 1960, to December 31, 2022, to select the questionnaire. Forward and reverse translations, calculation of the content validity index (CVI) by a panel of experts (n = 9), and cognitive interviewing with individuals with at least one exposure to asbestos (n = 10) were performed. Experts rated items on a Likert scale (1-4) based on their relevance. The item-level content validity index (I-CVI), scale-level content validity index based on the average method (S-CVI/Ave), and scale-level content validity index based on the universal agreement method (S-CVI/UA) were calculated.

RESULTS: The final version of the FNSPPM questionnaire for the Portuguese context resulted from a translation and content validation process. The panel of experts considered the questionnaire relevant, with an I-CVI of up to 0.78 in 68 of 69 of the questions, an S-CVI/Ave of 0.98, and an S-CVI/UA of 0.90. The participants in the cognitive interviews reported an understanding of the questionnaire.

CONCLUSION: A validated FNSPPM questionnaire for the Portuguese context is now available to study individuals with pleural mesothelioma (PM) and asbestos exposure.},
}

@article {pmid39469260,
year = {2023},
author = {Santos, C and Dixe, MDA and Sacadura-Leite, E and Astoul, P and Sousa-Uva, A},
title = {Asbestos Exposure and Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma: A Systematic Review of Literature.},
journal = {Portuguese journal of public health},
volume = {40},
number = {3},
pages = {188-202},
pmid = {39469260},
issn = {2504-3145},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The relationship between exposure to asbestos and malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is already well established. Nevertheless, much remains to be known about exposure thereto and the incidence and mortality from MPM.

OBJECTIVE: This systematic review aims to map the relationship between asbestos and MPM by studying the exposure to asbestos and the incidence and mortality of MPM.

METHODS: A systematic review was conducted relating asbestos and MPM. Exposure to asbestos, incidence, and mortality by MPM was reviewed. PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, RCAAP, DART-Europe, and the reference lists of included studies were searched, from January 1, 1960, to December 31, 2020. Methodological quality was checked, the risk of bias analysis was performed, a level of evidence grade was assigned, and descriptive data analysis was performed.

RESULTS: 3,484 unique citations were identified, which included seventeen observational studies that met inclusion criteria with a total of 1,104 patients. Heterogeneity is present between the included studies which range from a case series of 16 retrospective studies and 1 prospective study. Studies were mostly conducted in Europe, particularly in Italy (6), and were published between 1969 and 2020. The mean age of patients is approximately 66 years with a latency period between the first exposure and diagnosis of approximately 42 years. 14 studies present data regarding the occupational context and chrysotile and crocidolite are the most studied types of fibre. The incidence of cases occurred between the interval 1966 and 2014 and in 9 studies the mortality rate was 100% of patients.

CONCLUSION: There is high evidence to support the relationships between asbestos and MPM. However, the relatively scant information provided by the studies reinforces the need for well-conducted research and implementation of National Mesothelioma Surveillance Centres at a global level.},
}

@article {pmid39447016,
year = {2024},
author = {Stevens, ME and Tuttle, BP and Brew, DW and Paustenbach, DJ},
title = {An evaluation of trends for mesothelioma mortality in American women: Addressing the content of a recent Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR).},
journal = {Toxicology and industrial health},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {7482337241293201},
doi = {10.1177/07482337241293201},
pmid = {39447016},
issn = {1477-0393},
abstract = {Mesothelioma is a fatal disease that has historically been associated with exposure to airborne asbestos. Because occupational asbestos exposures dropped dramatically in the late 1960s and early 1970s, far fewer cases of mesothelioma today are due to these fibers but, instead, are usually a result of the aging process or genetic predisposition. In May of 2022, a Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) was issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) regarding malignant mesothelioma incidence in women from 1999 to 2020. While this MMWR alerted citizens to the continued presence of the disease, after reading this article one might have thought that the CDC was suggesting that the disease was increasing in women due to asbestos exposures (which it is not). In the present analysis, we investigate several factors related to the interpretation of epidemiological data for mesothelioma, including the role of asbestos as a risk factor over time. The authors conducted a review of the scientific community's understanding of mesothelioma incidence and asbestos exposures amongst women, as well as an investigation of the methods and references in the MMWR article. Although various articles have recently discussed the incidence of both peritoneal and pleural mesothelioma in women, it is fortunate that the age-adjusted rates for mesothelioma have remained flat (neither increased nor decreased significantly) in women for the past 50 years. Incredibly few women in the U. S. have had appreciable cumulative exposures to any type of asbestos (chrysotile, amosite, or crocidolite) in the workplace or from the ambient environment, especially since about 1965-1970. In this paper, we highlight six factors that should be considered when evaluating the incidence of mesothelioma amongst American women in the current era. Without sufficient consideration of these factors, improper conclusions have been drawn over the past several years.},
}

@article {pmid39445262,
year = {2024},
author = {Paremuzyan, A and Onwubuya, E and Mathews, J},
title = {A Case of Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma With Unknown Asbestos Exposure.},
journal = {Cureus},
volume = {16},
number = {9},
pages = {e69966},
pmid = {39445262},
issn = {2168-8184},
abstract = {Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a rare, locally invasive tumor that develops from mesothelial cells lining the lung's pleura. It is mostly associated with prolonged asbestos exposure. The long latency period between asbestos exposure and clinical symptoms makes diagnosing MPM challenging. This report describes a 57-year-old Hispanic female who presented with a persistent nonproductive cough and was ultimately diagnosed with advanced-stage pleural mesothelioma after extensive work-up. It highlights the difficulties in diagnosing MPM in patients without apparent asbestos exposure independent of age or gender.},
}

@article {pmid39441675,
year = {2024},
author = {Suehiro, T and Ahmad, KM and Hoang, NTD and Xu, B and Komatsu, H and Kurachi, K and Nikawa, H and Mine, Y and Matsuki, T and Asano, K and Fujii, M},
title = {Activation of platelet-derived growth factor receptors regulate connective tissue growth factor protein levels via the AKT pathway in malignant mesothelioma cells.},
journal = {Journal of biochemistry},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/jb/mvae068},
pmid = {39441675},
issn = {1756-2651},
abstract = {The incidence of malignant mesothelioma (MM), a disease linked to refractory asbestos exposure, continues to increase globally, and remains largely resistant to various treatments. Our previous studies have identified a strong correlation between connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) protein expression and MM malignancy, underscoring the importance of understanding CTGF regulation in MM cells. In this study, we demonstrate for the first time that stimulation with platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR) ligand, PDGF-BB, increases CTGF protein expression levels without affecting CTGF mRNA levels. Inhibition of PDGFR resulted in a reduction of CTGF protein expression, indicating that PDGFR activation is essential in regulating CTGF protein expression in MM cells. PDGF-BB also activated the protein kinase B (AKT) pathway, and inhibition of AKT phosphorylation abolished the PDGFR-induced CTGF protein expression, suggesting that PDGFR acts upstream of CTGF via the AKT pathway. This reinforces the role of CTGF protein as a key regulator of MM malignancy. Additionally, PDGFR activation led to the phosphorylation of mTOR and 4E-BP1, critical regulators of protein synthesis downstream of AKT, suggesting that PDGFR controls CTGF protein expression through the regulation of CTGF mRNA translation.},
}

@article {pmid39439640,
year = {2024},
author = {Guerra, J and Pina, JM and Andrade, V and Cassis, J and Campos Pinheiro, L},
title = {Malignant Mesothelioma of the Tunica Vaginalis: About a Rare Clinical Case.},
journal = {Cureus},
volume = {16},
number = {9},
pages = {e69897},
pmid = {39439640},
issn = {2168-8184},
abstract = {Malignant mesothelioma (MM) of the tunica vaginalis is an exceedingly rare neoplasm, with fewer than 300 cases reported in the medical literature. Due to its rarity, epidemiology, and risk factors are still unclear, and it is unknown whether asbestos or chronic inflammatory conditions play a role in etiology. This case study presents a 70-year-old male patient with MM of the tunica vaginalis, detailing the diagnostic challenges, treatment procedures, and eventual progression to palliative care. The study underscores the importance of accurate diagnosis and the aggressive nature of the disease despite treatment efforts.},
}

@article {pmid39434641,
year = {2024},
author = {Visonà, SD and Pace, MC and Consonni, D and Mensi, C},
title = {Accuracy of the Lombardy Mesothelioma Registry: comparison with the autopsy database of Pavia University (Lombardy Region, Northern Italy).},
journal = {Epidemiologia e prevenzione},
volume = {48},
number = {4-5},
pages = {320-325},
doi = {10.19191/EP24.4-5.A736.096},
pmid = {39434641},
issn = {1120-9763},
mesh = {Humans ; Italy/epidemiology ; *Registries ; *Autopsy ; *Mesothelioma/mortality/pathology/epidemiology ; Male ; *Sensitivity and Specificity ; *Databases, Factual ; Female ; Aged ; Middle Aged ; Incidence ; Asbestos/adverse effects ; Universities ; },
abstract = {OBJECTIVES: to evaluate the accuracy (completeness of case recording and diagnostic quality) of the Lombardy Mesothelioma Registry (Registro Mesoteliomi Lombardia, RML) through a comparison with the autopsy database of Pavia University (years 2000-2016).

DESIGN: validation study.

SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: all mesothelioma records with incidence date between 01.01.2000 and 16.09.2016 were extracted from the RML. They were cross-referenced with deaths from any asbestos-related disease subjected to a forensic autopsy extracted from the archive of the Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine of Pavia University.

MAIN OUTCOMES MEASURES: using the postmortem diagnosis by Pavia University as the gold standard, RML sensitivity and specificity and their 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) were calculated using the Agresti-Coull formula.

RESULTS: based on 141 deaths, the RML showed very good accuracy: specificity was 100% (95%CI 87%-100%; 32/32 deaths) and sensitivity 94% (95%CI 87%-97%; 102/109 deaths). The 7 false negative cases either were missed by the RML (N. 4) or had been wrongly classified as non-mesotheliomas (N. 3) because the diagnosis was made or confirmed only postmortem after a forensic autopsy.

CONCLUSIONS: RML accuracy (completeness and diagnostic quality) was very high. No false positive was found and the few false negatives were due to lack of notification of mesotheliomas diagnosed postmortem to the registry. Forensic pathologists should be made aware that mesothelioma notification to the regional mesothelioma registry is important and compulsory.},
}

Humans
Italy/epidemiology
*Registries
*Autopsy
*Mesothelioma/mortality/pathology/epidemiology
Male
*Sensitivity and Specificity
*Databases, Factual
Female
Aged
Middle Aged
Incidence
Asbestos/adverse effects
Universities

@article {pmid39430319,
year = {2024},
author = {Ye, L and Ryu, H and Granadier, D and Nguyen, LT and Simoni, Y and Dick, I and Firth, T and Rouse, E and Chiang, P and Lee, YCG and Robinson, BW and Creaney, J and Newell, EW and Redwood, AJ},
title = {Stem-like exhausted CD8 T cells in pleural effusions predict improved survival in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and mesothelioma.},
journal = {Translational lung cancer research},
volume = {13},
number = {9},
pages = {2352-2372},
pmid = {39430319},
issn = {2218-6751},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Anti-tumor CD8 T cells are important for immunity but can become 'exhausted' and hence ineffective. Tumor-infiltrating exhausted CD8[+] T cells include less differentiated stem-like exhausted T (Tex[stem]) cells and terminally exhausted T (Tex[term]) cells. Both subsets have been proposed as prognostic biomarkers in cancer patients. In this study, we retrospectively investigated their prognostic significance in patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and validated our findings in a mesothelioma cohort.

METHODS: Pre-treatment malignant pleural effusions (PEs) from 43 NSCLC (41 non-squamous, 2 squamous) patients were analyzed by flow cytometry. The percentages of Tex[stem] and Tex[term] CD8 T cells were correlated with overall survival (OS) after adjusting for clinicopathological variables. Findings were validated using a mesothelioma cohort (n=49). Mass cytometry was performed on 16 pre-treatment PE samples from 5 mesothelioma and 3 NSCLC patients for T-cell phenotyping. Single-cell multi-omics analysis was performed on 4 pre-treatment PE samples from 2 NSCLC patients and 2 mesothelioma patients for analysis of the transcriptomic profiles, surface markers and T cell receptor (TCR) repertoire.

RESULTS: Higher frequency of Tex[stem] was associated with significantly increased OS [median 9.9 vs. 3.4 months, hazard ratio (HR) 0.36, 95% CI: 0.16-0.79, P=0.01]. The frequency of Tex[term] was not associated with OS. These findings were validated in the mesothelioma cohort (high vs. low Tex[stem], median OS 32.1 vs. 19.8 months, HR 0.31, 95% CI: 0.10-0.96, P=0.04). Detailed single-cell sequencing and mass cytometry profiling revealed that exhausted T cells from NSCLC expressed greater stem-likeness and less inhibitory markers than those from mesothelioma and that Tex[stem] cells also contained 'bystander' virus-specific T cells.

CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that PE CD8 Tex[stem] cell abundance is associated with better survival outcomes, and thus may be a useful prognostic biomarker.},
}

@article {pmid39410011,
year = {2024},
author = {Stella, GM and Lisini, D and Pedrazzoli, P and Galli, G and Bortolotto, C and Melloni, G and D'Ambrosio, G and Klersy, C and Grosso, A and Paino, F and Tomaselli, S and Saracino, L and Alessandri, G and Pessina, A and Grignani, E and Rosti, V and Corsico, AG and Comoli, P and Agustoni, F},
title = {Phase I Clinical Trial on Pleural Mesothelioma Using Neoadjuvant Local Administration of Paclitaxel-Loaded Mesenchymal Stromal Cells (PACLIMES Trial): Study Rationale and Design.},
journal = {Cancers},
volume = {16},
number = {19},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/cancers16193391},
pmid = {39410011},
issn = {2072-6694},
support = {PLAGENCELL//Fondazione Regionale per la Ricerca Biomedica , PLAGENCELL project - A network for cell and gene therapies for devastating diseases (grant to A.G.C. and P.C.)/ ; },
abstract = {Background and rationale. Pleural mesothelioma (PM) is a rare and aggressive neoplasm that originates from the pleural mesothelium and whose onset is mainly linked to exposure to asbestos, which cannot be attacked with truly effective therapies with consequent poor prognosis. The rationale of this study is based on the use of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) as a vehicle for chemotherapy drugs to be injected directly into the pathological site, such as the pleural cavity. Study design. The study involves the use of a conventional chemotherapeutic drug, Paclitaxel (PTX), which is widely used in the treatment of different types of solid tumors, including PM, although some limitations are related to pharmacokinetic aspects. The use of PTX-loaded MSCs to treat PM should provide several potential advantages over the systemically administered drug as reduced toxicity and increased concentration of active drug in the tumor-surrounding context. The PACLIMES trial explores the safety and toxicity of the local administration of Paclimes in chemonaive patients, candidates for pleurectomy. The secondary objective is to find the effective Paclimes dose for subsequent phase II studies and to observe and record the antitumor activity. Future direction. The experimental pre-clinical background and rationale are discussed as well.},
}

@article {pmid39409190,
year = {2024},
author = {Chiec, L and Bruno, DS},
title = {Immunotherapy for Treatment of Pleural Mesothelioma: Current and Emerging Therapeutic Strategies.},
journal = {International journal of molecular sciences},
volume = {25},
number = {19},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/ijms251910861},
pmid = {39409190},
issn = {1422-0067},
mesh = {Humans ; *Immunotherapy/methods ; *Pleural Neoplasms/therapy/immunology/pathology ; *Mesothelioma/therapy/immunology/pathology ; Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors/therapeutic use ; Mesothelioma, Malignant/therapy/pathology ; Clinical Trials as Topic ; },
abstract = {Pleural mesothelioma is a rare malignancy associated with asbestos exposure and very poor prognosis, with a 5-year overall survival of 12%. Outcomes may vary according to stage at time of diagnosis and histologic subtype. Most recently, clinical trials utilizing dual checkpoint inhibitor regimens and chemotherapy in combination with immune oncologic agents have demonstrated impactful changes in outcomes. In this article, we review studies that have led to the successful implementation of immunotherapy in clinical practice for the treatment of this disease and highlight ongoing clinical trials exploring the use of different immunotherapy strategies for the treatment of pleural mesothelioma. We also discuss the challenges of immunotherapy-based approaches in the context of mesothelioma and future strategies currently being investigated to overcome them.},
}

Humans
*Immunotherapy/methods
*Pleural Neoplasms/therapy/immunology/pathology
*Mesothelioma/therapy/immunology/pathology
Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors/therapeutic use
Mesothelioma, Malignant/therapy/pathology
Clinical Trials as Topic

@article {pmid39407894,
year = {2024},
author = {Jain, M and Crites, MK and Rich, P and Bajantri, B},
title = {Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma: A Comprehensive Review.},
journal = {Journal of clinical medicine},
volume = {13},
number = {19},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/jcm13195837},
pmid = {39407894},
issn = {2077-0383},
abstract = {Mesotheliomas are hyperplastic tumors that envelop the serosal membranes that safeguard the body's external surfaces. Although certain instances may exhibit indolent characteristics, a significant number of tumors demonstrate rapid progression and a poor prognosis. Mesotheliomas are typically categorized as benign or malignant, with malignant mesothelioma being more frequently linked to asbestos exposure. Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) predominantly impacts males and often emerges in the late 50 s or beyond, characterized by a median age of early 70 s among patients exposed to asbestos lasting from 2 to 4 decades. Respiratory exposure to asbestos particles leads to the development of malignant mesothelioma, characterized by recurrent inflammation, disruption of cell division, activation of proto-oncogenes, and generation of free radicals. In pleural mesothelioma, BAP1, CDKN2A, and NF are the most often mutated genes. Accurate diagnosis and assessment usually require the use of chest computed tomography (CT) scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and positron emission tomography (PET). Radiation therapy, immunotherapy, chemotherapy, and surgery are some of the treatment options that are currently available. This systematic review provides a comprehensive analysis of the latest research, biomarkers, evaluation, and management strategies for malignant pleural mesothelioma.},
}

@article {pmid39400365,
year = {2024},
author = {Arrandale, VH and Berriault, C and Song, C and DeBono, N and Demers, PA},
title = {Surveillance of asbestos related disease among workers enrolled in an exposure registry.},
journal = {American journal of industrial medicine},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1002/ajim.23668},
pmid = {39400365},
issn = {1097-0274},
support = {//Ontario Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development/ ; },
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Contemporary asbestos exposure occurs during construction, remediation, and maintenance involving asbestos-containing materials (ACM), as compared to the historical exposure scenarios of asbestos mining and milling. The Ontario Asbestos Workers Register (AWR) was established in 1986 to track asbestos exposure among construction workers. This study reports on the risk of asbestos-related diseases (ARD) among workers in the AWR.

METHODS: AWR registrants were linked probabilistically with administrative health databases (1986-2019) to identify cases of ARD including both cancer and chronic respiratory disease. Follow-up began at AWR enrollment and continued prospectively. Incidence rates were compared to the general population using standardized incidence ratios (SIRs). Associations between ACM exposure and ARD were estimated among AWR registrants using Poisson regression.

RESULTS: In total, 26,204 (81%) registrants were linked successfully. Common industries of employment were construction (62%), manufacturing (19%) and education (8%). Among men and women mesothelioma (M:SIR 6.83 [95% CI = 5.56-8.31]; W:SIR 19.2 [3.86-56.1]) and pulmonary fibrosis (M:SIR 14.1 [12.2-16.2]; W:SIR 9.25 [2.49-23.7]) rates were higher than the general population. Asbestosis risk was elevated among men (M:SIR 11.2 [9.59-13.1]). Workers with longer reported exposures (≥140 h) had increased rates of lung cancer (RR 1.34 [1.10-1.63]), mesothelioma (RR 2.83 [1.75-4.58]), asbestosis (RR 3.07 [2.12-4.43]), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (RR 1.42 [1.29-1.57]), and pulmonary fibrosis (RR 1.88 [1.35-2.62]).

CONCLUSION: Exposure to asbestos in construction and building maintenance continues to contribute to ARD incidence. Despite a Canadian ban on asbestos in new products, exposures to existing ACM will persist from construction activities. The AWR offers an opportunity for ongoing surveillance of resulting ARD in Ontario.},
}

@article {pmid39394704,
year = {2024},
author = {Li, R and Yu, WK and Wang, Q and Zhu, LJ and Zhang, FF},
title = {[Expression changes of miRNAs and EMT-related genes in human mesothelial cells induced by long-term exposure to asbestos].},
journal = {Zhonghua lao dong wei sheng zhi ye bing za zhi = Zhonghua laodong weisheng zhiyebing zazhi = Chinese journal of industrial hygiene and occupational diseases},
volume = {42},
number = {9},
pages = {668-672},
doi = {10.3760/cma.j.cn121094-20240112-00014},
pmid = {39394704},
issn = {1001-9391},
support = {LQY18H260001, LGD21C040008//Natural Science Foundation of Zhejiang Province/ ; YS2022012//Special Plan Project of Hangzhou Medical College Institute/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *MicroRNAs/genetics/metabolism ; *Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition/drug effects ; *Asbestos, Serpentine/toxicity ; Epithelial Cells/metabolism/drug effects ; Asbestos/toxicity ; Mesothelioma/genetics/chemically induced ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cadherins/genetics/metabolism ; Vimentin/metabolism/genetics ; Cell Line ; Pleural Neoplasms/genetics/chemically induced/metabolism ; },
abstract = {Objective: To investigate the effects of long-term exposure to chrysotile and crocidolite on miRNAs and epithelial mesenchymal transformation (EMT) -related gene expression in human pleural mesothelial cells. Methods: In November 2020, fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was used to detect the expressions of EMT-related genes in human pleural mesothelioma cells (NCl-H2052 cells, NCl-H2452 cells) and human normal mesothelial cells (Met-5A cells). MiRNAs with abnormal expression in human pleural mesothelioma cells were screened out from the previous miRNA chip data of research group, and target genes of differentially expressed miRNAs were predicted using miRWalk database (http: //mirwalk.umm.uni-heidelberg.de). RT-qPCR was used to verify the abnormal expression of EMT-related miRNAs in cell lines. Met-5A cells were treated with 5μg/cm(2) chrysotile and crocidolite respectively for 48 h a time, once a week and a total of 10 times. Chrysotile group, crocidolite group and control group were set up. And the control group was added with the same volume of PBS. The expression changes of EMT-related genes and abnormal expression miRNAs in each group were detected by RT-qPCR. The differences among the groups were compared by one-way ANOVA, and the differences between the control group and the experimental group were compared by dunnet-t test. Results: Compared with Met-5A cells, the expression levels of Vimentin and Twist genes were increased, and the expression level of E-cadherin genes was decreased in NCl-H2052 cells and NCl-H2452 cells (P<0.001). Target genes of miRNAs with abnormal expression in miRNA chip were predicted, and the results showed four abnormally expressed miRNAs associated with EMT and verified the expression of these four miRNAs in the cell lines. Compared with Met-5A cells, the expression level of hsa-miR-155-5p was increased in NCl-H2052 cells and NCl-H2452 cells, the expression levels of hsa-miR-34b-5p, hsa-miR-34c-5p and hsa-miR-28-5p were decreased in NCl-H2052 cells and NCl-H2452 cells (P<0.001), which was consistent with the results of chip analysis. After exposure of Met-5A cells, it was found that compared with the control group, the expression levels of Vimentin and Twist genes, hsa-miR-155-5p, hsa-miR-34b-5p and hsa-miR-34c-5p in the crocidolite group were increased, while the expression level of E-cadherin gene was decreased (P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the expression levels of Vimentin, Twist and E-cadherin genes in chrysotile group were increased, while the expression levels of hsa-miR-34b-5p, hsa-miR-34c-5p and hsa-miR-28-5p were decreased (P<0.05) . Conclusion: Long-term exposure to chrysotile and crocidolite could cause Met-5A cells to produce miRNAs and EMT-related gene expression changes similar to mesothelioma cells.},
}

Humans
*MicroRNAs/genetics/metabolism
*Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition/drug effects
*Asbestos, Serpentine/toxicity
Epithelial Cells/metabolism/drug effects
Asbestos/toxicity
Mesothelioma/genetics/chemically induced
Cell Line, Tumor
Cadherins/genetics/metabolism
Vimentin/metabolism/genetics
Cell Line
Pleural Neoplasms/genetics/chemically induced/metabolism

@article {pmid39377019,
year = {2024},
author = {Rezvani, A and Shahriarirad, R and Jahanshahi, S and Fouladi, D and Tavallali, M and Ziaian, B and Fallahi, MJ},
title = {The aftermath of asbestos prohibition in industry and its association with malignant mesothelioma in the south of Iran: An enduring predicament yet to be resolved.},
journal = {Health science reports},
volume = {7},
number = {10},
pages = {e70117},
pmid = {39377019},
issn = {2398-8835},
abstract = {PURPOSE: Malignant Mesothelioma (MM) is a rare malignancy of the serosa membranes with a high mortality rate and long latent period. The relationship between a group of mineral fibers known as asbestos and mesothelioma is now well accepted in which people can be exposed to these fibers by various means during their lifetime and has been its usage has banned in many countries, such as Iran, which announced its gradual elimination from 1999 over a period of 7 years by using safe substitutes. However, the mineral particles are able to sustain itself in the environment, air, water, and soil and on the other hand, symptoms may take up to half a century to develop in exposed individuals. Also, there remains a shortage of comprehensive investigation on the effects of asbestos exposure within the familial context (household or domestic exposure) or on individuals residing in proximity to asbestos mines or factories (environmental exposure). Based on the high number of MM cases in Iran, and also our hypothesis that residuals of asbestos in the environment and petroleum products may be the etiological factor for MM, we conducted this study to evaluate the clinic epidemiological features of MM in the south of Iran its relation to possible asbestos exposure.

METHODS: In this study, we analyzed the demographic features and occupations of confirmed cases of MM in Shiraz, southern Iran along with the follow-up of the patients' disease from 2008 to 2018, while also comparing the features of our patients with a control group compromising of 105 non-MM patients.

RESULTS: Among the 35 confirmed cases of MM, with an average age of 61 years, 9 (25.7%) were female, and 26 (74.3%) were male. During our assessment, 12 patients had already died, with a mean time of 11.26 months post-diagnosis. Our findings revealed a higher prevalence of MM among housekeepers and employees of oil companies. In comparison to the control group, individuals with occupational exposure and those residing near refinery locations were at a heightened risk of developing MM. However, based on regression analysis, only occupations associated with refineries exhibited a significant correlation with MM (p = 0.028; OR: 14.602; 95% CI: 1.328-160.499).

CONCLUSION: Both occupational and para-occupational exposure demonstrated a significant correlation with MM, whereas our regression analysis did not affirm geographical and environmental factors as contributors to MM. Despite the industry's prohibition of direct asbestos usage, the persistent existence of asbestos particles in the environment for decades, coupled with the long latency period of MM, warrants further investigation. Health authorities and policymakers should recognize this potential hazard, prompting an enhancement of early detection within at-risk groups.},
}

@article {pmid39371847,
year = {2024},
author = {R, PD and Grace Priyadarshini, S and P, J},
title = {Malignant Mesothelioma: Overcoming Diagnostic Hurdles.},
journal = {Cureus},
volume = {16},
number = {9},
pages = {e68718},
pmid = {39371847},
issn = {2168-8184},
abstract = {Malignant pleural mesothelioma, an aggressive neoplasm frequently linked to asbestos exposure, is often detected at an advanced stage. This report details the case of a 58-year-old mason who presented with left-sided chest pain, and shortness of breath, accompanied by weight loss for a month. A positron emission tomography (PET) scan revealed increased uptake along the pleural surface, as well as in several mediastinal lymph nodes and the left supraclavicular lymph node. Thoracoscopy revealed the presence of multiple nodules on the costal pleura. Despite repeated negative results from pleural effusion cytology, cell block analysis, and pleural biopsies, the diagnosis of malignant mesothelioma (MM) was ultimately established through an ultrasound-guided (USG) biopsy of the left supraclavicular lymph node, with immunohistochemical confirmation using calretinin.},
}

@article {pmid39337157,
year = {2024},
author = {Porzio, A and Feola, A and Salzillo, C and Corbi, G and Campobasso, CP},
title = {Colorectal Cancer and Asbestos Exposure: A Women's Health Perspective.},
journal = {Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {12},
number = {18},
pages = {},
pmid = {39337157},
issn = {2227-9032},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is considered a "man's disease". However, emerging data show that females may have a higher prevalence of certain risk factors. A potential causal role of asbestos in CRC carcinogenesis has been suggested. This relationship is controversial, and only a few studies have focused on exposed female populations. The aim of this study was to review the scientific literature related to asbestos-related CRC incidence and mortality rates in female populations to address gender bias in the existing research.

METHODS: A systematic review was performed following PRISMA statement.

RESULTS: Fourteen studies reporting 92 cases in total were included. Most women were aged 50 years or older and were employed in occupational activities with high asbestos exposure (steel, textile, and asbestos-cement industry) for at least 10 years. In one single case, household asbestos exposure was reported. The colon was the primary location of the tumor in 47 out of 92 cases. Three women were also affected by synchronous or metachronous peritoneal mesotheliomas.

CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed a general methodological "gender bias" in scientific research. A significantly higher representation of women in clinical studies is needed to clarify the link between asbestos exposure and the development of colorectal cancer.},
}

@article {pmid39329996,
year = {2024},
author = {Roca, E and Aujayeb, A and Astoul, P},
title = {Diagnosis of Pleural Mesothelioma: Is Everything Solved at the Present Time?.},
journal = {Current oncology (Toronto, Ont.)},
volume = {31},
number = {9},
pages = {4968-4983},
pmid = {39329996},
issn = {1718-7729},
mesh = {Humans ; *Pleural Neoplasms/diagnosis/therapy ; *Mesothelioma, Malignant/diagnosis/therapy/pathology ; Mesothelioma/diagnosis/therapy ; Lung Neoplasms/diagnosis/therapy ; Biopsy/methods ; Thoracic Surgery, Video-Assisted/methods ; },
abstract = {Ranked high in worldwide growing health issues, pleural diseases affect approximately one million people globally per year and are often correlated with a poor prognosis. Among these pleural diseases, malignant pleural mesothelioma (PM), a neoplastic disease mainly due to asbestos exposure, still remains a diagnostic challenge. Timely diagnosis is imperative to define the most suitable therapeutic approach for the patient, but the choice of diagnostic modalities depends on operator experience and local facilities while bearing in mind the yield of each diagnostic procedure. Since the analysis of pleural fluid cytology is not sufficient in differentiating historical features in PM, histopathological and morphological features obtained via tissue biopsies are fundamental. The quality of biopsy samples is crucial and often requires highly qualified expertise. Since adequate tissue biopsy is essential, medical or video-assisted thoracoscopy (MT or VATS) is proposed as the most suitable approach, with the former being a physician-led procedure. Indeed, MT is the diagnostic gold standard for malignant pleural pathologies. Moreover, this medical or surgical approach can allow diagnostic and therapeutic procedures: it provides the possibility of video-assisted biopsies, the drainage of high volumes of pleural fluid and the administration of sterile calibrated talcum powder under visual control in order to achieve pleurodesis, placement of indwelling pleural catheters if required and in a near future potential intrapleural therapy. In this context, dedicated diagnostic pathways remain a crucial need, especially to quickly and properly diagnose PM. Lastly, the interdisciplinary approach and multidisciplinary collaboration should always be implemented in order to direct the patient to the best customised diagnostic and therapeutic pathway. At the present time, the diagnosis of PM remains an unsolved problem despite MDT (multidisciplinary team) meetings, mainly because of the lack of standardised diagnostic work-up. This review aims to provide an overview of diagnostic procedures in order to propose a clear strategy.},
}

Humans
*Pleural Neoplasms/diagnosis/therapy
*Mesothelioma, Malignant/diagnosis/therapy/pathology
Mesothelioma/diagnosis/therapy
Lung Neoplasms/diagnosis/therapy
Biopsy/methods
Thoracic Surgery, Video-Assisted/methods

@article {pmid39316223,
year = {2024},
author = {Pacella, A and Ballirano, P and Di Carlo, MC and Altieri, A and Paccapelo, M and Skogby, H and Campopiano, A and Bruno, MR and Croce, A and Piersante, C and Apollaro, C and Malvasi, G and Bruni, BM and Bloise, A},
title = {Geological and mineralogical characterization of fibrous tremolite from Iacolinei quarry (Basilicata, Italy).},
journal = {Environmental geochemistry and health},
volume = {46},
number = {11},
pages = {429},
pmid = {39316223},
issn = {1573-2983},
support = {B87G23000090005//National Institute for Insurance against Accidents at Work (INAIL) - BRIC 2022 project/ ; },
mesh = {Italy ; *Asbestos, Amphibole/analysis ; X-Ray Diffraction ; Geologic Sediments/chemistry ; Environmental Monitoring ; },
abstract = {Naturally Occurring Asbestos (NOA) has drawn the attention worldwide when investigation revealed an increased incidence of malignant mesothelioma in population living near NOA sites. In Basilicata region (South Italy), population living in the villages of Castelluccio Superiore and Inferiore, Lauria, Latronico, Episcopia, San Severino Lucano, and Francavilla in Sinni may be considered at high risk of asbestos exposure because these villages are either surrounded by or built on NOA-rich ophiolitic outcrops. In this work we investigated an asbestos tremolite sample coming from the ophiolitic rocks outcropping in the quarry of Iacolinei, widely used in the past to extract aggregates for various applications. A detailed mineralogical characterization has been attained by using a multi-analytical approach (EMPA, SEM-EDS, TEM-EDS, Mössbauer, µ-Raman, X-ray powder diffraction, and thermal analysis). Morphological investigation highlighted that the sample is composed of long fibers (> 5 µm) with a significant fraction (ca. 55%) having width below 0.25 µm, considered the most biologically active fibers. Moreover, the crystal chemical characterization showed that Fe occurs at the octahedral sites of the tremolite structure. It should be noted that Fe plays a primary role in the toxicity of asbestos. Based on these results, the investigated asbestos tremolite may be considered a potent mesothelial carcinogen, requiring therefore special attention for public health protection purposes. Investigations using sentinel animals to assess the diffusion of the tremolite fibers into the environment from the serpentinite rocks and soils of Iacolinei quarry are in progress.},
}

Italy
*Asbestos, Amphibole/analysis
X-Ray Diffraction
Geologic Sediments/chemistry
Environmental Monitoring

@article {pmid39312698,
year = {2024},
author = {Khosla, D and Singh, PK and Chhabria, BA and Kataria, V and Singh, N and Kapoor, R},
title = {Malignant pleural mesothelioma: The disdained member of thoracic oncology!.},
journal = {World journal of experimental medicine},
volume = {14},
number = {3},
pages = {91739},
pmid = {39312698},
issn = {2220-315X},
abstract = {Pleural mesothelioma is a very aggressive malignancy that arises from the pleural mesothelial cell lining and is linked strongly to prior asbestos exposure. The ban on asbestos has helped to lower the incidence, but in developing countries like India, it is expected to rise. It has an extended latency period usually progressing over decades and presents with nonspecific symptoms. It has a median survival ranging between 10-22 months. The diagnosis of malignant pleural mesothelioma is challenging and is done using computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging, or positron emission tomography-CT, with the last two predicting the resectability of the tumor better than CT alone. A pleural biopsy along with an array of immunohistochemical markers, such as p16, BRCA1 associated protein 1, and claudin-4, are required for a definitive diagnosis. Several genetic alterations have prognostic significance as well. The current histological subtype identification is indispensable for decision making because of the new therapeutic avenues being explored. The combination of nivolumab and ipilimumab-based immunotherapy outperformed platinum and pemetrexed-based chemotherapy in terms of survival benefit and improved quality of life especially for non-epithelioid subtypes. However, the latter continues to be a robust treatment option for patients with the epithelioid subtype. Surgery is recommended for resectable cases with radiotherapy being indicated in neoadjuvant, adjuvant, and palliative settings along with systemic treatment. This review article provides an overview of epidemiology, etiology, clinical manifestations, diagnostic approaches (including immunohistochemical and genetic markers), staging, and multidisciplinary approaches to current treatment for malignant pleural mesothelioma using surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and radiotherapy. It also sheds light on some recent studies (EMPHACIS, CALGB30901, Checkmate-743, etc.) that have led to significant developments in recent years with clinically meaningful results.},
}

@article {pmid39290927,
year = {2024},
author = {Reddy, S and M G, K and Gattu, R and P, A and Kuthadi, M},
title = {Challenging the Norm: Occurrence of Synchronous Pleural and Peritoneal Mesothelioma in a Female Patient.},
journal = {Cureus},
volume = {16},
number = {8},
pages = {e67118},
pmid = {39290927},
issn = {2168-8184},
abstract = {Here, we present a unique case involving a female patient in her 40s with synchronous malignant pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma, despite lacking a history of asbestos exposure. The patient's initial symptoms included dyspnoea, chest pain, cough, fever, appetite loss, and weight loss over a month. Clinical evaluation led to the identification of right-sided pleural effusion, prompting consideration of differential diagnoses, such as tubercular or malignant pleural effusion. A thoracoscopy-guided biopsy, followed by histopathological examination and immunohistochemical staining, confirmed the diagnosis of mesothelioma. Chemotherapy was initiated as part of the treatment plan. The prognosis for this condition is generally bad; however, unusual cases of extended survival have been documented. The complexities of our case underscore the critical necessity for a thorough and aggressive evaluation of pleural effusion cases to unveil rare underlying causes, such as mesothelioma.},
}

@article {pmid39281715,
year = {2024},
author = {Huang, Q and Chen, Y and Lian, L and Lei, Q and Chen, J and Wu, L and Hemminki, K and Ji, J and Chen, T},
title = {Burden of malignant mesothelioma in China during 1990-2019 and the projections through 2029.},
journal = {Journal of the National Cancer Center},
volume = {4},
number = {3},
pages = {214-222},
pmid = {39281715},
issn = {2667-0054},
abstract = {OBJECTIVE: To provide the most up-to-date data on the burden of malignant mesothelioma (MM) and the projections through 2029 in China.

METHODS: Data on patients diagnosed with MM from China during 1990-2019 were obtained from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2019 database, including annual cases and deaths data and age-standardized rates of incidence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) associated with MM among different age groups. Temporal trends during 1990-2019 were analyzed by the Joinpoint regression models using 95% confidence interval (CI), while the projections through 2029 were calculated by the Bayesian age-period-cohort model. Data on the production and consumption of asbestos in China were obtained from the United States Geological Survey on Mineral Commodity Summaries during 1996-2023.

RESULTS: We observed a significant elevation in incident new cases and deaths over the last 3 decades, increasing from 1193 in 1990 to 2815 in 2019 for incident cases and from 1134 in 1990 to 2773 in 2019 for death cases. We found a roughly 6% increase in the proportion of incident cases for those aged >70 years (30% in 2019 versus 24% in 1990), while for the proportion of deaths similar elevation for those aged >70 years was found. Additionally, men had significantly higher DALYs due to MM across age groups compared with women. Asbestos consumption in China dramatically dropped since 2012 and reached the bottom in 2017 with 230 kilotons. By 2029, the projected age-standardized rate for incidence and mortality is expected to reach 1.2 per million for both.

CONCLUSION: We found, for the first time using GBD data on the Chinese population, that the burden of MM has been significantly increasing in China over the last three decades and will continue to increase in the upcoming decade, suggesting an urgent need for a complete ban on chrysotile asbestos in China.},
}

@article {pmid39269499,
year = {2024},
author = {Sheema, AN and Naiki-Ito, A and Kakehashi, A and Ahmed, OHM and Alexander, DB and Alexander, WT and Numano, T and Kato, H and Goto, Y and Takase, H and Hirose, A and Wakahara, T and Miyazawa, K and Takahashi, S and Tsuda, H},
title = {Fullerene and fullerene whisker are not carcinogenic to the lungs and pleura in rat long-term study after 2-week intra-tracheal intrapulmonary administration.},
journal = {Archives of toxicology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {39269499},
issn = {1432-0738},
support = {JPMH20316858//Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare/ ; JPMH16769893//Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare/ ; },
abstract = {Fullerene whiskers (FLW)s are thin rod-like structures composed of C60 and C70 fullerene (FL). The shape of FLWs suggests potential toxic effects including carcinogenicity to the lung and pleura, similar to effects elicited by asbestos and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT)s. However, no long-term carcinogenic studies of FL or FLW have been conducted. In the present study we investigated the pulmonary and pleural carcinogenicity of FL and FLW. Twelve-week-old male F344 rats were administered 0.25 or 0.5 mg FL, FLW, MWCNT-7, and MWCNT-N by intra-tracheal intra-pulmonary spraying (TIPS). Acute lung lesions and carcinogenicity were analyzed at 1 and 104 weeks after 8 doses/15 days TIPS administration. At week 1, FLW, MWCNT-7, and MWCNT-N significantly increased alveolar macrophage infiltration. Expression of Ccl2 and Ccl3, reactive oxygen species production, and cell proliferation were significantly increased by administration of MWCNT-7 and MWCNT-N but not FL or FLW. At week 104, the incidence of bronchiolo-alveolar adenoma plus adenocarcinoma was significantly increased in the MWCNT-7 and MWCNT-N groups, and the incidence of mesothelioma was significantly increased in the MWCNT-7 group. No significant induction of pulmonary or pleural tumorigenesis was observed in the FL or FLW groups. The number of 8-OHdG-positive cells in the alveolar epithelium was significantly increased in the MWCNT-7 and MWCNT-N groups but not in the FL or FLW groups. FL and FLW did not exert pulmonary or pleural carcinogenicity in our study. In addition, oxidative DNA damage was implicated in MWCNT-induced lung carcinogenesis, suggesting that it may be a useful initial marker of carcinogenicity.},
}

@article {pmid39265763,
year = {2024},
author = {Feng, L and Li, T and Xu, B and Huang, J and Xia, H and Jiang, Z and Chen, J and Pan, S and Zhang, X and Jiang, H and Lou, J},
title = {Integrated DNA methylation analysis of peripheral blood from asbestos exposed populations and patients with malignant mesothelioma reveals novel methylation driver genes of diagnostic and prognostic relevance.},
journal = {Environmental pollution (Barking, Essex : 1987)},
volume = {362},
number = {},
pages = {124928},
doi = {10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124928},
pmid = {39265763},
issn = {1873-6424},
abstract = {Effective biomarkers are paramount importance for the early detection and prognosis prediction of malignant mesothelioma (MM) which mainly caused by asbestos exposure, and DNA methylation has been demonstrated to be a potentially powerful diagnostic tool. To elucidate the relationship between asbestos exposure and alterations in DNA methylation patterns, as well as the potential diagnostic and prognostic value of differentially methylated regions and CpG sites (DMRs/DMCs) in the progression of MM. The current study employed reduced representation bisulfite sequencing (RRBS) to examine the genome-wide DNA methylation profiles in the peripheral blood of individuals exposed to asbestos and those diagnosed with MM, in comparison to the controls, and DMRs/DMCs were subsequently validated by targeted bisulfite sequencing (TBS). Our results suggested that there were 12 DMRs/DMCs exhibiting a consistent change trend of DNA methylation in both RRBS and TBS results. Significant correlations were observed between DNA methylation levels of DMRs/DMCs and the duration of occupational asbestos exposure. The evaluation of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve suggested that the DNA methylation status of FHIT, CCR12P and CDH15 may serve as diagnosis indicator in distinguishing MM patients from healthy controls and those exposed to asbestos. Our findings offer a foundation for the role of DNA methylation in the development of MM induced by asbestos exposure. The potential significance of FHIT, CCR12P and CDH15 DNA methylation alterations in the pathogenesis and advancement of MM disease suggests their potential as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers.},
}

@article {pmid39258522,
year = {2024},
author = {Kinsman, N and Del Monaco, A and Dimitriadis, C and Xie, S and Benke, G and Sim, MR and Walker-Bone, K},
title = {Bauxite mine and alumina refinery workers: mortality and cancer risk.},
journal = {Occupational medicine (Oxford, England)},
volume = {74},
number = {7},
pages = {508-513},
pmid = {39258522},
issn = {1471-8405},
support = {//Alcoa of Australia Ltd/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; Male ; Female ; *Occupational Exposure/adverse effects ; *Aluminum Oxide/adverse effects ; *Occupational Diseases/mortality/epidemiology ; Australia/epidemiology ; *Mining/statistics & numerical data ; Middle Aged ; *Neoplasms/mortality/epidemiology ; Adult ; Incidence ; Risk Factors ; Mesothelioma/mortality/epidemiology ; Aged ; Melanoma/mortality/epidemiology ; Metallurgy ; Prostatic Neoplasms/mortality/epidemiology ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Aluminium industry workers are at risk of long-term health consequences.

AIMS: To investigate mortality and cancer incidence in bauxite mine and alumina refinery workers.

METHODS: A pre-existing cohort of workers was re-linked with the Australian National Death Index, and the Australian Cancer Database to provide additional death (7 years) and cancer (9 years) data. Standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) and standardized incidence rates (SIRs) were estimated by job category, duration of employment and time since first employment.

RESULTS: Linkage was performed for 6935 (6207 male) workers. Compared with the general population, there was a reduced or similar risk of death for mine/refinery workers for all causes except mesothelioma which was increased amongst male production workers [SMR 2.42, 95% CI 1.11-4.60]. Mesothelioma incidence was also increased amongst males [SIR 2.50, 95% CI 1.60-3.71]. Male office workers had a greater incidence of prostate cancer [SIR 1.30, 95% CI 1.06-1.57] and thyroid cancer [SIR 3.47, 95% CI 1.66-6.38]. Melanoma incidence was increased in female office workers [SIR 2.27, 95% CI 1.36-3.54]. Lip cancer incidence was increased in male maintenance/production workers [SIR 2.04, 95% CI 1.02-3.65]. Overall cancer incidence was otherwise similar to the general Australian population.

CONCLUSIONS: Overall risk of death and incidence of cancer for bauxite mine and alumina refinery workers was similar to the general population. Incidence and risk of death from mesothelioma were higher, likely due to historic asbestos exposure in this and other industries. The increased risk of melanoma, lip, prostate and thyroid cancers requires further investigation.},
}

Humans
Male
Female
*Occupational Exposure/adverse effects
*Aluminum Oxide/adverse effects
*Occupational Diseases/mortality/epidemiology
Australia/epidemiology
*Mining/statistics & numerical data
Middle Aged
*Neoplasms/mortality/epidemiology
Adult
Incidence
Risk Factors
Mesothelioma/mortality/epidemiology
Aged
Melanoma/mortality/epidemiology
Metallurgy
Prostatic Neoplasms/mortality/epidemiology

@article {pmid39237806,
year = {2024},
author = {Duraffour, F and Ramos-Bonilla, JP and Lysaniuk, B},
title = {Use of agent-based modeling to analyze potential non-occupational exposures to asbestos of the general population of Sibaté (Colombia).},
journal = {Environmental monitoring and assessment},
volume = {196},
number = {10},
pages = {900},
pmid = {39237806},
issn = {1573-2959},
support = {ANR-18-CE03-0001-01//Agence Nationale de la Recherche/ ; ANR-18-CE03-0001-01//Agence Nationale de la Recherche/ ; ANR-18-CE03-0001-01//Agence Nationale de la Recherche/ ; },
mesh = {*Asbestos/analysis ; Humans ; *Environmental Exposure/statistics & numerical data ; Environmental Monitoring/methods ; Mesothelioma/epidemiology/chemically induced ; },
abstract = {Previous studies conducted in the municipality of Sibaté (Colombia) have revealed alarming findings regarding asbestos exposure in the region, as it is the site of the country's first mesothelioma cluster. Non-occupational asbestos exposure events were identified in this population, and the young age of the mesothelioma cases at the time of diagnosis suggests that asbestos exposure occurred during their childhood. The creation of landfilled zones in the 1980s and 1990s, utilizing friable asbestos among other disposed materials, may have been a significant asbestos exposure event contributing to the elevated number of mesothelioma cases. The objective of this study was to model various historical exposure scenarios related to the creation and interaction of the population with asbestos-contaminated landfilled zones, in light of the absence of asbestos monitoring in the region. The models utilized a multi-agent simulation process, focusing on a 10-year period (1986-1995). Various relevant variables were incorporated into the modeling process, including, for example, the number of children playing in the landfilled zones and the percentage of children carrying asbestos fibers on their clothes to their homes. A range of values for input data for the models were utilized, spanning from very conservative numbers to exposure-promoting values. The average number of exposed individuals estimated over 750 simulation runs, considering all scenarios, was 571, with a range between 31 and 3800 exposed individuals. The use of multi-agent simulation models can assist the understanding of past asbestos exposure events, especially when there is a lack of environmental surveillance data.},
}

*Asbestos/analysis
Humans
*Environmental Exposure/statistics & numerical data
Environmental Monitoring/methods
Mesothelioma/epidemiology/chemically induced

@article {pmid39204360,
year = {2024},
author = {Favaron, C and Gaiaschi, L and Casali, C and De Luca, F and Gola, F and Cavallo, M and Ramundo, V and Aldieri, E and Milanesi, G and Visonà, SD and Ravera, M and Bottone, MG},
title = {Unraveling Novel Strategies in Mesothelioma Treatments Using a Newly Synthetized Platinum(IV) Compound.},
journal = {Pharmaceutics},
volume = {16},
number = {8},
pages = {},
pmid = {39204360},
issn = {1999-4923},
support = {FRG Fondo ricerca e Giovani Maria Grazia Bottone//University of Pavia: Fondi Ricerca Giovani (FRG 2021)./ ; },
abstract = {Malignant mesothelioma is a rare tumor associated with asbestos exposure. Mesothelioma carcinogenesis is related to enhanced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and iron overload. Despite the recent advances in biomedical sciences, to date the only available treatments include surgery in a small fraction of patients and platinum-based chemotherapy in combination with pemetrexed. In this view, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic potential of the newly synthetized platinum prodrug Pt(IV)Ac-POA compared to cisplatin (CDDP) on human biphasic mesothelioma cell line MSTO-211H using different complementary techniques, such as flow-cytometry, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and immunocytochemistry. Healthy mesothelial cell lines Met-5A were also employed to assess the cytotoxicity of the above-mentioned compounds. Our in vitro results showed that Pt(IV)Ac-POA significantly interfere with iron metabolisms and more importantly is able to trigger cell death, through different pathways, including ferroptosis, necroptosis, and apoptosis, in neoplastic cells. On the other hand, CDDP triggers mainly apoptotic and necrotic cell death. In conclusion, Pt(IV)Ac-POA may represent a new promising pharmacological agent in the treatment of malignant mesothelioma.},
}

@article {pmid39189372,
year = {2024},
author = {Giacomino, F and Marinelli, F and Bisceglia, I and Cacchi, M and Storchi, C and Pinto, C and Mangone, L and Romanelli, A and Morabito, F},
title = {Trends in Asbestos Exposure and Malignant Mesothelioma Incidence in Emilia-Romagna Italy: A Retrospective Study 1996-2023.},
journal = {La Medicina del lavoro},
volume = {115},
number = {4},
pages = {e2024028},
pmid = {39189372},
issn = {0025-7818},
mesh = {Humans ; Italy/epidemiology ; Male ; Retrospective Studies ; Female ; *Asbestos/adverse effects ; Aged ; *Mesothelioma, Malignant/epidemiology ; Incidence ; *Occupational Exposure/statistics & numerical data/adverse effects ; Middle Aged ; *Lung Neoplasms/epidemiology/etiology ; *Mesothelioma/epidemiology/etiology ; Environmental Exposure/adverse effects/statistics & numerical data ; Adult ; Aged, 80 and over ; Occupational Diseases/epidemiology ; },
abstract = {Malignant mesothelioma (MM) is a rare but lethal cancer strongly associated with asbestos exposure. This retrospective study examines trends in asbestos exposure in Emilia-Romagna, Northern Italy. Between 1996 and 2023, 3,513 cases of MM were recorded, predominantly in males (72%) and in older than 65 years (79%). Occupational exposure accounted for 82% of cases, with a significant increase observed over time from 71% to 88% in the most recent period. A greater definition of professional exposure indicates that certain exposure has gone from 49% in the first period to 62% and 58% in the last two periods; probable exposure showed a decrease from 21% to 16% while possible exposure decreased from 16% to 13%. Familiar exposure remained relatively constant at around 8%, environmental exposure showed a slight decrease from 4% to 2%, while non-occupational exposure remained stable at 2%. Among patients with exclusively occupational exposure (1,826 cases), 87% were male and aged between 65 and 75 years (36%) and 75+ (41%). The exposure rates for the province of residence see the province of Reggio Emilia with the highest occupational exposure rate (2.5 x 100,000 residents), followed by Ravenna (2.3 x 100,000 residents) and Parma and Piacenza which have similar exposure rates with 2.2 x 100,000 residents. Professional sectors such as construction, railway maintenance and metalworking are identified as high-risk industries. Despite efforts to mitigate exposure, non-occupational and environmental exposures persist. The study highlights the importance of continuous surveillance and exposure monitoring to guide effective interventions and legal recognition of MM.},
}

Humans
Italy/epidemiology
Male
Retrospective Studies
Female
*Asbestos/adverse effects
Aged
*Mesothelioma, Malignant/epidemiology
Incidence
*Occupational Exposure/statistics & numerical data/adverse effects
Middle Aged
*Lung Neoplasms/epidemiology/etiology
*Mesothelioma/epidemiology/etiology
Environmental Exposure/adverse effects/statistics & numerical data
Adult
Aged, 80 and over
Occupational Diseases/epidemiology

@article {pmid39181447,
year = {2024},
author = {Kindler, HL and Rosenthal, A and Giroux, DJ and Nowak, AK and Billè, A and Gill, RR and Pass, H and Rice, D and Ripley, RT and Wolf, A and Blyth, KG and Cedres, S and Rusch, V and , },
title = {The International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer Mesothelioma Staging Project: Proposals for the M Descriptors in the Forthcoming Ninth Edition of the TNM Classification for Pleural Mesothelioma.},
journal = {Journal of thoracic oncology : official publication of the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.jtho.2024.08.022},
pmid = {39181447},
issn = {1556-1380},
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: The International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer developed a global multicenter database to propose evidence-based revisions for the ninth edition of the TNM classification of pleural mesothelioma (PM). This study analyzes the M category to validate eighth edition M category recommendations.

METHODS: Cases were submitted electronically or by transfer of existing institutional databases for patients with histologically or cytologically confirmed PM. The presence and number of metastases (single versus multiple) in each of eight organ systems were reported for patients with M1 disease at diagnosis. Overall survival (OS) was calculated by the Kaplan-Meier method. Differences in OS were assessed by log-rank test.

RESULTS: Of 7338 submitted cases, 3598 were eligible and 3221 had sufficient data for clinical staging; 228 cases (7%) were M1. Median overall estimated survival was inferior for M1 compared with M0 patients: 10.5 months versus 21.5 months, respectively (p < 0.0001); estimated 1-year survival was 46% versus 71%, respectively. OS differences between M categories were preserved within histologic subgroups. Among 158 patients with organ-specific documentation of M1 disease, there was no statistically significant difference in OS between those with intrathoracic versus more distant metastatic disease (14.4 mo versus 10.9 mo, p = 0.64). No significant survival difference was detected between patients with metastatic disease in a single-organ system versus multiple-organ systems (12.6 mo versus 8.8 mo, p = 0.45).

CONCLUSIONS: This evidence-based analysis of the M category for PM conforms with the eighth edition M descriptors. No changes are proposed in the ninth edition of the mesothelioma M category.},
}

@article {pmid39168966,
year = {2024},
author = {Zhang, M and Bzura, A and Baitei, EY and Zhou, Z and Spicer, JB and Poile, C and Rogel, J and Branson, A and King, A and Barber, S and Kamata, T and Dzialo, J and Harber, J and Greystoke, A and Nusrat, N and Faulkner, D and Sun, Q and Nolan, L and Hahne, JC and Scotland, M and Walter, H and Darlison, L and Morgan, B and Bajaj, A and Brookes, C and Hollox, EJ and Lubawska, D and Jama, M and Griffiths, G and Nakas, A and Kutywayo, K and Luo, JL and Klampatsa, A and Cooper, A and Halder, K and Wells-Jordan, P and Zhou, H and Dudbridge, F and Thomas, A and Richards, CJ and Pritchard, C and Yang, H and Barer, M and Fennell, DA},
title = {A gut microbiota rheostat forecasts responsiveness to PD-L1 and VEGF blockade in mesothelioma.},
journal = {Nature communications},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {7187},
pmid = {39168966},
issn = {2041-1723},
support = {C10604/A25151//Cancer Research UK (CRUK)/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome/drug effects ; *Bevacizumab/therapeutic use/pharmacology ; Male ; *B7-H1 Antigen/metabolism/antagonists & inhibitors ; *Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized/therapeutic use ; Female ; *Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors/therapeutic use/pharmacology ; Middle Aged ; Aged ; Mesothelioma, Malignant/drug therapy ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A/metabolism ; Mesothelioma/immunology/drug therapy/microbiology/pathology ; Tumor Microenvironment/immunology ; Lung Neoplasms/drug therapy/immunology/pathology/genetics/microbiology ; Treatment Outcome ; },
abstract = {Malignant mesothelioma is a rare tumour caused by asbestos exposure that originates mainly from the pleural lining or the peritoneum. Treatment options are limited, and the prognosis is dismal. Although immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) can improve survival outcomes, the determinants of responsiveness remain elusive. Here, we report the outcomes of a multi-centre phase II clinical trial (MiST4, NCT03654833) evaluating atezolizumab and bevacizumab (AtzBev) in patients with relapsed mesothelioma. We also use tumour tissue and gut microbiome sequencing, as well as tumour spatial immunophenotyping to identify factors associated with treatment response. MIST4 met its primary endpoint with 50% 12-week disease control, and the treatment was tolerable. Aneuploidy, notably uniparental disomy (UPD), homologous recombination deficiency (HRD), epithelial-mesenchymal transition and inflammation with CD68[+] monocytes were identified as tumour-intrinsic resistance factors. The log-ratio of gut-resident microbial genera positively correlated with radiological response to AtzBev and CD8[+] T cell infiltration, but was inversely correlated with UPD, HRD and tumour infiltration by CD68[+] monocytes. In summary, a model is proposed in which both intrinsic and extrinsic determinants in mesothelioma cooperate to modify the tumour microenvironment and confer clinical sensitivity to AtzBev. Gut microbiota represent a potentially modifiable factor with potential to improve immunotherapy outcomes for individuals with this cancer of unmet need.},
}

Humans
*Gastrointestinal Microbiome/drug effects
*Bevacizumab/therapeutic use/pharmacology
Male
*B7-H1 Antigen/metabolism/antagonists & inhibitors
*Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized/therapeutic use
Female
*Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors/therapeutic use/pharmacology
Middle Aged
Aged
Mesothelioma, Malignant/drug therapy
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A/metabolism
Mesothelioma/immunology/drug therapy/microbiology/pathology
Tumor Microenvironment/immunology
Lung Neoplasms/drug therapy/immunology/pathology/genetics/microbiology
Treatment Outcome

@article {pmid39163890,
year = {2024},
author = {Little, LD and Barnett, SE and Issitt, T and Bonsall, S and Carolan, VA and Allen, E and Cole, LM and Cross, NA and Coulson, JM and Haywood-Small, SL},
title = {Volatile organic compound analysis of malignant pleural mesothelioma chorioallantoic membrane xenografts.},
journal = {Journal of breath research},
volume = {18},
number = {4},
pages = {},
pmid = {39163890},
issn = {1752-7163},
mesh = {*Volatile Organic Compounds/analysis ; *Chorioallantoic Membrane ; Animals ; Humans ; *Mesothelioma, Malignant/pathology ; *Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry ; *Pleural Neoplasms/pathology ; *Lung Neoplasms/pathology/metabolism ; Biomarkers, Tumor/analysis ; Mesothelioma/pathology ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Heterografts ; Breath Tests/methods ; Solid Phase Microextraction/methods ; },
abstract = {Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is an aggressive cancer associated with asbestos exposure. MPM is often diagnosed late, at a point where limited treatment options are available, but early intervention could improve the chances of successful treatment for MPM patients. Biomarkers to detect MPM in at-risk individuals are needed to implement early diagnosis technologies. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) have previously shown diagnostic potential as biomarkers when analysed in MPM patient breath. In this study, chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) xenografts of MPM cell lines were used as models of MPM tumour development for VOC biomarker discovery with the aim of generating targets for investigation in breath, biopsies or other complex matrices. VOC headspace analysis of biphasic or epithelioid MPM CAM xenografts was performed using solid-phase microextraction and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. We successfully demonstrated the capture, analysis and separation of VOC signatures from CAM xenografts and controls. A panel of VOCs was identified that showed discrimination between MPM xenografts generated from biphasic and epithelioid cells and CAM controls. This is the first application of the CAM xenograft model for the discovery of VOC biomarkers associated with MPM histological subtypes. These findings support the potential utility of non-invasive VOC profiling from breath or headspace analysis of tissues for detection and monitoring of MPM.},
}

*Volatile Organic Compounds/analysis
*Chorioallantoic Membrane
Animals
Humans
*Mesothelioma, Malignant/pathology
*Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry
*Pleural Neoplasms/pathology
*Lung Neoplasms/pathology/metabolism
Biomarkers, Tumor/analysis
Mesothelioma/pathology
Cell Line, Tumor
Heterografts
Breath Tests/methods
Solid Phase Microextraction/methods

@article {pmid39143249,
year = {2024},
author = {Mayoral, M and Araujo-Filho, JAB and Tan, KS and Ortiz, E and Adusumilli, PS and Rusch, V and Zauderer, M and Ginsberg, MS},
title = {Are there features that can predict the unresectability of pleural mesothelioma?.},
journal = {European radiology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {39143249},
issn = {1432-1084},
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: The current clinical staging of pleural mesothelioma (PM) is often discordant with the pathologic staging. This study aimed to identify clinical and radiological features that could help predict unresectability in PM.

METHODS: Twenty-two descriptive radiologic features were retrospectively evaluated on preoperative computed tomography (CT) and/or positron emission tomography/CT (PET/CT) performed in patients with presumably resectable PM who underwent surgery. Measurements of maximum and sum pleural thickness at three levels of the thorax (upper, middle, and lower) were taken and stratified based on the cutpoints provided by the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC). Clinical and radiological features, including clinical-stage, were compared between resectable and unresectable tumors by univariate analysis and logistic regression modeling.

RESULTS: Of 133 patients, 69/133 (52%) had resectable and 64/133 (48%) had unresectable PM. Asbestos exposure (p = 0.005), neoadjuvant treatment (p = 0.001), clinical T-stage (p < 0.0001), all pleural thickness measurements (p < 0.05), pleural thickness pattern (p < 0.0001) and degree (p = 0.033), lung invasion (p = 0.004), extrapleural space obliteration (p < 0.0001), extension to subphrenic space (p = 0.0004), and two combination variables representing extensive diaphragmatic contact and/or chest wall involvement (p = 0.002) and mediastinal invasion (p < 0.0001) were significant predictors at univariate analysis. At multivariable analysis, all models achieved a strong diagnostic performance (area under the curve (AUC) > 0.8). The two best-performing models were one that included the upper-level maximum pleural thickness, extrapleural space obliteration, and mediastinal infiltration (AUC = 0.876), and another that integrated clinical variables and radiological assessment through the clinical T-stage (AUC = 0.879).

CONCLUSION: Selected clinical and radiologic features, including pleural thickness measurements, appear to be strong predictors of unresectability in PM.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: A more accurate prediction of unresectability in the preoperative assessment of patients with pleural mesothelioma may avoid unnecessary surgery and prompt initiation of nonsurgical treatments.

KEY POINTS: About half of pleural mesothelioma patients are reported to receive an incorrect disease stage preoperatively. Eleven features identified as predictors of unresectability were included in strongly performing predictive models. More accurate preoperative staging will help clinicians and patients choose the most appropriate treatments.},
}

@article {pmid39138009,
year = {2024},
author = {Nash, J and Stone, E and Vinod, S and Leong, T and Dawkins, P and Stirling, RG and Harden, S and Bolton, A and McWilliams, A and O'Byrne, K and Wright, GM and Brunelli, VN and Guan, T and Philpot, S and Navani, N and Brims, F and , },
title = {Lung cancer (internet-based) Delphi (LUCiD): A modified eDelphi consensus process to establish Australasian clinical quality indicators for thoracic cancer.},
journal = {Respirology (Carlton, Vic.)},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/resp.14812},
pmid = {39138009},
issn = {1440-1843},
abstract = {BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Approximately 16,000 new cases of lung cancer are diagnosed each year in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand, and it is the leading cause of cancer death in the region. Unwarranted variation in lung cancer care and outcomes has been described for many years, although clinical quality indicators to facilitate benchmarking across Australasia have not been established. The purpose of this study was to establish clinical quality indicators applicable to lung and other thoracic cancers across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand.

METHODS: Following a literature review, a modified three round eDelphi consensus process was completed between October 2022 and June 2023. Participants included clinicians from all relevant disciplines, patient advocates, researchers and other stakeholders, with representatives from all Australian states and territories and Aotearoa New Zealand. Consensus was set at a threshold of 70%, with the first two rounds conducted as online surveys, and the final round held as a hybrid in person and virtual consensus meeting.

RESULTS: The literature review identified 422 international thoracic oncology indicators, and a total of 71 indicators were evaluated over the course of the Delphi consensus. Ultimately, 27 clinical quality indicators reached consensus, covering the continuum of thoracic oncologic care from diagnosis to first line treatment. Indicators benchmarking supportive care were poorly represented. Attendant numeric quality standards were developed to facilitate benchmarking.

CONCLUSION: Twenty-seven clinical quality indicators relevant to thoracic oncology care in Australasia were developed. Real world implementation will now be explored utilizing a prospective dataset collected across Australia.},
}

@article {pmid39133306,
year = {2024},
author = {Thunold, S and Hernes, E and Farooqi, S and Öjlert, ÅK and Francis, RJ and Nowak, AK and Szejniuk, WM and Nielsen, SS and Cedres, S and Perdigo, MS and Sørensen, JB and Meltzer, C and Mikalsen, LTG and Helland, Å and Malinen, E and Haakensen, VD},
title = {Outcome prediction based on [18F]FDG PET/CT in patients with pleural mesothelioma treated with ipilimumab and nivolumab +/- UV1 telomerase vaccine.},
journal = {European journal of nuclear medicine and molecular imaging},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {39133306},
issn = {1619-7089},
support = {2020077//Helse Sør-Øst RHF/ ; 2021083//Helse Sør-Øst RHF/ ; },
abstract = {PURPOSE: The introduction of immunotherapy in pleural mesothelioma (PM) has highlighted the need for effective outcome predictors. This study explores the role of [18F]FDG PET/CT in predicting outcomes in PM treated with immunotherapy.

METHODS: Patients from the NIPU trial, receiving ipilimumab and nivolumab +/- telomerase vaccine in second-line, were included. [18F]FDG PET/CT was obtained at baseline (n = 100) and at week-5 (n = 76). Metabolic tumour volume (MTV) and peak standardised uptake value (SUVpeak) were evaluated in relation to survival outcomes. Wilcoxon rank-sum test was used to assess differences in MTV, total lesion glycolysis (TLG), maximum standardised uptake value (SUVmax) and SUVpeak between patients exhibiting an objective response, defined as either partial response or complete response according to the modified Response Criteria in Solid Tumours (mRECIST) and immune RECIST (iRECIST), and non-responders, defined as either stable disease or progressive disease as their best overall response.

RESULTS: Univariate Cox regression revealed significant associations of MTV with OS (HR 1.36, CI: 1.14, 1.62, p < 0.001) and PFS (HR 1.18, CI: 1.03, 1.34, p = 0.02), while multivariate analysis showed a significant association with OS only (HR 1.35, CI: 1.09, 1.68, p = 0.007). While SUVpeak was not significantly associated with OS or PFS in univariate analyses, it was significantly associated with OS in multivariate analysis (HR 0.43, CI: 0.23, 0.80, p = 0.008). Objective responders had significant reductions in TLG, SUVmax and SUVpeak at week-5.

CONCLUSION: MTV provides prognostic value in PM treated with immunotherapy. High SUVpeak was not associated with inferior outcomes, which could be attributed to the distinct mechanisms of immunotherapy. Early reductions in PET metrics correlated with treatment response.

STUDY REGISTRATION: The NIPU trial (NCT04300244) is registered at clinicaltrials.gov. https://classic.

CLINICALTRIALS: gov/ct2/show/NCT04300244?cond=Pleural+Mesothelioma&cntry=NO&draw=2&rank=4.},
}

@article {pmid39129543,
year = {2024},
author = {Delhaise, J and Gustin, M},
title = {[Erionite, an exposure factor linked to pleural mesothelioma].},
journal = {Revue medicale de Liege},
volume = {79},
number = {7-8},
pages = {478-484},
pmid = {39129543},
issn = {0370-629X},
mesh = {Humans ; *Pleural Neoplasms/etiology/diagnosis ; *Mesothelioma/etiology/chemically induced ; Male ; Zeolites/adverse effects ; Environmental Exposure/adverse effects ; Mesothelioma, Malignant/pathology ; },
abstract = {Mesotheliomas are neoplasia developed from the mesothelium, a layer covering the viscera (visceral layer) and the cavity where the organs are (parietal layer). The best known, and the most frequently encountered is the pleural mesothelioma. This disease has a close link with exposure to asbestos, a mineral fibre now banned in several countries. However, other exposure factors have also been incriminated, including another one recognised as a certain carcinogenic agent for several years now : erionite. We present the case of a patient with pleural mesothelioma whose exposure to erionite could be demonstrated. The presentation of this clinical case will be complemented by a literature review on this less known and mostly environmental exposure, contrary to asbestos which is mostly professional.},
}

Humans
*Pleural Neoplasms/etiology/diagnosis
*Mesothelioma/etiology/chemically induced
Male
Zeolites/adverse effects
Environmental Exposure/adverse effects
Mesothelioma, Malignant/pathology

@article {pmid39114201,
year = {2024},
author = {Al-Moussally, F and Alamin, F and Khan, S and Gopalan, PK},
title = {Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma With New Pancreatic Lesions Presenting As Acute Pancreatitis: A Case Report.},
journal = {Cureus},
volume = {16},
number = {7},
pages = {e64088},
pmid = {39114201},
issn = {2168-8184},
abstract = {Sarcomatoid mesothelioma is a rare, aggressive malignancy that usually follows asbestos exposure. It is the least common subtype of mesotheliomas, following epithelial and biphasic subtypes. Pleural mesothelioma can metastasize, with the liver, kidneys, adrenal glands, and opposite lungs being the most commonly reported sites for metastasis. Metastasis of the pancreas is extremely rare, which is why the authors of this case report intend to present the case of a 78-year-old male who was found to have acute pancreatitis, most likely secondary to metastatic lesions.},
}

@article {pmid39111017,
year = {2024},
author = {Otte, N and Fraune, E and Cetiner, Y and Felten, MK and Dirrichs, T and Krabbe, J and Kraus, T},
title = {Asbestos Surveillance Program Aachen (ASPA): Cancer mortality among asbestos exposed power industry workers.},
journal = {Lung cancer (Amsterdam, Netherlands)},
volume = {195},
number = {},
pages = {107899},
doi = {10.1016/j.lungcan.2024.107899},
pmid = {39111017},
issn = {1872-8332},
mesh = {Humans ; *Occupational Exposure/adverse effects ; *Asbestos/adverse effects ; Male ; *Lung Neoplasms/mortality/etiology/epidemiology ; Middle Aged ; Female ; Aged ; Adult ; Mesothelioma/mortality/etiology ; Occupational Diseases/mortality/epidemiology ; Follow-Up Studies ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The time between initial asbestos exposure and asbestos-related disease can span several decades. The Asbestos Surveillance Program aims to detect early asbestos-related diseases in a cohort of 8,565 power industry workers formerly exposed to asbestos.

RESEARCH QUESTION: How does asbestos exposure patterns affect cancer mortality and the duration of latency until death?

METHODS: A mortality follow-up was conducted with available vital status for 8,476 participants (99 %) and available death certificates for 89.9 % of deceased participants. Standardised mortality ratios (SMR) were calculated for asbestos-related cancers. The SMR of mesothelioma and lung cancer were stratified by exposure duration, cumulative asbestos exposure and smoking. The effect of age at first exposure, cumulative asbestos exposure and smoking on the duration of latency until death was examined using multiple linear regression analysis.

RESULTS: The mortality risk of mesothelioma (n = 104) increased with cumulative asbestos exposure but not with exposure duration; the highest mortality (SMR: 23.20; 95 % CI: 17.62-29.99) was observed in participants who performed activities with short extremely high exposures (steam turbine revisions). Lung cancer mortality (n = 215) was not increased (SMR: 1.03; 95 % CI: 0.89-1.17). Median latency until death was 46 (15-63) years for mesothelioma and 44 (15-70) years for lung cancer and deaths occurred between age 64 and 82 years. Latency until death was not influenced by age at first exposure, cumulative exposure, or smoking.

CONCLUSION: Cumulative dose seems to be more appropriate than exposure duration for estimating the risk of mesothelioma death. Additionally, exposure with high cumulative doses in short time should be considered. Since only lung cancer mortality, not incidence, was recorded in this study, lung cancer risk associated with asbestos exposure could not be assessed and the lung cancer mortality was lower than expected probably due to screening effects and improved treatments. The critical time window of death from asbestos-related cancer is between the seventh and ninth decade of life. Future studies should further explore the concept of latency, especially since large ranges are reported throughout the literature.},
}

Humans
*Occupational Exposure/adverse effects
*Asbestos/adverse effects
Male
*Lung Neoplasms/mortality/etiology/epidemiology
Middle Aged
Female
Aged
Adult
Mesothelioma/mortality/etiology
Occupational Diseases/mortality/epidemiology
Follow-Up Studies

@article {pmid39083122,
year = {2024},
author = {Kraus, T and Jonigk, D},
title = {[Mesothelioma-30 years after the asbestos ban in Germany].},
journal = {Pathologie (Heidelberg, Germany)},
volume = {45},
number = {5},
pages = {305-308},
pmid = {39083122},
issn = {2731-7196},
mesh = {Humans ; Germany/epidemiology ; *Asbestos/adverse effects ; *Mesothelioma/epidemiology/history/etiology ; Occupational Diseases/epidemiology/history/prevention & control ; Occupational Exposure/legislation & jurisprudence/history/adverse effects/prevention & control ; Incidence ; Pleural Neoplasms/epidemiology/history/etiology ; Asbestosis/epidemiology/history/prevention & control/etiology ; },
abstract = {In 1993, a total asbestos ban was introduced in Germany. Thirty years later, mesothelioma is still one of the most frequent occupational diseases. Recent data on incidence, mortality, recognized occupational diseases, early detection, and assessment are presented in this article.},
}

Humans
Germany/epidemiology
*Asbestos/adverse effects
*Mesothelioma/epidemiology/history/etiology
Occupational Diseases/epidemiology/history/prevention & control
Occupational Exposure/legislation & jurisprudence/history/adverse effects/prevention & control
Incidence
Pleural Neoplasms/epidemiology/history/etiology
Asbestosis/epidemiology/history/prevention & control/etiology

@article {pmid39060158,
year = {2024},
author = {Gislard, A and Gramond, C and Clin, B and Paris, C and Delva, F and Brochard, P and Laurent, F and Benoist, J and Andujar, P and Chouaïd, C and Thaon, I and Boudet, L and Pairon, JC},
title = {[Compensation of occupational diseases during monitoring of the ARDCO cohort].},
journal = {Revue des maladies respiratoires},
volume = {41},
number = {7},
pages = {472-487},
doi = {10.1016/j.rmr.2024.06.010},
pmid = {39060158},
issn = {1776-2588},
mesh = {Humans ; France/epidemiology ; *Occupational Diseases/epidemiology/diagnosis/etiology ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Female ; *Occupational Exposure/adverse effects/statistics & numerical data ; Aged ; *Asbestosis/epidemiology/diagnosis ; Cohort Studies ; *Lung Neoplasms/epidemiology/diagnosis/etiology ; *Workers' Compensation/statistics & numerical data ; *Asbestos/adverse effects ; Adult ; Aged, 80 and over ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed/statistics & numerical data ; Mesothelioma/epidemiology/diagnosis/etiology ; },
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Questions concerning under-reporting of occupational diseases (OD) linked to asbestos exposure are regularly voiced in France. Monitoring of the French multicenter Asbestos-Related Disease Cohort (ARDCO), which ensures post-occupational medical surveillance of subjects having been exposed to asbestos, provides information on (1) the medico-legal steps taken following screening by computed tomography (CT) for benign thoracic diseases, and (2) recognition of OD as a causal factor in malignant diseases.

METHODS: OD recognition - and possible compensation - was analyzed in July 2021 among 13,289 volunteers in the cohort recruited between 2003 and 2005.

RESULTS: Fifteen percent of the subjects in the cohort were found to have at least one recognized asbestos-related OD (78.2% benign pleural disease, 10.3% asbestosis, 14.2% lung cancer, and 6.0% mesothelioma). Only 58% of pleural plaques reported by the radiologist who performed the CT resulted in their recognition as ODs. On a parallel track, 88.7% of the mesotheliomas identified based on French National health insurance data and 46.9% of lung cancers were recognized as ODs.

CONCLUSIONS: This study confirms the feasibility of a system designed to facilitate recognition, leading to possible compensation, of asbestos-related occupational diseases. The system could be improved by better training of the medical actors involved.},
}

Humans
France/epidemiology
*Occupational Diseases/epidemiology/diagnosis/etiology
Male
Middle Aged
Female
*Occupational Exposure/adverse effects/statistics & numerical data
Aged
*Asbestosis/epidemiology/diagnosis
Cohort Studies
*Lung Neoplasms/epidemiology/diagnosis/etiology
*Workers' Compensation/statistics & numerical data
*Asbestos/adverse effects
Adult
Aged, 80 and over
Tomography, X-Ray Computed/statistics & numerical data
Mesothelioma/epidemiology/diagnosis/etiology

@article {pmid39015660,
year = {2024},
author = {Neilly, MDJ and Pearson, J and Thu, AW and MacRae, C and Blyth, KG},
title = {Contemporary management of mesothelioma.},
journal = {Breathe (Sheffield, England)},
volume = {20},
number = {2},
pages = {230175},
pmid = {39015660},
issn = {1810-6838},
abstract = {Pleural mesothelioma (PM) is an aggressive asbestos-associated thoracic malignancy with a median survival of 12-18 months. Due to continued asbestos use in many nations, global incidence is rising. Causes due to non-occupational, environmental exposure are also rising in many countries despite utilisation bans. For many years, platinum--pemetrexed chemotherapy was the solitary licensed therapy, but first-line combination immune checkpoint blockade has recently demonstrated improved outcomes, with both regimes tested in predominantly late-stage cohorts. In the second-line setting, single-agent nivolumab has been shown to extend survival and is now available for routine use in some regions, while second-line chemotherapy has no proven role and opportunities for clinical trials should be maximised in relapsed disease. Surgery for "technically resectable" disease has been offered for decades in many expert centres, but the recent results from the phase III MARS2 trial have challenged this approach. There remains no robustly proven standard of care for early-stage PM. The clinical trial landscape for PM is complex and increasingly diverse, making further development of specialist PM multidisciplinary teams an important priority in all countries. The observation of improving outcomes in centres that have adopted this service model emphasises the importance of high-quality diagnostics and equitable access to therapies and trials. Novel therapies targeting a range of aberrations are being evaluated; however, a better understanding of the molecular drivers and their associated vulnerabilities is required to identify and prioritise treatment targets.},
}

@article {pmid39015649,
year = {2024},
author = {Cravero, JC and Yakubik, T and Wahab, L and Giang, T and Lopez, LM and Newman, MG},
title = {Primary Peritoneal Mesothelioma Affecting the Greater Omentum That Mimicked an Omental Infarction: A Case Report.},
journal = {Case reports in oncology},
volume = {17},
number = {1},
pages = {596-601},
pmid = {39015649},
issn = {1662-6575},
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma (MPM) is a rare cancer that is associated with asbestos exposure. The diagnosis can be difficult given the nonspecific nature of presenting symptoms and the presence of concomitant confounding findings.

CASE PRESENTATION: We report a 71-year-old male who presented with right lower quadrant pain and new-onset ascites. CT imaging of the abdomen/pelvis demonstrated omental stranding concerning for a possible omental infarction. Subsequent imaging showed persistent omental edema but no identifiable soft tissue mass. A biopsy of the omentum showed atypical mesothelial proliferation, but pathology was unable to determine if proliferation was a neoplastic versus reactive process. Surgical oncology performed a diagnostic laparoscopy that showed peritoneal studding of the omentum. Subsequent immunohistochemical staining of the omentum demonstrated preservation of BAP1 expression and loss of MTAP expression, consistent with peritoneal mesothelioma.

CONCLUSION: MPM is a rare and aggressive cancer with an overall poor prognosis. The diagnosis of MPM can be difficult based on the nonspecific clinical presentation, insufficient imaging and laboratory testing, and the presence of concomitant confounding findings, such as with this patient and his admitting diagnosis of omental infarction. This case demonstrates the importance of developing a broad differential while maintaining an awareness of heuristics that can influence clinical decision-making.},
}

@article {pmid39014872,
year = {2024},
author = {Khan, S and Malik, A and Qureshi, S and Cohen, B and Nadir, A},
title = {Incidental Diagnosis of Malignant Peritoneal Mesothelioma During Liver Transplantation Surgery: A Case Report.},
journal = {The American journal of case reports},
volume = {25},
number = {},
pages = {e943787},
pmid = {39014872},
issn = {1941-5923},
mesh = {Humans ; *Liver Transplantation ; Female ; *Peritoneal Neoplasms/diagnosis ; Middle Aged ; *Incidental Findings ; *Mesothelioma, Malignant/diagnosis ; Mesothelioma/diagnosis ; Lung Neoplasms/diagnosis ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma (MPM) is a rare, lethal tumor of serous membranes. The most common factor reported in association with MPM is asbestos exposure, while viral infections, genetic predisposition, paraneoplastic syndrome, and altered immunity have been described as well. The diagnosis can be challenging among those with lower tumor burden as well as nonspecific symptoms, and it is not unusual to discover the diagnosis incidentally. CASE REPORT A middle-aged woman with decompensated cirrhosis underwent extensive pre-transplant workup, showing no evidence of malignancy. She had a personal history of asbestos exposure and family history of MPM in the extended family. During transplant surgery, a few peritoneal nodules were noted, leading to termination of the procedure. Pathological analysis confirmed malignant MPM. A multidisciplinary discussion led to following a conservative treatment approach without any intervention, due to higher risk of worsening hepatic decompensation associated with peritonectomy and intraperitoneal chemotherapy. The patient's hepatic decompensation resolved 6 months after the aborted liver transplant operation. Since the diagnosis of MPM, positron emission tomography scans have shown no recurrence of MPM for 3 consecutive years. CONCLUSIONS This is the first case of MPM diagnosed incidentally during a liver transplantation surgery. This case highlights the challenges in the diagnosis and management of MPM in a patient with decompensated liver disease. A multidisciplinary approach and following a consensus decision led to prolonged survival in the described patient.},
}

Humans
*Liver Transplantation
Female
*Peritoneal Neoplasms/diagnosis
Middle Aged
*Incidental Findings
*Mesothelioma, Malignant/diagnosis
Mesothelioma/diagnosis
Lung Neoplasms/diagnosis

@article {pmid39011477,
year = {2024},
author = {Costa, A and Forte, IM and Pentimalli, F and Iannuzzi, CA and Alfano, L and Capone, F and Camerlingo, R and Calabrese, A and von Arx, C and Benot Dominguez, R and Quintiliani, M and De Laurentiis, M and Morrione, A and Giordano, A},
title = {Pharmacological inhibition of CDK4/6 impairs diffuse pleural mesothelioma 3D spheroid growth and reduces viability of cisplatin-resistant cells.},
journal = {Frontiers in oncology},
volume = {14},
number = {},
pages = {1418951},
pmid = {39011477},
issn = {2234-943X},
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Diffuse pleural mesothelioma (DPM) of the pleura is a highly aggressive and treatment-resistant cancer linked to asbestos exposure. Despite multimodal treatment, the prognosis for DPM patients remains very poor, with an average survival of 2 years from diagnosis. Cisplatin, a platinum-based chemotherapy drug, is commonly used in the treatment of DPM. However, the development of resistance to cisplatin significantly limits its effectiveness, highlighting the urgent need for alternative therapeutic strategies. New selective inhibitors of cyclin-dependent kinases 4 and 6 (CDK4/6) have shown promise in various malignancies by inhibiting cell cycle progression and suppressing tumor growth. Recent studies have indicated the potential of abemaciclib for DPM therapy, and a phase II clinical trial has shown preliminary encouraging results.

METHODS: Here, we tested abemaciclib, palbociclib, and ribociclib on a panel of DPM cell lines and non-tumor mesothelial(MET-5A) cells.

RESULTS: Specifically, we focused on abemaciclib, which was the mosteffective cytotoxic agent on all the DPM cell lines tested. Abemaciclib reduced DPM cell viability, clonogenic potential, and ability to grow as three-dimensional (3D) spheroids. In addition, abemaciclib induced prolonged effects, thereby impairing second-generation sphere formation and inducing G0/G1 arrest and apoptosis/ necrosis. Interestingly, single silencing of RB family members did not impair cell response to abemaciclib, suggesting that they likely complement each other in triggering abemaciclib's cytostatic effect. Interestingly, abemaciclib reduced the phosphorylation of AKT, which is hyperactive in DPM and synergized with the pharmacological AKT inhibitor (AKTi VIII). Abemaciclib also synergized with cisplatin and reduced the viability of DPM cells with acquired resistance to cisplatin.

DISCUSSION: Overall, our results suggest that CDK4/6 inhibitors alone or in combination with standard of care should be further explored for DPM therapy.},
}

@article {pmid39006698,
year = {2024},
author = {Sonobe, H and Omote, R and Habara, T and Washio, K and Yamazoe, N and Matsumoto, S and Nabeshima, K and Toda, H},
title = {A Rare Case of Pleural Epithelioid Mesothelioma With a Prominent Myxoid Stroma Reported With Morphology, Fluorescent In Situ Hybridization, and Ultrastructural Findings.},
journal = {Cureus},
volume = {16},
number = {6},
pages = {e62212},
pmid = {39006698},
issn = {2168-8184},
abstract = {Herein, we report a rare case of pleural epithelioid malignant mesothelioma with a prominent myxoid stroma. To date, detailed morphological or molecular pathological findings have not been reported for this type of tumor. Hence, we aimed to describe the cytological, histological, immuno-cytohistological, electron-microscopic, and molecular pathological findings using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) in such a case. The patient was a male in his mid-sixties with a history of asbestos exposure and had originally visited the hospital with a persistent cough and fever. Chest radiography revealed left pleural effusion, and laboratory examination revealed a high titer for hyaluronic acid in the effusion. Additionally, computed tomography revealed diffuse multinodular or cystic lesions in the left parietal pleura, and pleural effusion cytology revealed large epithelioid cells with mild nuclear atypia, which were considered reactive mesothelial cells. Cytologically, Giemsa staining revealed that these cells harbored variously sized intracytoplasmic vacuoles that were Alcian-blue-positive, suggesting hyaluronan production. Biopsy revealed large epithelioid cells that loosely proliferated against a prominent myxoid background. These cells were immuno-positive for calretinin, Wilms' tumor 1, D2-40, vimentin, and cytokeratin AE1/AE3 but not for carcinoembryonic antigen, Ber-EP4, or desmin. BRCA 1 associated protein 1 immunostaining showed nuclear loss, and FISH showed homozygous deletion of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 2A (p16) on chromosome 9p21. Based on these findings, the lesion was diagnosed as an epithelioid mesothelioma with a prominent myxoid stroma. Electron-microscopy demonstrated a dense microvillus pattern on the surface of the tumor cells, indicating a mesothelial cell origin, and variously sized vacuoles in the cytoplasm, confirming the presence of intracytoplasmic vacuoles demonstrated on cytology. The tumor tissues obtained during surgery harbored prominent myxoid stroma, which proved that the present tumor was consistent with this type of mesothelioma. After informed consent was obtained, the patient and family wished for total resection of the tumor and postoperative chemotherapy, and the patient eventually died eight months after surgery.},
}

@article {pmid39003938,
year = {2024},
author = {van Zandwijk, N and Frank, AL and Reid, G and Dimitri Røe, O and Amos, CI},
title = {Asbestos-Related lung Cancer: An underappreciated oncological issue.},
journal = {Lung cancer (Amsterdam, Netherlands)},
volume = {194},
number = {},
pages = {107861},
doi = {10.1016/j.lungcan.2024.107861},
pmid = {39003938},
issn = {1872-8332},
mesh = {Humans ; *Lung Neoplasms/etiology/epidemiology ; *Asbestos/adverse effects ; Environmental Exposure/adverse effects ; Incidence ; Air Pollution/adverse effects ; Occupational Exposure/adverse effects ; Particulate Matter/adverse effects ; },
abstract = {Asbestos, a group of class I (WHO) carcinogenic fibers, is the main cause of mesothelioma. Asbestos inhalation also increases the risk to develop other solid tumours with lung cancer as the most prominent example [91]. The incidence of asbestos-related lung cancer (ARLC) is estimated to be to six times larger than the mesothelioma incidence thereby becoming an important health issue [86]. Although the pivotal role of asbestos in inducing lung cancer is well established, the precise causal relationships between exposures to asbestos, tobacco smoke, radon and 'particulate' (PM2.5) air pollution remain obscure and new knowledge is needed to establish appropriate preventive measures and to tailor existing screening practices[22,61,65]. We hypothesize that a part of the increasing numbers of lung cancer diagnoses in never-smokers can be explained by (historic and current) exposures to asbestos as well as combinations of different forms of air pollution (PM2.5, asbestos and silica).},
}

Humans
*Lung Neoplasms/etiology/epidemiology
*Asbestos/adverse effects
Environmental Exposure/adverse effects
Incidence
Air Pollution/adverse effects
Occupational Exposure/adverse effects
Particulate Matter/adverse effects

@article {pmid38995135,
year = {2024},
author = {Mirabelli, D and Terracini, B},
title = {Carcinogenicity of asbestos-free talc and talcum powder: A systematic review of the epidemiological evidence after the 2006 monograph of the International Agency for Research on Cancer.},
journal = {Epidemiologia e prevenzione},
volume = {48},
number = {3},
pages = {220-232},
doi = {10.19191/EP24.3.A688.057},
pmid = {38995135},
issn = {1120-9763},
mesh = {Female ; Humans ; Male ; Carcinogens/toxicity ; Case-Control Studies ; Cosmetics ; Endometrial Neoplasms/epidemiology/chemically induced ; Lung Neoplasms/epidemiology/chemically induced/etiology ; Neoplasms/epidemiology/chemically induced/etiology ; *Occupational Diseases/epidemiology/chemically induced ; *Occupational Exposure/adverse effects ; Ovarian Neoplasms/epidemiology/chemically induced ; *Talc/adverse effects ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: in 2006, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) concluded that the evidence of carcinogenicity for asbestos-free talc was inadequate (group 3), whereas perineal use of talcum powder was classified as possibly carcinogenic (group 2B).

OBJECTIVES: to assess whether later studies provide more solid information on the carcinogenic risk from asbestos-free talc and talcum powder and a better characterization of exposure.

DESIGN: systematic review.

METHODS: cohort studies of talc miners and millers exposed to asbestos-free talc, as well as cohort and case-control studies reporting cancer risk in talc powder consumers published from 2006 onwards were identified through PubMed and reference lists. Pooled analyses were included, but not reviews and meta-analyses. In the case of repeatedly reported studies, the article with the longest follow-up or the largest number of observed cases was selected for data abstraction. Notice was taken of studies which were both reported individually and included in pooled analyses.

RESULTS: publications meeting inclusion criteria were: 2 cohort studies on talc miners and millers, 10 cohort studies on talcum powder users (4 of which estimated ovarian cancer risk), and 14 case-control studies (13 on ovarian and 1 on endometrial cancer) on the risk from talcum powder use. No excess cancer mortality has been reported among asbestos-free talc miners and millers. Case-control studies consistently led to estimates of ovarian cancer excesses associated with the use of perineal talcum powder (odds ratios up to 1.5). Most studies quantifying exposure also provided evidence of a dose-response relationship. Individual cohort studies estimated hazard ratios (HR) just above 1. In an analysis of pooled cohorts for a total of 3,112 cases, the HR for women with patent reproductive tract was 1.13 (95%CI 1.01-1.26) with a correlation between HR and frequency of use (p for trend 0.03). In all cohort studies, the perineal use of talcum powder was measured only once in the early phases of follow-up, thus producing an inaccurate measure of cumulative exposure. Results of epidemiological studies regarding cancer risk in other organs are limited and inconsistent.

CONCLUSIONS: epidemiological studies updated or published after IARC 2006 evaluation indicate that: no increase in cancer risk is apparent among miners and millers of asbestos-free talc; risk for ovarian cancer increases following the perineal use of commercial talcum powder. A correlation between indicators of quantity of use and cancer risk is suggested by a number of studies. The composition of talcum powders considered in such studies is not known.},
}

Female
Humans
Male
Carcinogens/toxicity
Case-Control Studies
Cosmetics
Endometrial Neoplasms/epidemiology/chemically induced
Lung Neoplasms/epidemiology/chemically induced/etiology
Neoplasms/epidemiology/chemically induced/etiology
*Occupational Diseases/epidemiology/chemically induced
*Occupational Exposure/adverse effects
Ovarian Neoplasms/epidemiology/chemically induced
*Talc/adverse effects

@article {pmid38990952,
year = {2024},
author = {Novelli, F and Yoshikawa, Y and Vitto, VAM and Modesti, L and Minaai, M and Pastorino, S and Emi, M and Kim, JH and Kricek, F and Bai, F and Onuchic, JN and Bononi, A and Suarez, JS and Tanji, M and Favaron, C and Zolondick, AA and Xu, R and Takanishi, Y and Wang, Z and Sakamoto, G and Gaudino, G and Grzymski, J and Grosso, F and Schrump, DS and Pass, HI and Atanesyan, L and Smout, J and Savola, S and Sarin, KY and Abolhassani, H and Hammarström, L and Pan-Hammarström, Q and Giorgi, C and Pinton, P and Yang, H and Carbone, M},
title = {Germline BARD1 variants predispose to mesothelioma by impairing DNA repair and calcium signaling.},
journal = {Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America},
volume = {121},
number = {29},
pages = {e2405231121},
pmid = {38990952},
issn = {1091-6490},
support = {R01 CA198138/CA/NCI NIH HHS/United States ; S10 OD028515/OD/NIH HHS/United States ; 853057/ERC_/European Research Council/International ; IG-19803//Italian Association for Cancer Research/ ; PRIN2017E5L5P3 t//AROSE, Progetti di Rilevante Interesse Nazionale/ ; C-1792//Welch Foundation (The Welch Foundation)/ ; GR-2013-02356747//Italian Ministry of Health/ ; R01 ES030948/ES/NIEHS NIH HHS/United States ; 5U01CA214195-04//the Early Detection Research Network NCI/ ; 1R01ES030948-01//HHS | NIH | National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS)/ ; IG-23670//Italian Association for Cancer Research/ ; 1R01CA237235-01A1//HHS | NIH | National Cancer Institute (NCI)/ ; 1R01CA198138//US Department of Defence/ ; R01 CA237235/CA/NCI NIH HHS/United States ; PHY-2019745//NSF/ ; U01 CA214195/CA/NCI NIH HHS/United States ; PRIN20177E9EPY//AROSE, Progetti di Rilevante Interesse Nazionale/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *DNA Repair/genetics ; *Tumor Suppressor Proteins/genetics/metabolism ; *Germ-Line Mutation ; *Ubiquitin-Protein Ligases/genetics/metabolism ; *Mesothelioma/genetics ; *Genetic Predisposition to Disease ; *Calcium Signaling/genetics ; Female ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Tumor Suppressor Protein p53/genetics/metabolism ; Apoptosis/genetics ; Fibroblasts/metabolism ; Asbestos/toxicity ; Genomic Instability ; },
abstract = {We report that ~1.8% of all mesothelioma patients and 4.9% of those younger than 55, carry rare germline variants of the BRCA1 associated RING domain 1 (BARD1) gene that were predicted to be damaging by computational analyses. We conducted functional assays, essential for accurate interpretation of missense variants, in primary fibroblasts that we established in tissue culture from a patient carrying the heterozygous BARD1[V523A] mutation. We found that these cells had genomic instability, reduced DNA repair, and impaired apoptosis. Investigating the underlying signaling pathways, we found that BARD1 forms a trimeric protein complex with p53 and SERCA2 that regulates calcium signaling and apoptosis. We validated these findings in BARD1-silenced primary human mesothelial cells exposed to asbestos. Our study elucidated mechanisms of BARD1 activity and revealed that heterozygous germline BARD1 mutations favor the development of mesothelioma and increase the susceptibility to asbestos carcinogenesis. These mesotheliomas are significantly less aggressive compared to mesotheliomas in asbestos workers.},
}

Humans
*DNA Repair/genetics
*Tumor Suppressor Proteins/genetics/metabolism
*Germ-Line Mutation
*Ubiquitin-Protein Ligases/genetics/metabolism
*Mesothelioma/genetics
*Genetic Predisposition to Disease
*Calcium Signaling/genetics
Female
Male
Middle Aged
Tumor Suppressor Protein p53/genetics/metabolism
Apoptosis/genetics
Fibroblasts/metabolism
Asbestos/toxicity
Genomic Instability

@article {pmid38970770,
year = {2024},
author = {Cedres, S and Calvete, J and Taylor-Stokes, G and Ayerza, NÁ and Larena, DV and Daumont, M},
title = {Treatment patterns and humanistic burden of malignant pleural mesothelioma in Spain.},
journal = {Clinical & translational oncology : official publication of the Federation of Spanish Oncology Societies and of the National Cancer Institute of Mexico},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {38970770},
issn = {1699-3055},
abstract = {PURPOSE: Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is an aggressive cancer with long latency and poor prognosis. The real-world treatment patterns and humanistic burden of MPM in an international cohort of patients were recently published. Spanish data are currently lacking and are reported here.

METHODS/PATIENTS: Data were collected from three sources: physician-abstracted demographic, clinical and treatment characteristics of patients with MPM; patient-completed questionnaires on treatment satisfaction, symptoms, caregiver use, and impact of the disease; and caregiver-completed questionnaire reporting their activity and its impact on their daily life.

RESULTS: The 241 patients in Spain were primarily elderly (median age: 67 years), male, retired/unemployed/on long-term sick leave, and diagnosed at stage IV with unresectable disease. Exposure to asbestos was detected (54%, 101/188). First-line treatment (1L) consisted primarily of doublet chemotherapy (86%, 207/241). Of 102 patients who completed 1L at data abstraction, 67 were receiving maintenance therapy, most commonly singlet chemotherapy with pemetrexed. Best supportive care was given to 29 patients, primarily after 1L (86.2%, 25/29). Symptom burden was high and health-related quality of life was poor and declined with progression: mean (SD) EQ-5D score and EQ-5D visual analogue scale score were 0.615 (0.285) and 60.8 (17.1) in 1L and 0.497 (0.370) and 56.1 (19.5) in second line. Overall, 67% of patients (162/241) required daily assistance from their caregiver, who reported an impact on their psychological well-being.

CONCLUSIONS: Patients with MPM in Spain were overall treated according to treatment guidelines at the time. Nevertheless, a considerable burden of disease was reported by patients and caregivers.},
}

@article {pmid38968839,
year = {2024},
author = {Andersson, EM and Barregard, L and Akerstrom, M and Sallsten, G and Järvholm, B and Nilsson, RI},
title = {Cancer incidence in Swedish oil refinery workers exposed to benzene.},
journal = {International journal of hygiene and environmental health},
volume = {261},
number = {},
pages = {114420},
doi = {10.1016/j.ijheh.2024.114420},
pmid = {38968839},
issn = {1618-131X},
mesh = {Humans ; *Benzene/toxicity ; Sweden/epidemiology ; *Occupational Exposure/adverse effects ; Male ; Incidence ; *Oil and Gas Industry ; Middle Aged ; Adult ; *Leukemia/epidemiology/chemically induced ; Occupational Diseases/epidemiology/chemically induced ; Retrospective Studies ; Neoplasms/epidemiology/chemically induced ; Air Pollutants, Occupational ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Oil refinery workers are exposed to benzene, which is a well-known cause of leukaemia, but results on leukaemia in oil refinery workers have been mixed, and the data on workers' exposure is limited. Oil refinery workers are also exposed to asbestos and several studies have shown increased risk of mesothelioma.

AIM: The objective was to investigate cancer incidence, especially leukaemia, at low to moderate exposure to benzene in an update of a previous study of employees at three Swedish oil refineries.

METHODS: Cancer incidence was followed up in 2264 men (1548 refinery operators) employed at three oil refineries in Sweden for at least one year. Job types and employment times were collected from complete company files. A retrospective assessment of the benzene exposure was performed by occupational hygienists in collaboration with the refineries using historic measurements as well as detailed information on changes in the industrial hygiene and technological developments. Cases of cancer were retrieved by a linkage with the Swedish Cancer Register through 35-47 years of follow-up and standardized incidence ratios (SIR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated.

RESULTS: In total, 258 tumors had occurred versus 240 expected (SIR 1.07; 95% CI 0.95-1.21). There were 10 cases of leukaemia, all in refinery operators (SIR 2.4; 95% CI 1.18-4.51). There were three cases of pleural mesothelioma, two of which in refinery operators. The mean estimated cumulative benzene exposure for the cases of leukaemia was 7.9 ppm-years (median 4.9, range 0.1-31.1).

DISCUSSION: The study suggests that low to moderate average cumulative benzene exposure increases the risk of leukaemia. Limitations include the modest number of cases and potential misclassification of exposure.

CONCLUSION: The present study indicated an increased risk of leukaemia in male oil refinery workers with low to moderate exposure to benzene.},
}

Humans
*Benzene/toxicity
Sweden/epidemiology
*Occupational Exposure/adverse effects
Male
Incidence
*Oil and Gas Industry
Middle Aged
Adult
*Leukemia/epidemiology/chemically induced
Occupational Diseases/epidemiology/chemically induced
Retrospective Studies
Neoplasms/epidemiology/chemically induced
Air Pollutants, Occupational

@article {pmid38955483,
year = {2024},
author = {Berge, LAM and Shala, NK and Barone-Adesi, F and Hosgood, HD and Samuelsen, SO and Bråtveit, M and Kirkeleit, J and Silverman, D and Friesen, MC and Babigumira, R and Grimsrud, TK and Veierød, MB and Stenehjem, JS},
title = {Exposure to fibres and risk of pleural mesothelioma in the Norwegian Offshore Petroleum Workers cohort.},
journal = {Occupational and environmental medicine},
volume = {81},
number = {7},
pages = {331-338},
doi = {10.1136/oemed-2024-109424},
pmid = {38955483},
issn = {1470-7926},
mesh = {Humans ; Norway/epidemiology ; *Occupational Exposure/adverse effects ; Male ; *Asbestos/adverse effects ; Middle Aged ; *Mesothelioma/epidemiology/etiology/chemically induced ; *Pleural Neoplasms/epidemiology/etiology/chemically induced ; *Occupational Diseases/epidemiology/chemically induced/etiology ; Adult ; Aged ; *Ceramics/adverse effects ; *Petroleum/adverse effects ; Cohort Studies ; Mesothelioma, Malignant/epidemiology/etiology ; Risk Factors ; Oil and Gas Industry ; Lung Neoplasms/epidemiology/etiology/chemically induced ; Mineral Fibers/adverse effects ; Case-Control Studies ; Proportional Hazards Models ; },
abstract = {OBJECTIVES: Pleural mesothelioma is a rare respiratory cancer, mainly caused by inhalation of asbestos fibres. Other inorganic fibres are also suggested risk factors. We aimed to investigate the association between exposure to asbestos or refractory ceramic fibres (RCFs) and pleural mesothelioma among male Norwegian offshore petroleum workers.

METHODS: Among 25 347 men in the Norwegian Offshore Petroleum Workers (NOPW) cohort (1965-1998), 43 pleural mesothelioma cases were identified through the Cancer Registry of Norway (1999-2022). A case-cohort study was conducted with 2095 randomly drawn non-cases from the cohort. Asbestos and RCF exposures were assessed with expert-made job-exposure matrices (JEMs). Weighted Cox regression was used to estimate HRs and 95% CIs, adjusted for age at baseline and pre-offshore employment with likely asbestos exposure.

RESULTS: An increased risk of pleural mesothelioma was indicated for the highest versus lowest tertile of average intensity of asbestos (HR=1.21, 95% CI: 0.57 to 2.54). Pre-offshore asbestos exposure (vs no such exposure) was associated with increased risk of pleural mesothelioma (HR=2.06, 95% CI: 1.11 to 3.81). For offshore workers with no pre-offshore asbestos exposure, an increased risk of pleural mesothelioma was found for the highest tertile of average intensity of asbestos (HR=4.13, 95% CI: 0.93 to 18), versus the lowest tertile. No associations were found between RCF and pleural mesothelioma.

CONCLUSIONS: Associations between JEM-based offshore asbestos exposure and pleural mesothelioma were confirmed in the NOPW cohort. Pleural mesothelioma risk was also associated with asbestos exposure before work in the offshore petroleum industry.},
}

Humans
Norway/epidemiology
*Occupational Exposure/adverse effects
Male
*Asbestos/adverse effects
Middle Aged
*Mesothelioma/epidemiology/etiology/chemically induced
*Pleural Neoplasms/epidemiology/etiology/chemically induced
*Occupational Diseases/epidemiology/chemically induced/etiology
Adult
Aged
*Ceramics/adverse effects
*Petroleum/adverse effects
Cohort Studies
Mesothelioma, Malignant/epidemiology/etiology
Risk Factors
Oil and Gas Industry
Lung Neoplasms/epidemiology/etiology/chemically induced
Mineral Fibers/adverse effects
Case-Control Studies
Proportional Hazards Models

@article {pmid38954660,
year = {2024},
author = {Zhao, Z and Li, J and Tan, F and Xue, Q and Gao, S and He, J},
title = {Assessing the global burden of mesothelioma: trends, socioeconomic influences, and asbestos exposure: a retrospective cohort study.},
journal = {International journal of surgery (London, England)},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1097/JS9.0000000000001900},
pmid = {38954660},
issn = {1743-9159},
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Mesothelioma is an uncommon type of cancer which has received little attention. This study aims to evaluate the global disease burden; trends of mesothelioma by age, sex, and geographic locations; and its risk factors on the population level.

METHODS: The Global Cancer Observatory in 2022 and 2019 Global Burden of Disease were accessed for mesothelioma incidence and its risk factors worldwide. Multivariable linear regression analyses was conducted to explore the associations between mesothelioma incidence and key predictors including Human Development Index (HDI), Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita, and occupational asbestos exposure, adjusting for age and sex across global regions.

RESULTS: This study identified 30,870 global cases of mesothelioma in 2022, with a higher age-standardized incidence rate (ASR) in males (0.25 per 100,000) compared to females (0.39 per 100,000). Geographical analysis indicated the highest disease burden in Northern Europe, with particular prevalence in more developed regions. The incidence was also significantly associated with higher Human Development Index (HDI), with a beta coefficient of 0.133 overall, and Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita, with a beta coefficient of 0.101. These socioeconomic factors exhibited stronger associations in the elderly population, especially with HDI (β=0.512) and GDP (β=0.389), than in adults. Additionally, occupational exposure to asbestos remained a significant risk factor across all groups, except for the younger adult population, with an overall beta of 0.122 for incidence. The temporal trend analysis revealed a general decrease in mesothelioma incidence, particularly in the 15-49 years age group.

CONCLUSIONS: The analysis indicates a higher mesothelioma incidence in males and in developed regions, with marked disparities noted particularly in Northern Europe. Significant correlations with socioeconomic indicators-HDI and GDP-and occupational asbestos exposure were identified, particularly affecting the elderly. Despite a decline in global incidence, especially among younger individuals, persistent cases in females highlight the need for continued public health measures addressing both occupational and environmental exposures.},
}

@article {pmid38952736,
year = {2024},
author = {De Maria, L and Pentimone, F and Cavone, D and Caputi, A and Sponselli, S and Fragassi, F and Dicataldo, F and Luisi, V and Delvecchio, G and Giannelli, G and Cafaro, F and Sole, S and Ronghi, C and Zagaria, S and Loiacono, G and Sifanno, G and Ferri, GM and Vimercati, L},
title = {Clinical investigation of former workers exposed to asbestos: the health surveillance experience of an Italian University Hospital.},
journal = {Frontiers in public health},
volume = {12},
number = {},
pages = {1411910},
pmid = {38952736},
issn = {2296-2565},
mesh = {Humans ; Italy/epidemiology ; *Occupational Exposure/adverse effects ; Male ; *Asbestos ; *Hospitals, University ; Female ; Middle Aged ; *Asbestosis/epidemiology ; Aged ; Mesothelioma, Malignant ; Adult ; Lung Neoplasms/epidemiology/etiology ; Population Surveillance ; Pleural Neoplasms/epidemiology/etiology ; Mesothelioma/epidemiology/etiology ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The need for health surveillance of former workers exposed to asbestos was provided by law in Italy after the asbestos ban in 1992.

OBJECTIVES: We describe the results of the health surveillance of former workers exposed to asbestos, conducted over 27 years, from 1994 to 2020, at the Operative Unit of Occupational Medicine of the University Hospital of Bari.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: We adopted the health surveillance protocol, which was validated at the national level in 2018.

RESULTS: A total of 1,405 former workers exposed to asbestos were examined. We proceeded with diagnosing pathologies in 339 cases (24% of the cohort subjected to surveillance), with diagnoses of some cases involving multiple pathologies. Specifically, pleural plaques were diagnosed in 49.2% of the 339 cases, asbestosis in 35.9%, malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) in 20.3%, mesothelioma of the vaginal tunic of the testis (MTVT) in 9.1%, lung cancer in 5.8%, and laryngeal cancer in 0.8%.

CONCLUSION: Despite the 1992 asbestos ban, asbestos-related diseases remain a serious public health issue. It is important to establish criteria that ensure the health surveillance of formerly exposed workers minimizes costs, reduces the number of invasive examinations, and optimizes achievable results.},
}

Humans
Italy/epidemiology
*Occupational Exposure/adverse effects
Male
*Asbestos
*Hospitals, University
Female
Middle Aged
*Asbestosis/epidemiology
Aged
Mesothelioma, Malignant
Adult
Lung Neoplasms/epidemiology/etiology
Population Surveillance
Pleural Neoplasms/epidemiology/etiology
Mesothelioma/epidemiology/etiology

@article {pmid38951010,
year = {2024},
author = {Sherborne, V and Ejegi-Memeh, S and Tod, AM and Taylor, B and Hargreaves, S and Gardiner, C},
title = {Living with mesothelioma: a systematic review of mental health and well-being impacts and interventions for patients and their informal carers.},
journal = {BMJ open},
volume = {14},
number = {6},
pages = {e075071},
pmid = {38951010},
issn = {2044-6055},
mesh = {Humans ; *Mesothelioma/psychology/therapy ; *Caregivers/psychology ; *Mental Health ; Quality of Life ; Anxiety/etiology ; Depression/etiology ; },
abstract = {OBJECTIVES: Mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer predominantly affecting the lung and abdominal linings. It can have a unique impact on mental health and well-being (MHWB) due to its incurability, poor prognosis and asbestos-exposure causation. This review's aims were to identify/synthesise international evidence on mesothelioma's MHWB impacts; explore MHWB interventions used by patients and carers; and identify evidence of their effectiveness.

DESIGN: Systematic review.

DATA SOURCES: Databases, searched March 2022 and March 2024, were MEDLINE; CINAHL; PsycINFO; Cochrane Library; ASSIA.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: We included study designs focusing on psychological impacts of living with mesothelioma and MHWB interventions used by patients and informal carers, published in English since January 2002.

DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS: A team of reviewers screened included studies using standardised methods. Quality was assessed using validated tools: Mixed-Methods Appraisal tool for primary research and Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist for Systematic Reviews.

RESULTS: Forty-eight studies met the inclusion criteria: 20 qualitative, 16 quantitative, nine reviews, two mixed-methods, one combined systematic review/qualitative study. UK studies predominated. Many MHWB impacts were reported, including traumatic stress, depression, anxiety and guilt. These were influenced by mesothelioma's causation, communication issues and carer-patient relational interactions. Participants used wide-ranging MHWB interventions, including religious/spiritual practice; talking to mental-health professionals; meaning-making. Some strategies were presented as unhelpful, for example, denial. Participants reported lack of access to support.

CONCLUSIONS: Most qualitative studies were rated high quality. The quality of the quantitative studies and reviews varied. The sparse literature regarding MHWB in mesothelioma means more research is needed into impacts on patients and carers, including trauma. To enable access to evidence-based support, research is recommended concerning MHWB interventions' effectiveness in mesothelioma.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42022302187.},
}

Humans
*Mesothelioma/psychology/therapy
*Caregivers/psychology
*Mental Health
Quality of Life
Anxiety/etiology
Depression/etiology

@article {pmid38943482,
year = {2024},
author = {Girardi, P and Rigoni, S and Ferrante, D and Silvestri, S and Angelini, A and Cuccaro, F and Oddone, E and Vicentini, M and Barone-Adesi, F and Tunesi, S and Migliore, E and Roncaglia, F and Sala, O and Pirastu, R and Chellini, E and Miligi, L and Perticaroli, P and Bressan, V and Merler, E and Azzolina, D and Marinaccio, A and Massari, S and Magnani, C},
title = {Asbestos exposure and asbestosis mortality in Italian cement-asbestos cohorts: Dose-response relationship and the role of competing death causes.},
journal = {American journal of industrial medicine},
volume = {67},
number = {9},
pages = {813-822},
doi = {10.1002/ajim.23629},
pmid = {38943482},
issn = {1097-0274},
support = {//Istituto Superiore di Sanità/ ; //Istituto Nazionale per l'Assicurazione Contro Gli Infortuni sul Lavoro/ ; //The Italian National Institute of Health (ISS)/ ; //The INAIL/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *Asbestosis/mortality ; Italy/epidemiology ; *Occupational Exposure/adverse effects/analysis ; Male ; *Asbestos ; Middle Aged ; *Construction Materials/adverse effects ; Female ; *Cause of Death ; Aged ; Cohort Studies ; *Lung Neoplasms/mortality ; Pleural Neoplasms/mortality ; Proportional Hazards Models ; Peritoneal Neoplasms/mortality ; Occupational Diseases/mortality ; Adult ; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug ; },
abstract = {OBJECTIVES: In Italy, asbestos was used intensively until its ban in 1992, which was extended for asbestos cement factories until 1994. The aim of this study was to evaluate the dose-response between asbestos exposure and asbestosis mortality across a pool of Italian occupational cohorts, taking into account the presence of competing risks.

METHODS: Cohorts were followed for vital status and the cause of death was ascertained by a linkage with mortality registers. Cause-specific (CS) Cox-regression models were used to evaluate the dose-exposure relationship between asbestosis mortality and the time-dependent cumulative exposure index (CEI) to asbestos. Fine and Gray regression models were computed to assess the effect of competing risks of death.

RESULTS: The cohort included 12,963 asbestos cement workers. During the follow-up period (1960-2012), of a total of 6961 deaths, we observed 416 deaths attributed to asbestosis, 879 to lung cancer, 400 to primary pleural cancer, 135 to peritoneal cancer, and 1825 to diseases of the circulatory system. The CS model showed a strong association between CEI and asbestosis mortality. Dose-response models estimated an increasing trend in mortality even below a CEI of 25 ff/mL-years. Lung cancer and circulatory diseases were the main competing causes of death.

CONCLUSIONS: Asbestos exposure among Italian asbestos-cement workers has led to a very high number of deaths from asbestosis and asbestos-related diseases. The increasing risk trend associated with excess deaths, even at low exposure levels, suggests that the proposed limit values would not have been adequate to prevent disability and mortality from asbestosis.},
}

Humans
*Asbestosis/mortality
Italy/epidemiology
*Occupational Exposure/adverse effects/analysis
Male
*Asbestos
Middle Aged
*Construction Materials/adverse effects
Female
*Cause of Death
Aged
Cohort Studies
*Lung Neoplasms/mortality
Pleural Neoplasms/mortality
Proportional Hazards Models
Peritoneal Neoplasms/mortality
Occupational Diseases/mortality
Adult
Dose-Response Relationship, Drug

@article {pmid38920665,
year = {2024},
author = {Zhand, S and Liao, J and Castorina, A and Yuen, ML and Ebrahimi Warkiani, M and Cheng, YY},
title = {Small Extracellular Vesicle-Derived Circular RNA hsa_circ_0007386 as a Biomarker for the Diagnosis of Pleural Mesothelioma.},
journal = {Cells},
volume = {13},
number = {12},
pages = {},
pmid = {38920665},
issn = {2073-4409},
support = {2023/24 ideas to action//NSW Dust Diseases board (iCare)/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *RNA, Circular/genetics/metabolism ; *Extracellular Vesicles/metabolism/genetics ; *Biomarkers, Tumor/genetics/metabolism ; *Mesothelioma/genetics/diagnosis ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Pleural Neoplasms/genetics/diagnosis ; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic ; Mesothelioma, Malignant/genetics/diagnosis ; },
abstract = {Pleural mesothelioma (PM) is a highly aggressive tumor that is caused by asbestos exposure and lacks effective therapeutic regimens. Current procedures for PM diagnosis are invasive and can take a long time to reach a definitive result. Small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) have been identified as important communicators between tumor cells and their microenvironment via their cargo including circular RNAs (circRNAs). CircRNAs are thermodynamically stable, highly conserved, and have been found to be dysregulated in cancer. This study aimed to identify potential biomarkers for PM diagnosis by investigating the expression of specific circRNA gene pattern (hsa_circ_0007386) in cells and sEVs using digital polymerase chain reaction (dPCR). For this reason, 5 PM, 14 non-PM, and one normal mesothelial cell line were cultured. The sEV was isolated from the cells using the gold standard ultracentrifuge method. The RNA was extracted from both cells and sEVs, cDNA was synthesized, and dPCR was run. Results showed that hsa_circ_0007386 was significantly overexpressed in PM cell lines and sEVs compared to non-PM and normal mesothelial cell lines (p < 0.0001). The upregulation of hsa_circ_0007386 in PM highlights its potential as a diagnostic biomarker. This study underscores the importance and potential of circRNAs and sEVs as cancer diagnostic tools.},
}

Humans
*RNA, Circular/genetics/metabolism
*Extracellular Vesicles/metabolism/genetics
*Biomarkers, Tumor/genetics/metabolism
*Mesothelioma/genetics/diagnosis
Cell Line, Tumor
Pleural Neoplasms/genetics/diagnosis
Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
Mesothelioma, Malignant/genetics/diagnosis

@article {pmid38902063,
year = {2024},
author = {Couchman, E and Ejegi-Memeh, S and Mitchell, S and Gardiner, C},
title = {Rethinking continuity in primary care for people with mesothelioma.},
journal = {The British journal of general practice : the journal of the Royal College of General Practitioners},
volume = {74},
number = {suppl 1},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3399/bjgp24X737373},
pmid = {38902063},
issn = {1478-5242},
mesh = {Humans ; *Continuity of Patient Care ; *Primary Health Care ; *Mesothelioma/therapy ; Male ; Female ; State Medicine ; United Kingdom ; Middle Aged ; Qualitative Research ; Aged ; Lung Neoplasms/therapy ; Attitude of Health Personnel ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Mesothelioma is a terminal disease that is linked to asbestos exposure. Continuity is difficult for GPs, and other healthcare professionals (HCPs), to provide within the current NHS primary care system, but is highly valued by people with mesothelioma.

AIM: To understand the experiences of continuity in primary care among people with mesothelioma, their close persons, and their HCPs; how they achieve this (or not); and how it affects their healthcare service use.

METHOD: Realist case studies of patient journeys through the healthcare system (involving longitudinal interviews with people with mesothelioma, their close persons, and HCPs; and exploration of the organisational context). Data analysis allowed understanding of hidden mechanisms (resources and reasoning), triggered in certain contexts, leading to specific outcomes.

RESULTS: Forty-eight interviews (involving 9 patients, 8 close persons, and 12 HCPs) were undertaken (totalling 30.8 hours/1848 minutes). Context-Mechanism-Outcome configurations related to: challenges unique to mesothelioma; capacity of patients/close persons/HCPs to facilitate continuity; multidisciplinary (MDT) approach differs from the family doctor model; and 'the NHS primary care system is broken'.

CONCLUSION: Patients perceive their continuity needs to be unmet by the inflexible primary care system, which needs to adapt to a society in which people receive increasingly novel treatments and live longer with complex healthcare needs. A societal perspective shift is required to understand that an MDT now shares responsibility for care, rather than an individual family doctor. Policy documents continue to focus on access, and still do not advocate strongly enough for continuity, despite unequivocal evidence demonstrating its worth.},
}

Humans
*Continuity of Patient Care
*Primary Health Care
*Mesothelioma/therapy
Male
Female
State Medicine
United Kingdom
Middle Aged
Qualitative Research
Aged
Lung Neoplasms/therapy
Attitude of Health Personnel

@article {pmid38891178,
year = {2024},
author = {Santos, C and Sacadura-Leite, E and Ferreira, J and Dixe, MDA and Astoul, P and Sousa-Uva, A},
title = {The Pleural Mesothelioma Cases and Mortality in Portugal in 2014-2020: A Descriptive Study.},
journal = {Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {12},
number = {11},
pages = {},
pmid = {38891178},
issn = {2227-9032},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The incidence and mortality of pleural mesothelioma (PM) reflect the production and consumption of asbestos over time. However, despite the current global concern, these data remain to be known.

OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to carry out a descriptive analysis of PM cases and mortality from some Portuguese databases between 2014 and 2020.

METHODS: A retrospective observational study was carried out between 2014 and 2020. Data on the number of PM cases were provided by the Portuguese Cancer Registry, and data on mortality were from the Portuguese Death Certificate Information System.

RESULTS: Between 2014 and 2020, 315 cases of PM were reported, with 222 (70.5%) men. The average age of patients was 72.1, with the highest number of cases in patients aged >70 years (n = 198; 62.9%). The highest number of cases was reported in 2018 (n = 62; 19.7%). Regarding mortality, 169 deaths were reported, with 126 (74.6%) men and mostly in individuals aged >70 years (n = 109; 64.5%). It is estimated that around 520 years of potential life were lost. The highest number of deaths occurred in 2015 (n = 33; 19.5%).

CONCLUSION: It is mandatory to reinforce the need for surveillance programs that allow us to gather real and reliable data and eliminate asbestos-related diseases.},
}

@article {pmid38886298,
year = {2024},
author = {Lin, RT and Boonhat, H and Lin, YY and Klebe, S and Takahashi, K},
title = {Health Effects of Occupational and Environmental Exposures to Nuclear Power Plants: A Meta-Analysis and Meta-Regression.},
journal = {Current environmental health reports},
volume = {11},
number = {3},
pages = {329-339},
pmid = {38886298},
issn = {2196-5412},
support = {CMU112-MF-76 and CMU111-MF-82//China Medical University, Taiwan/ ; 111-2314-B-039-020-MY2 and 110-2314-B-039-058//National Science and Technology Council, Taiwan/ ; },
mesh = {*Nuclear Power Plants ; Humans ; *Occupational Exposure/adverse effects/analysis ; *Radiation Exposure/adverse effects ; *Environmental Exposure/adverse effects ; Neoplasms, Radiation-Induced/epidemiology/etiology ; },
abstract = {PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Numerous epidemiological studies have shown increased health risks among workers and residents living near nuclear power plants exposed to radiation levels meeting regulatory dose limits. This study aimed to evaluate the association between radiation exposure and disease risks among these populations exposed to radiation levels meeting the current regulatory dose limits.

RECENT FINDINGS: We searched four databases (Cochrane Library, PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Web of Science) for studies published before August 2023, screened eligible studies (inclusion and exclusion criteria based on population, exposure, comparator, and outcome framework), and collected data on exposure indicators and disease risks. We applied random-effects models of meta-analysis to estimate the pooled effects and meta-regression to assess the dose-response relationship (radiation dose rate for workers and distance for residents). We identified 47 studies, 13 with worker and 34 with resident samples, covering 175 nuclear power plants from 17 countries, encompassing samples of 480,623 workers and 7,530,886 residents. Workers had a significantly lower risk for all-cancer and a significantly higher risk for mesothelioma. Residents had significantly higher risks for all-cancer, thyroid cancer, and leukemia. Notably, children under 5 years old showed the highest risk for all-cancer. Our meta-regression showed a significantly positive dose-response relationship between cumulative dose of radiation exposure and risk for circulatory disease among workers. Our findings demonstrated higher risks for mesothelioma for workers and all-cancer, thyroid cancer, and leukemia for residents exposed to low-dose radiation from nuclear power plants. Some included studies did not adjust for cancer risk confounders, which could overestimate the association between radiation exposure and cancer risk and increase the risk of bias.},
}

*Nuclear Power Plants
Humans
*Occupational Exposure/adverse effects/analysis
*Radiation Exposure/adverse effects
*Environmental Exposure/adverse effects
Neoplasms, Radiation-Induced/epidemiology/etiology

@article {pmid38880927,
year = {2024},
author = {Fu, F and Zhang, Y and Shen, H},
title = {[Advances in Targeted Therapy for Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma].},
journal = {Zhongguo fei ai za zhi = Chinese journal of lung cancer},
volume = {27},
number = {5},
pages = {391-398},
pmid = {38880927},
issn = {1999-6187},
mesh = {Humans ; *Mesothelioma, Malignant/drug therapy/therapy ; *Mesothelioma/drug therapy/therapy ; *Lung Neoplasms/drug therapy/therapy/genetics ; *Molecular Targeted Therapy ; Pleural Neoplasms/drug therapy/therapy ; Animals ; Endoplasmic Reticulum Chaperone BiP ; },
abstract = {Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a rare cancer with high malignancy and aggressiveness on the pleural, caused by the following risk factors including asbestos inhalation, genetic factors, and genetic mutation. The present chemotherapy, antiangiogenic therapy, and immunotherapy methods are ineffective and the survival time of patients is very short. There is an urgent need to find potential therapeutic targets for MPM. At present, it has been found the following types of targets: gene mutation targets such as BRCA associated protein 1 (BAP1) and cyclin-dependent kinase 2A (CDKN2A); epigenetic targets such as lysine (K)-specific demethylase 4A (KDM4A) and lysine-specific demethylase 1 (LSD1), and signal protein targets such as glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78) and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3). So far, available clinical trials include phase II clinical trials of histone methyltransferase inhibitor Tazemetostat, poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitor Rucaparib and cyclin-dependent kinases 4 and 6 (CDK4/6) inhibitor Abemaciclib, as well as phase I clinical trials of mesothelin-targeting chimeric antigen receptor T-cell immunotherapy (CAR-T) cell injection in the thoracic cavity and TEA domain family member (TEAD) inhibitor VT3989 and IK-930, and the results of these trials have showed certain clinical efficacy. .},
}

Humans
*Mesothelioma, Malignant/drug therapy/therapy
*Mesothelioma/drug therapy/therapy
*Lung Neoplasms/drug therapy/therapy/genetics
*Molecular Targeted Therapy
Pleural Neoplasms/drug therapy/therapy
Animals
Endoplasmic Reticulum Chaperone BiP

@article {pmid38858710,
year = {2024},
author = {Huh, DA and Choi, YH and Kim, L and Park, K and Lee, J and Hwang, SH and Moon, KW and Kang, MS and Lee, YJ},
title = {Air pollution and survival in patients with malignant mesothelioma and asbestos-related lung cancer: a follow-up study of 1591 patients in South Korea.},
journal = {Environmental health : a global access science source},
volume = {23},
number = {1},
pages = {56},
pmid = {38858710},
issn = {1476-069X},
mesh = {Humans ; Male ; Republic of Korea/epidemiology ; *Lung Neoplasms/mortality ; Female ; Aged ; Middle Aged ; *Mesothelioma, Malignant/mortality ; *Air Pollutants/adverse effects/analysis ; Follow-Up Studies ; *Air Pollution/adverse effects ; Asbestos/adverse effects ; Environmental Exposure/adverse effects ; Particulate Matter/adverse effects/analysis ; Aged, 80 and over ; Adult ; Mesothelioma/mortality/epidemiology ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Despite significant advancements in treatments such as surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, the survival rate for patients with asbestos-related cancers remains low. Numerous studies have provided evidence suggesting that air pollution induces oxidative stress and inflammation, affecting acute respiratory diseases, lung cancer, and overall mortality. However, because of the high case fatality rate, there is limited knowledge regarding the effects of air pollution exposures on survival following a diagnosis of asbestos-related cancers. This study aimed to determine the effect of air pollution on the survival of patients with malignant mesothelioma and asbestos-related lung cancer.

METHODS: We followed up with 593 patients with malignant mesothelioma and 998 patients with lung cancer identified as asbestos victims between 2009 and 2022. Data on five air pollutants-sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, fine particulate matter with a diameter < 10 μm, and fine particulate matter with a diameter < 2.5 μm-were obtained from nationwide atmospheric monitoring stations. Cox proportional hazard models were used to estimate the association of cumulative air pollutant exposure with patient mortality, while adjusting for potential confounders. Quantile-based g-computation was used to assess the combined effect of the air pollutant mixture on mortality.

RESULTS: The 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival rates for both cancer types decreased with increasing exposure to all air pollutants. The estimated hazard ratios rose significantly with a 1-standard deviation increase in each pollutant exposure level. A quartile increase in the pollutant mixture was associated with a 1.99-fold increase in the risk of malignant mesothelioma-related mortality (95% confidence interval: 1.62, 2.44). For lung cancer, a quartile increase in the pollutant mixture triggered a 1.87-fold increase in the mortality risk (95% confidence interval: 1.53, 2.30).

CONCLUSION: These findings support the hypothesis that air pollution exposure after an asbestos-related cancer diagnosis can negatively affect patient survival.},
}

Humans
Male
Republic of Korea/epidemiology
*Lung Neoplasms/mortality
Female
Aged
Middle Aged
*Mesothelioma, Malignant/mortality
*Air Pollutants/adverse effects/analysis
Follow-Up Studies
*Air Pollution/adverse effects
Asbestos/adverse effects
Environmental Exposure/adverse effects
Particulate Matter/adverse effects/analysis
Aged, 80 and over
Adult
Mesothelioma/mortality/epidemiology

@article {pmid38857841,
year = {2024},
author = {Chornkrathok, S and Carbone, M and Yang, H and Rouf, M and Dodson, RF and Dera, P},
title = {Mineralogical investigation of asbestos contamination of soil near old vermiculite processing plant in Honolulu, Hawai'i.},
journal = {Environmental pollution (Barking, Essex : 1987)},
volume = {356},
number = {},
pages = {124350},
doi = {10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124350},
pmid = {38857841},
issn = {1873-6424},
mesh = {*Aluminum Silicates ; Hawaii ; *Soil Pollutants/analysis ; *Asbestos/analysis ; *Environmental Monitoring ; *Mining ; *Soil/chemistry ; Asbestos, Amphibole ; },
abstract = {From 1954 to 1983, a vermiculite processing facility operated near the Honolulu airport and processed raw material from the Libby, Montana mine, which is now well known for the high asbestos content of its clay deposits. The factory was closed in 1983 due to health hazard concerns, and remediation was performed in 2001 as part of the Libby mine superfund project. However, because of close proximity of the closed-down facility to residential areas of metropolitan Honolulu, some concerns remain regarding the possible environmental persistence of the harmful contaminant. To assess the dispersion of asbestos-contaminated vermiculite and explore the impact of trade winds on its distribution, air samples, and soil samples were collected from multiple locations near the former vermiculite plant. Polarized light microscopy was employed to identify elongated minerals, including potential asbestos. Quantitative mineralogical analysis utilizing X-ray powder diffraction and Rietveld refinement revealed an average content of approximately 7% vermiculite and 4% tremolite at the site. The asbestiform nature of tremolite was confirmed through X-ray micro-diffraction. Detailed analysis of airborne samples using transmission electron microscopy revealed no detectable levels of asbestos fibers in the vicinity of the former processing facilities, but the possibility of asbestos fibers becoming airborne due to mechanical disturbance during dry weather cannot be ruled out.},
}

*Aluminum Silicates
Hawaii
*Soil Pollutants/analysis
*Asbestos/analysis
*Environmental Monitoring
*Mining
*Soil/chemistry
Asbestos, Amphibole

@article {pmid38854177,
year = {2024},
author = {Potesta, MA and Guld, E and Laman, J},
title = {Dual Malignancies Discovered: A Rare Case of Malignant Peritoneal Epithelioid Mesothelioma and Lung Adenocarcinoma.},
journal = {Cureus},
volume = {16},
number = {5},
pages = {e59962},
pmid = {38854177},
issn = {2168-8184},
abstract = {Clinicians diagnosing malignant peritoneal epithelioid mesothelioma (MPM or MPeM) have historically had challenges due to the low incidence of the disease, as well as the often vague symptomatology that patients present with. Newer advances in technology, specifically in immunocytochemistry, have provided a clearer path to diagnosis. Additionally, malignant mesotheliomas must be differentiated from carcinomas. This is done via histology, immunocytochemistry, as well as a careful incorporation of the patient's clinical history. In this case, we present an asymptomatic 73-year-old non-smoker female with no past medical history of asbestos exposure. She was diagnosed with MPM following a routine abdominal hernia repair. Subsequent workup revealed a lung infiltrate that was successfully biopsied and resected, evidently found to be adenocarcinoma. A careful review of the resulting pathology, as well as the interpretation of immunocytochemistry, supported the notion that the patient had two independent malignant processes occurring at once. This case underscores the rarity of two similar, yet distinct cancers, as well as epidemiology, symptomatology, histology, immunocytochemistry, and prognosis.},
}

@article {pmid38806867,
year = {2024},
author = {Chen, Z and Cai, Y and Ou, T and Zhou, H and Li, H and Wang, Z and Cai, K},
title = {Global burden of mesothelioma attributable to occupational asbestos exposure in 204 countries and territories: 1990-2019.},
journal = {Journal of cancer research and clinical oncology},
volume = {150},
number = {5},
pages = {282},
pmid = {38806867},
issn = {1432-1335},
support = {2022A028//the Dean Research Funding of Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, China/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *Occupational Exposure/adverse effects ; *Asbestos/adverse effects ; Male ; Female ; *Global Burden of Disease ; Middle Aged ; Aged ; Adult ; Mesothelioma/epidemiology/mortality/etiology ; Mesothelioma, Malignant/epidemiology/mortality/etiology ; Disability-Adjusted Life Years ; Lung Neoplasms/epidemiology/etiology/mortality ; Aged, 80 and over ; Global Health/statistics & numerical data ; Occupational Diseases/epidemiology/mortality/etiology ; },
abstract = {Malignant mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive cancer primarily caused by occupational asbestos exposure, has a poor prognosis. This study leverages the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2019 dataset to analyze the burden of mesothelioma linked to occupational asbestos exposure from 1990 to 2019. The analysis includes the number of mesothelioma deaths and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) attributable to occupational asbestos exposure, focusing on trends in age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR) and age-standardized disability-adjusted life-year rate (ASDR) by year, age, sex, country, region, and Socio-demographic Index (SDI). In 2019, 91.7% of mesothelioma deaths and 85.2% of DALYs were attributable to occupational asbestos exposure, resulting in 26,820 (95% UI 24,312-28,622) deaths and 569,429 (95% UI 509,956-617,484) DALYs. Despite a decline in ASMR and ASDR from 1990 to 2019, the absolute number of deaths and DALYs almost doubled. The United States reported the highest number of mesothelioma deaths, while China had the highest number of DALYs. Age-specific mortality rates and DALYs decreased in the 25-74 age group but increased in the 75+ age group. In conclusion, occupational asbestos exposure remains the primary cause of mesothelioma worldwide, with an increasing number of deaths and DALYs. The highest incidence rates are observed in high-income areas, and rates are rising in low-income areas. It is crucial to raise awareness about the hazards of asbestos to reduce the global burden of mesothelioma linked to occupational exposure.},
}

Humans
*Occupational Exposure/adverse effects
*Asbestos/adverse effects
Male
Female
*Global Burden of Disease
Middle Aged
Aged
Adult
Mesothelioma/epidemiology/mortality/etiology
Mesothelioma, Malignant/epidemiology/mortality/etiology
Disability-Adjusted Life Years
Lung Neoplasms/epidemiology/etiology/mortality
Aged, 80 and over
Global Health/statistics & numerical data
Occupational Diseases/epidemiology/mortality/etiology

@article {pmid38806807,
year = {2024},
author = {Albano, GD and Rodolico, V and Di Franco, S and Re, GL and Midiri, M and Malta, G and Cannizzaro, E and Argo, A and Zerbo, S},
title = {Asbestos exposure determined 357 days after death through autopsy: a report of a multidisciplinary approach.},
journal = {Forensic science, medicine, and pathology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {38806807},
issn = {1556-2891},
abstract = {Asbestosis is an interstitial lung disease caused by the inhalation of asbestos fibers and poses a significant risk to individuals working in construction, shipping, mining, and related industries. In a forensic context, postmortem investigations are crucial for accurate diagnosis, for which the gold standard is the histopathological examination. This case report describes the autopsy and related investigations conducted on an 84-year-old man, nearly one year (357 days) after his death. After a post-mortem CT scan, an autoptic investigation was performed, followed by histopathological, immunohistochemical, and scanning electron microscopy examinations. The integration of the evidence from these examinations with previously available personal and clinical information conclusively confirmed the diagnosis of asbestosis. We demonstrated the efficacy and reliability of our diagnostic protocol in detecting asbestosis and asbestos fibers and excluding mesothelioma even in decomposed tissues. According to our findings autopsy remains the diagnostic gold standard in cases of suspected asbestosis within a forensic context, even 1 year after death, therefore it is always highly recommended, even in cases where the body has decomposed.},
}

@article {pmid38806763,
year = {2024},
author = {Yaşar, S and Yılmaz, F and Utkan, G and Algın, E and Bayram, D and Tamam, S and Öksüzoğlu, ÖBÇ and İlhan, A and Erdat, EC and Ünal, AE and Yalçın, Ş},
title = {Analysis of Treatment Strategies and Outcomes in Malignant Peritoneal Mesothelioma: Insights From a Multi-Center Study.},
journal = {Annals of surgical oncology},
volume = {31},
number = {9},
pages = {6228-6236},
pmid = {38806763},
issn = {1534-4681},
mesh = {Humans ; *Peritoneal Neoplasms/therapy/secondary/mortality ; Female ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Retrospective Studies ; *Cytoreduction Surgical Procedures ; *Mesothelioma, Malignant/therapy/pathology ; Survival Rate ; Prognosis ; Aged ; Follow-Up Studies ; *Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols/therapeutic use ; *Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy ; Adult ; Combined Modality Therapy ; Lung Neoplasms/therapy/pathology/mortality ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate the demographic," clinicopathologic, and prognostic characteristics of malignant peritoneal mesothelioma (MPeM), as well as the treatment options for the rare and heterogeneous MPeM population.

METHODS: A retrospective multi-center observational cohort study was conducted to evaluate patients with MPeM. Due to the heterogeneity of the study population, the study divided them into two main groups in terms of treatments, follow-up periods, and prognostic features. The first group comprised the patients who underwent cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC), and the second group included the patients with metastatic disease for whom curative intent surgery was not possible. The patients' diagnostic procedures and treatments were identified from medical records. Patients older than 18 years old were included in the study regardless of asbestos exposure. Well-differentiated papillary and multicystic mesothelioma histologic types were not included in the study.

RESULTS: The study evaluated 118 patients from five centers. Survival times, prognosis, and treatment responses were analyzed in both groups. The study showed that CRS-HIPEC was associated with longer overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). Perioperative therapy was evaluated in subgroup analyses of this population and shown to provide survival benefits. The patients treated with chemotherapy (metastatic and medically inoperable patients and those for whom complete cytoreduction was not achievable) had a poorer prognosis than the surgery group. The study showed that life expectancy decreased significantly for the patients not suitable to undergo surgery for any reason.

CONCLUSIONS: According to data from experienced centers, CRS-HIPEC is a treatment option recognized as effective, cost-effective, and safe, with better OS and PFS , as well as low morbidity and mortality rates similar to those in the literature. In addition, the platinum-pemetrexed combination continues to be an effective and acceptable treatment option for metastatic patients, those who are medically inoperable, and those for whom complete or near-complete cytoreduction is not achievable.},
}

Humans
*Peritoneal Neoplasms/therapy/secondary/mortality
Female
Male
Middle Aged
Retrospective Studies
*Cytoreduction Surgical Procedures
*Mesothelioma, Malignant/therapy/pathology
Survival Rate
Prognosis
Aged
Follow-Up Studies
*Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols/therapeutic use
*Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy
Adult
Combined Modality Therapy
Lung Neoplasms/therapy/pathology/mortality