@article {pmid40248456,
year = {2025},
author = {Didier, AJ and Li, M and Gheeya, J and Alahmadi, A and Kaufman, J and Memmott, R and He, K and Shields, P and Carbone, DP and Presley, C and Owen, D and Roof, L},
title = {Trends in Mesothelioma Mortality in the United States Between 1999 and 2020.},
journal = {JTO clinical and research reports},
volume = {6},
number = {5},
pages = {100804},
pmid = {40248456},
issn = {2666-3643},
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Mesothelioma is a rare but aggressive cancer primarily caused by asbestos exposure. In March 2024, the Environmental Protection Agency banned asbestos in the United States, but its use will take years to phase out. Therefore, asbestos remains a threat, and incidence may remain stable or slowly decrease due to the long latency between exposure and diagnosis. This study investigates mesothelioma mortality trends in the United States from 1999 to 2020, focusing on demographic and geographic variations.

METHODS: Data on mesothelioma-related deaths from 1999 to 2020 were extracted from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention database. Variables including race/ethnicity, sex, geographic density, and mesothelioma subtype were assessed. Age-adjusted mortality rates were calculated per 1 million individuals and standardized to the 2000 United States population. Joinpoint regression identified statistically significant changes in mortality trends over time.

RESULTS: From 1999 to 2020, there were 54,905 mesothelioma-related deaths in the United States (age-adjusted mortality rate = 7.5). Pleural mesothelioma accounted for 8.1% of deaths, peritoneal for 4.6%, pericardial for 0.01%, other sites for 10.9%, and unspecified sites for 76.3%. Most deaths (81.3%) occurred in individuals aged over 65 years. Overall mortality decreased from 8.5 in 1999 to 5.7 in 2020 at -1.9% annually. Non-Hispanic Whites had the highest mortality, and male individuals experienced higher mortality than female individuals. Suburban and rural populations had the highest mortality rates.

CONCLUSIONS: The study highlights significant declines in mesothelioma mortality in the United States from 1999 to 2020, with variations across demographic and geographic groups. Continued monitoring and targeted interventions are necessary to address disparities and further reduce mesothelioma mortality.},
}

@article {pmid40239912,
year = {2025},
author = {Lamote, K and Delanghe, S and Speeckaert, MM and van Meerbeeck, JP and Delanghe, JR},
title = {Haptoglobin phenotype: A germline risk factor for malignant pleural mesothelioma? A case-control study.},
journal = {Clinica chimica acta; international journal of clinical chemistry},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {120309},
doi = {10.1016/j.cca.2025.120309},
pmid = {40239912},
issn = {1873-3492},
abstract = {PURPOSE: The pathogenesis of malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is linked to asbestos-induced chronic inflammation, oxidant formation, hemolysis and subsequent hemoglobin (Hb) release, potentiating oxidative injury. Haptoglobin (Hp) serves as a major antioxidant by binding free Hb in order to prevent its harmful effects. Dependent on the Hp-phenotype, this complexing can be divergent, leading to additional formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) above those directly induced by asbestos or released by inflammatory cells. In order to determine the Hp-phenotype as a risk factor in MPM, this case-control study compared the Hp-phenotype distribution in MPM patients with asymptomatic persons with former occupational asbestos exposure (AEx) and controls from a European population.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Hp-phenotyping was done on serum samples of 118 MPM patients and 96 AEx subjects by starch gel electrophoresis. The frequencies of Hp phenotypes (Hp 1-1, Hp 2-1 and Hp 2-2) and alleles (Hp[1], Hp[2]) were compared with those from 918 healthy control subjects.

RESULTS: The Hp 1-1 phenotype was overrepresented in MPM patients compared to AEx persons (P = 0.001) and healthy controls (P = 0.005). The relative risk for developing MPM when having the Hp 1-1 phenotype was 3.05 (1.47-6.34) for AEx subjects and 1.74 (1.19-2.54) for healthy controls compared to other phenotypes.

CONCLUSION: Our results indicate an important role of the Hp-phenotype in MPM pathogenesis suggesting that Hp 1-1 phenotypic persons are more prone for MPM development. Apart from the asbestos-induced radical formation, this finding confirms the role of oxidative stress in cancer development.},
}

@article {pmid40236706,
year = {2025},
author = {Revelant, A and Gessoni, F and Montico, M and Dhibi, R and Brisotto, G and Casarotto, M and Zanchetta, M and Paduano, V and Sperti, F and Evangelista, C and Giordari, F and De Re, V and Trovò, M and Minatel, E and Mascarin, M and Steffan, A and Muraro, E},
title = {Radical hemithorax radiotherapy induces an increase in circulating PD-1[+] T lymphocytes and in the soluble levels of PD-L1 in malignant pleural mesothelioma patients: a possible synergy with PD-1/PD-L1 targeting treatment?.},
journal = {Frontiers in immunology},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1534766},
pmid = {40236706},
issn = {1664-3224},
mesh = {Humans ; *Mesothelioma, Malignant/radiotherapy/immunology ; Male ; *Programmed Cell Death 1 Receptor/metabolism/immunology ; Middle Aged ; Aged ; Female ; *B7-H1 Antigen/blood/metabolism/immunology ; *Pleural Neoplasms/radiotherapy/immunology/blood ; *T-Lymphocytes/immunology/metabolism/radiation effects ; Aged, 80 and over ; },
abstract = {Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma (MPM) is an aggressive tumor associated with asbestos exposure, characterized by a poor prognosis, managed with surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Recently, immunotherapy gives a survival advantage compared to chemotherapy, but limited to the non-epithelioid histotype, the rarest type. Radical hemithorax radiotherapy (RHRT) improves the Overall Survival (OS) of MPM patients, irrespective of histotype, and is able to induce immunomodulatory effects. In this study we aim to investigate changes in circulating T lymphocytes phenotype and activity, in MPM patients undergoing RHRT, to evaluate a possible therapeutic space for immunotherapy in this setting. To assess immunomodulatory effects of RHRT we evaluate peripheral blood samples of 35 MPM patients collected before treatment, at the end of RT, and 1 month later. We first notice that higher Lymphocyte-to-Monocyte Ratio (LMR) levels, before RT, are associated with an improved OS. The immune monitoring performed by ELISA assays reveals a significant increase in the serum levels of soluble PD-L1 (sPD-L1) and IFN-γ at the end of RHRT. Furthermore, the percentage of PD-1[+] cells, evaluated by flow cytometry, significantly raise after RHRT in T cells, both CD4[+] and CD8[+]. Also the proportion of proliferative cells is significantly expanded after RHRT in all T cell subtypes. After treatment we observe a significant increase in the number of patients showing WT-1 specific CD4[+] T cells, measured by intracellular staining. The TCR repertoire analysis, investigated by Next Generation Sequencing, reveals an increased number of expanded T-cell clones after RHRT, and an association between TCR clonality and the percentage of proliferating cytotoxic T lymphocytes. The comparison of TCR sequences obtained in our cohort with those described in a literature cohort of MPM patients, reveals common entries, specific for MPM-associated antigens including WT-1. In this setting, pre-treatment levels of LMR seem to have a positive prognostic role, and RHRT would appear to induce immunomodulating effects, potential biomarkers for immunotherapy eligibility: i.e. increased PD-1[+] T lymphocytes, proliferating T cells, expanded T cell clones and augmented levels of sPD-L1. These data suggest the design of a prospective study evaluating a maintenance immunotherapy after RHRT in MPM, even in the epithelioid histotype.},
}

Humans
*Mesothelioma, Malignant/radiotherapy/immunology
Male
*Programmed Cell Death 1 Receptor/metabolism/immunology
Middle Aged
Aged
Female
*B7-H1 Antigen/blood/metabolism/immunology
*Pleural Neoplasms/radiotherapy/immunology/blood
*T-Lymphocytes/immunology/metabolism/radiation effects
Aged, 80 and over

@article {pmid40232704,
year = {2025},
author = {Walker-Bone, K and Goodwin, MA and Bufton, B and Davis, BA and Wong, H and Harvey, J and Barker, S and Chalker, E and Klebe, S and Prabhakaran, S and Brims, FJ and MacFarlane, E and Benke, G and Mahoney, K and Driscoll, TR},
title = {Mesothelioma Incidence rates in Australia since 1982: exploring age, period and cohort effects and future projections.},
journal = {Cancer epidemiology, biomarkers & prevention : a publication of the American Association for Cancer Research, cosponsored by the American Society of Preventive Oncology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1158/1055-9965.EPI-24-1224},
pmid = {40232704},
issn = {1538-7755},
abstract = {Background Use of asbestos-containing products was banned in Australia in 2003. However, rates of new cases of mesothelioma, which has a very long latent period between exposure and disease, have continued to increase. The aim of this study was to investigate mesothelioma incidence in Australia by year of birth and age-period-cohort analysis and to develop projections of expected mesothelioma cases to 2034. Methods Data came from the Australian Cancer Database which provides complete national records of mesothelioma cases notified 1982-2020. Incidence rates were age-standardised to the 2001 Australian Standard Population to enable comparisons of the population across time. Age-period-cohort models were used to examine the temporal trends of incidence rates by age, calendar year and birth cohort. Projections for incidence rates of mesothelioma 2020-34 were estimated using Nordpred models. Results Graphs of age-standardised incidence rates of mesothelioma suggest a birth cohort effect and the age-period-cohort model confirmed this. There was a birth cohort effect in all cohorts born before 1960, strongest in cohorts born 1920-1949. Projection modelling to 2034 suggested that the age-standardised rates will continue to decline while crude incidence rates of mesothelioma will stabilise and then gradually decline, mostly among people aged 60-84 years. Conclusions The findings are consistent with the greatest risk of mesothelioma in Australia occurring in cohorts with the highest levels of historical cumulative occupational exposure, showing the value of a ban on asbestos. Impact The number of new cases of mesothelioma per year is not expected to decline until after 2030.},
}

@article {pmid40227645,
year = {2025},
author = {Bertuccio, FR and Montini, S and Fusco, MA and Di Gennaro, A and Sciandrone, G and Agustoni, F and Galli, G and Bortolotto, C and Saddi, J and Baietto, G and Melloni, G and D'Ambrosio, G and Corsico, AG and Stella, GM},
title = {Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma: From Pathophysiology to Innovative Actionable Targets.},
journal = {Cancers},
volume = {17},
number = {7},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/cancers17071160},
pmid = {40227645},
issn = {2072-6694},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Pleural mesothelioma (PM) is a rare and highly aggressive cancer which arises from mesothelial layer and primarily linked to asbestos exposure, genetic predispositions, and specific mutations. Despite current treatment modalities, including chemotherapy, antiangiogenic therapy and more recently immunotherapy, the prognosis remains dismal, with a median survival time of 6-18 months.

OBJECTIVES: The urgent need for novel therapeutic strategies has prompted research into molecular targets and precision medicine approaches. At present, many potential targets for therapeutic strategies have been identified, and emerging clinical trials are demonstrating certain clinical efficacy.

METHODS: This review examines advancements in understanding PM's genetic and epigenetic landscape, signaling pathways, and promising therapeutic targets.

RESULTS: We also discuss the results of recent clinical trials and their potential implications for future treatment paradigms.},
}

@article {pmid40223054,
year = {2025},
author = {Li, J and Wang, X and Lin, Y and Li, Z and Xiong, W},
title = {Integrative eQTL and Mendelian randomization analysis reveals key genetic markers in mesothelioma.},
journal = {Respiratory research},
volume = {26},
number = {1},
pages = {140},
pmid = {40223054},
issn = {1465-993X},
support = {Nos. 32160167 and 82160516//the National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; Nos. 202201AT070004 and 202301AT070023//Yunnan Provincial Applied Basic Research Program General Project/ ; No. 202001BB0500080//Key Program of Yunnan Provincial Applied Basic Research Program/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *Mendelian Randomization Analysis/methods ; *Quantitative Trait Loci/genetics ; Genome-Wide Association Study/methods ; *Mesothelioma/genetics/diagnosis ; *Biomarkers, Tumor/genetics ; Genetic Markers/genetics ; Databases, Genetic ; Genetic Predisposition to Disease ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that originates from the pleura and peritoneum, with its incidence increasing due to asbestos exposure. Patients are frequently diagnosed at advanced stages, resulting in poor survival rates. Therefore, the identification of molecular markers for early detection and diagnosis is essential.

METHODS: Three mesothelioma datasets were downloaded from the GEO database for differential gene expression analysis. Instrumental variables (IVs) were identified based on expression quantitative trait locus (eQTL) data for Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis using mesothelioma Genome-Wide Association Study (GWAS) data from the FINNGEN database. The intersecting genes from MR-identified risk genes and differentially expressed genes were identified as key co-expressed genes for mesothelioma. Functional enrichment analyses, including Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA), as well as immune cell correlation analysis, were performed to elucidate the roles of key genes in mesothelioma. Additionally, the differential expression of key genes in mesothelioma was validated in independent GEO datasets and TCGA datasets. This integrative research combining multiple databases and analytical methods established a robust model for identifying mesothelioma risk genes.

RESULTS: The research conducted in our study identified 1608 genes that were expressed differentially in mesothelioma GEO datasets. By combining these genes with 192 genes from MR analysis, we identified 14 key genes. Notably, MPZL1, SOAT1, TACC3, and CYBRD1 are linked to a high risk of mesothelioma, while TGFBR3, NDRG2, EPAS1, CPA3, MNDA, PRKCD, MTUS1, ALOX15, LRRN3, and ITGAM are associated with a lower risk. These genes were found to be enriched in pathways associated with superoxide metabolism, cell cycle regulation, and proteasome function, all of which are linked to the development of mesothelioma. Noteworthy observations included a significant infiltration of M1 macrophages and CD4 + T cells in mesothelioma, with genes SOAT1, MNDA, and ITGAM showing a positive correlation with the level of M1 macrophage infiltration. Furthermore, the differential expression analyses conducted on the GEO validation set and TCGA data confirmed the significance of the identified key genes.

CONCLUSION: This integrative eQTL and Mendelian randomization analysis provides evidence of a positive causal association between 14 key co-expressed genes and mesothelioma genetically. These disease critical genes are implicated in correlations with biological processes and infiltrated immune cells related to mesothelioma. Moreover, our study lays a theoretical foundation for further research into the mechanisms of mesothelioma and potential clinical applications.},
}

Humans
*Mendelian Randomization Analysis/methods
*Quantitative Trait Loci/genetics
Genome-Wide Association Study/methods
*Mesothelioma/genetics/diagnosis
*Biomarkers, Tumor/genetics
Genetic Markers/genetics
Databases, Genetic
Genetic Predisposition to Disease

@article {pmid40215614,
year = {2025},
author = {Jin, W and Ding, Z and Zhang, M and Shen, L and Wang, H and Huang, J and Xuzhang, W and Huang, Y and Dong, C and Li, C and Jiang, L and Yuan, Z and Ye, X},
title = {The global burden of mesothelioma and its association with asbestos bans, 1990-2021: a population-based study.},
journal = {Lung cancer (Amsterdam, Netherlands)},
volume = {203},
number = {},
pages = {108534},
doi = {10.1016/j.lungcan.2025.108534},
pmid = {40215614},
issn = {1872-8332},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Mesothelioma, as a lethal consequence of asbestos exposure, poses a significant threat to high-risk populations. The Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2021 update provides an opportunity to examine current mesothelioma epidemiology and assess whether asbestos bans have effectively reduced mesothelioma incidence over a longer time span than covered in existing literature.

METHODS: Annual cases and age-standardized rates (ASRs, reported per 100,000 person-years) of incidence, death, disability-adjusted life-years, and probability of death associated with mesothelioma among different age groups were obtained from patients in 204 countries and territories diagnosed with mesothelioma between 1990 and 2021. Estimated annual percentage changes (EAPCs) and period analysis of ASRs were employed to evaluate temporal trends in incidence and mortality. Data on global asbestos consumption and bans were collected from various sources to investigate their relationship with mesothelioma burdens.

RESULTS: In 2021, global incident cases of mesothelioma slightly increased to 31,908 [29,643, 34,115], with 23,184 [21,553, 24,941] in males and 8,724 [7,784, 9,580] in females, up from 31,173 [28,821, 33,090] in 2019, and approximately double the number in 1990 (16,493 [15,325, 17,783]). Australasia, Western Europe, and Southern Sub-Saharan Africa ranked in the top three for all ASRs. The United Kingdom and Australia had the highest ASRs globally, while the Northern Mariana Islands, El Salvador, Syrian Arab Republic, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Saudi Arabia, and Palestine had the lowest ASRs in 2021. Most countries with asbestos bans continued to exhibit declining trends in ASRs from 2019 to 2021.

CONCLUSIONS: Global asbestos bans have demonstrated sustained effectiveness in controlling mesothelioma. Accelerated implementation of asbestos bans in developing nations coupled with deeper exploration of mesothelioma pathogenesis would aid in enhancing primary prevention efforts. Although the mesothelioma burden is more severe in high-income regions, ASRs have decreased more notably in high and upper-middle socio-demographic indexes (SDIs) tiers with generally more comprehensive and earlier asbestos bans compared to other locations. The burden of female mesothelioma has shown slower remission compared to males in many regions recently, underscoring the importance of non-occupational exposures.},
}

@article {pmid40213175,
year = {2025},
author = {Ghiasvand, M and Fooladi Sarabi, S and Salehi, A and Seyedi Asl, FS and AlJasem, M and Yaghoubi, M and Ehsani Zunuz, B and Sanatian, Z and Alaghi, P and Khadembashiri, MA},
title = {Burden of mesothelioma in the Middle East and North Africa: a 32-year analysis of the Global Burden of Diseases Study 2021.},
journal = {Annals of medicine and surgery (2012)},
volume = {87},
number = {3},
pages = {1127-1139},
pmid = {40213175},
issn = {2049-0801},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Mesothelioma, a cancer primarily caused by asbestos exposure, has been increasing in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), raising concerns about the region's occupational and environmental health landscape. With varying Sociodemographic Index (SDI) and differing asbestos regulations across MENA, understanding mesothelioma trends over time is crucial.

METHODS: Using data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Study 2021, we analyzed mesothelioma incidence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) in MENA from 1990 to 2021. Age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR), mortality rate (ASMR), and disability rate (ASDR) were assessed by age, sex, and country. Trend analyses were conducted using joinpoint regression to identify significant shifts in disease burden over the study period.

RESULTS: Between 1990 and 2021, mesothelioma cases rose from 597 to 1365, with ASIR declining at an average annual percent change (AAPC) of -0.49% (P < 0.001). Countries like Oman and Saudi Arabia exhibited rising burdens, while the United Arab Emirates and Turkey saw declines. Males and older age groups had higher ASIR, ASMR, and ASDR rates, indicating gender- and age-based disparities.

CONCLUSION: While the mesothelioma burden in MENA has declined overall, significant increases in certain countries highlight the need for uniform asbestos regulations and targeted health interventions, especially among high-risk demographics. Further research on occupational exposure and Sociodemographic Index (SDI) improvements could help reduce mesothelioma rates across the region.},
}

@article {pmid40188356,
year = {2025},
author = {Javed, H and Ahmad, A and Rehman, A and Wagner, M and McKnight, JE},
title = {Delayed Diagnosis of Peritoneal Mesothelioma in Recurrent Ascites: A Case Report.},
journal = {The American journal of case reports},
volume = {26},
number = {},
pages = {e946777},
doi = {10.12659/AJCR.946777},
pmid = {40188356},
issn = {1941-5923},
mesh = {Humans ; Male ; *Peritoneal Neoplasms/diagnosis/complications ; Aged ; *Ascites/etiology ; *Mesothelioma/diagnosis/complications ; *Delayed Diagnosis ; Mesothelioma, Malignant ; Recurrence ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed ; *Lung Neoplasms/diagnosis ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND Ascites is a common clinical sign noted in 3% to 4% of hospitalized medical patients. Nearly 94% of patients with ascites have non-malignant etiologies, with the most common being chronic liver disease. Peritoneal mesothelioma is an exceedingly rare malignancy associated with asbestos exposure. Here, we report the case of an elderly man who presented with recurrent loculated ascites and received a diagnosis of peritoneal mesothelioma after a delay of approximately 10 weeks. CASE REPORT A 67-year-old man with a history of asbestos exposure presented with abdominal distension and muscle wasting for 1 month. Initial abdominal CT was notable for smooth liver contour and massive ascites. Ascitic fluid analysis was consistent with low serum albumin-ascites gradient but showed negative cytology for malignant cells. Upper and lower endoscopies did not reveal lesions. Due to recurring ascites, serial abdominal paracenteses were performed, although cytology was negative for malignant cells. Repeat abdominal CT performed after 6 weeks showed worsening loculated ascites, with possible peritoneal carcinomatosis. At this point, percutaneous omental biopsy was performed, which established the diagnosis of peritoneal mesothelioma (75 days after initial presentation). CONCLUSIONS In patients presenting with recurrent ascites and a history of asbestos exposure, it is important to consider the diagnosis of peritoneal mesothelioma. While 94% of patients with ascites have non-malignant etiologies, a small proportion of patients can have malignant ascites. In patients in which the first set of ascitic fluid studies are inconclusive, repeat abdominal paracentesis and omental biopsy or diagnostic laparoscopy should be expedited to avoid delays in diagnosis.},
}

Humans
Male
*Peritoneal Neoplasms/diagnosis/complications
Aged
*Ascites/etiology
*Mesothelioma/diagnosis/complications
*Delayed Diagnosis
Mesothelioma, Malignant
Recurrence
Tomography, X-Ray Computed
*Lung Neoplasms/diagnosis

@article {pmid40178731,
year = {2025},
author = {Aujayeb, A and Astoul, P and Londero, F and Zuin, A},
title = {The Role of Surgery in Pleural Mesothelioma: A Journey through the Evidence, MARS 2 and Beyond.},
journal = {Pulmonary therapy},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {40178731},
issn = {2364-1746},
abstract = {Pleural mesothelioma (PM) is a rare incurable disease, predominantly linked to asbestos exposure. Not only is diagnosis difficult, but treatment choices are often limited to systemic anti-cancer treatment with chemotherapy or immunotherapy. Surgery has been employed for decades, but its application has been fiercely debated despite some randomized controlled trials such as the recent Mesothelioma and Radical Surgery 2 (MARS 2) study. We provide a commentary on this controversial topic.},
}

@article {pmid40166649,
year = {2025},
author = {Goodman, JE and Rhomberg, LR and Cohen, SM and Mundt, KA and Case, B and Burstyn, I and Becich, MJ and Gibbs, G},
title = {Challenges in defining thresholds for health effects: some considerations for asbestos and silica.},
journal = {Frontiers in epidemiology},
volume = {5},
number = {},
pages = {1557023},
pmid = {40166649},
issn = {2674-1199},
abstract = {This paper summarizes several presentations in the Thresholds in Epidemiology and Risk Assessment session at the Monticello III conference. These presentations described evidence regarding thresholds for particles, including asbestos and silica, and cancer (e.g., mesothelioma) and noncancer (e.g., silicosis) endpoints. In the case of exposure to various types of particles and malignancy, it is clear that even though a linear non-threshold model has often been assumed, experimental and theoretical support for thresholds exist (e.g., through particle clearance, repair mechanisms, and various other aspects of the carcinogenic process). For mesothelioma and exposure to elongate mineral particles (EMPs), there remains controversy concerning the epidemiological demonstration of thresholds. However, using data from the Québec mining cohort studies, it was shown that a "practical" threshold exists for chrysotile exposure and mesothelioma. It was also noted that, in such evaluations, measurement error in diagnosis and exposure assessment needs to be incorporated into risk analyses. Researchers were also encouraged to use biobanks that collect specimens and data on mesothelioma to more precisely define cases of mesothelioma and possible variants for cases of all ages, and trends that may help define background rates and distinguish those mesotheliomas related to EMP exposures from those that are not, as well as other factors that support or define thresholds. New statistical approaches have been developed for identifying and quantifying exposure thresholds, an example of which is described for respirable crystalline silica (RCS) exposure and silicosis risk. Finally, the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to considering the multiple factors influencing risk and thresholds may prove useful.},
}

@article {pmid40143456,
year = {2025},
author = {Roggli, VL and Novakovic, S and Ghio, AJ and Li, H and Pina-Oviedo, S and Carney, JM and Sporn, TA and Glass, CH and Pavlisko, EN},
title = {Recent trends in the causation of peritoneal mesothelioma: fiber burden analysis of ten cases.},
journal = {Ultrastructural pathology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {1-8},
doi = {10.1080/01913123.2025.2483226},
pmid = {40143456},
issn = {1521-0758},
abstract = {Mesothelioma in the past has been strongly associated with a history of asbestos exposure. Studies have shown that, on average, a higher dose of asbestos exposure is required for the development of peritoneal mesothelioma, and a smaller percentage of cases are asbestos related. Non-asbestos-related causes have been reported, including prior therapeutic radiation, genetic predisposition, and chronic inflammation (e.g. Crohn disease, endometriosis, ventriculo-peritoneal shunts, and diverticulitis). Cases in children have also been reported. Recent studies have shown a decreasing trend in fiber burdens and percentage of asbestos-related mesotheliomas, with similar observations in epidemiological studies. We performed fiber burden analysis on lung tissue in 10 cases (six men, four women) of peritoneal mesothelioma since 2010. Fiber analysis was performed using the sodium hypochlorite digestion technique, with asbestos body concentrations determined by light microscopy. Fiber concentrations and types were determined by scanning electron microscopy. The median age for the six men was 62 years (range: 53-75 years). Three cases were epithelioid type and three were biphasic. Two of six cases (33%) had an elevated lung fiber burden, with one case exclusively crocidolite and the other predominately amosite. The median age for the four women was 55 years (range: 39-63 years). Two cases were epithelioid type and two were biphasic. None of the four had an elevated lung fiber burden. Our findings are consistent with contemporary epidemiological studies indicating that a minority of peritoneal mesotheliomas occurring in men are asbestos related and very few are asbestos related in women.},
}

@article {pmid40141249,
year = {2025},
author = {Zacchi, P and Longo, F and Marconato, A and Amadei, M and Bonaccorsi di Patti, MC and Avolio, E and Li, P and Fan, H and Tetley, TD and Zabucchi, G and Borelli, V},
title = {Functional Characterization of the Hephaestin Variant D568H Provides Novel Mechanistic Insights on Iron-Dependent Asbestos-Induced Carcinogenesis.},
journal = {International journal of molecular sciences},
volume = {26},
number = {6},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/ijms26062607},
pmid = {40141249},
issn = {1422-0067},
support = {Liberal donation//Associazione Esposti Amianto (AEA) Monfalcone (Gorizia)/ ; Liberal donation//Lega Italiana per la Lotta contro i Tumori (LILT)- Associazione Provinciale Isontina Monfalcone (Gorizia)/ ; Internship award (APPID 3087)//Instruct-ERIC (PID 27484)/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *Iron/metabolism ; *Ceruloplasmin/metabolism/genetics ; *Cation Transport Proteins/metabolism/genetics ; *Membrane Proteins/metabolism/genetics ; *Asbestos/toxicity ; Carcinogenesis/metabolism/genetics/chemically induced ; Lung Neoplasms/metabolism/chemically induced/genetics/etiology/pathology ; Lung/metabolism/pathology ; },
abstract = {A local disruption of iron homeostasis leading to oxidative stress is considered one of the main mechanisms of asbestos-related genotoxicity. Another aspect contributing to the risk of developing pathological consequences upon asbestos exposure is individual genetic factors. In a previous study, we identified a coding SNP in the hephaestin gene (HEPH) that protects against developing asbestos-related thoracic cancer. Heph is a ferroxidase that promotes iron export in concert with the permease ferroportin (Fpn1). Here, we performed an in-depth functional characterization of the HephD568H variant to gain insights into the molecular basis of its protective activity. We showed that HephD568H forms a complex with Fpn1 and possesses full ferroxidase activity. Although HephD568H is more efficiently recruited to the plasma membrane, it is impaired in binding iron-deficient Tfn, whose interaction with wild-type (WT) ferroxidase emerged as a novel mechanism to perceive brain iron needs. Heph is expressed in the human lung by pericytes and fibroblasts, and lung pericytes were shown to respond to iron demand by upregulating the iron exporter pair. These results extend the paradigm of local iron regulation discovered at the blood-brain barrier to the pulmonary vasculature. Furthermore, they establish a mechanistic link between changes in iron sensing and the risk of developing asbestos-related malignancies.},
}

Humans
*Iron/metabolism
*Ceruloplasmin/metabolism/genetics
*Cation Transport Proteins/metabolism/genetics
*Membrane Proteins/metabolism/genetics
*Asbestos/toxicity
Carcinogenesis/metabolism/genetics/chemically induced
Lung Neoplasms/metabolism/chemically induced/genetics/etiology/pathology
Lung/metabolism/pathology

@article {pmid40121357,
year = {2025},
author = {Reid, G and Williams, M and Cheng, YY and Sarun, K and Winata, P and Kirschner, MB and Mugridge, N and Weiss, J and Molloy, M and Brahmbhatt, H and MacDiarmid, J and van Zandwijk, N},
title = {Therapeutic potential of synthetic microRNA mimics based on the miR-15/107 consensus sequence.},
journal = {Cancer gene therapy},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {40121357},
issn = {1476-5500},
support = {11/TPG/3-06//Cancer Institute NSW (Cancer Institute New South Wales)/ ; },
abstract = {MicroRNA expression is frequently suppressed in cancer, and previously we demonstrated coordinate downregulation of multiple related microRNAs of the miR-15/107 group in malignant pleural mesothelioma (PM). From an alignment of the miR-15 family and the related miR-103/107, we derived a consensus sequence and used this to generate synthetic mimics. The synthetic mimics displayed tumour suppressor activity in PM cells in vitro, which was greater than that of a mimic based on the native miR-16 sequence. These mimics were also growth inhibitory in cells from non-small cell lung (NSCLC), prostate, breast and colorectal cancer, and sensitised all cell lines to the chemotherapeutic drug gemcitabine. The increased activity corresponded to enhanced inhibition of the expression of target genes and was associated with an increase in predicted binding to target sites, and proteomic analysis revealed a strong effect on proteins involved in RNA and DNA processes. Applying the novel consensus mimics to xenograft models of PM and NSCLC in vivo using EGFR-targeted nanocells loaded with mimic led to tumour growth inhibition. These results suggest that mimics based on the consensus sequence of the miR-15/107 group have therapeutic potential in a range of cancer types.},
}

@article {pmid40115062,
year = {2025},
author = {Seca, M and Cho, BCJ and Tryon, A and Narod, SA},
title = {A woman with a pleural mesothelioma and an inherited ATM mutation-a case report.},
journal = {Annals of translational medicine},
volume = {13},
number = {1},
pages = {8},
pmid = {40115062},
issn = {2305-5839},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Pleural mesothelioma (PM) is a rare and aggressive malignancy primarily linked to asbestos exposure. Up to 80% of patients have a history of such exposure. Several studies have investigated the possibility of a genetic predisposition for a subgroup of PM patients, but the data remains inconsistent. The ataxia-telangiectasia mutated (ATM) gene, crucial for DNA repair, is implicated in cancer susceptibility, with heterozygous mutations increasing risks, notably in breast and pancreatic cancers.

CASE DESCRIPTION: We present a case of a 42-year-old woman, with no asbestos exposure history, diagnosed with metastatic PM. Initial treatment with immunotherapy showed limited efficacy. Given the rarity in young females, she opted for genetic testing via "The Screen Project", revealing a pathogenic ATM mutation. Due to enhanced radiosensitivity in ATM mutation carriers, to reduce adverse events conventional palliative radiotherapy (RT) was chosen over stereotactic hypofractionated RT. A follow-up computed tomography (CT) scan after 4 weeks indicated disease burden reduction.

CONCLUSIONS: This case highlights the importance of genetic testing in atypical PM cases, guiding treatment decisions tailored to individual genetic profiles. Awareness of ATM mutations can optimize therapeutic strategies, particularly regarding RT choices, in managing this challenging malignancy. Integrating genetic insights into clinical practice holds promise for enhancing treatment outcomes and refining management strategies in PM and related conditions.},
}

@article {pmid40095514,
year = {2025},
author = {Baratella, E and Ercolani, E and Segalotti, A and Troian, M and Lovadina, S and Giudici, F and Minelli, P and Ruaro, B and Salton, F and Cova, MA},
title = {Prognostic Value of Chest CT Volumetric Analysis in Patients with Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma.},
journal = {Journal of clinical medicine},
volume = {14},
number = {5},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/jcm14051547},
pmid = {40095514},
issn = {2077-0383},
abstract = {Background/Objectives: Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a rare, aggressive cancer linked to asbestos exposure and with poor overall survival. In recent years, CT volumetric analysis has gained increasing interest as a more accurate method for assessing tumor burden. This study aims to evaluate the prognostic value of chest CT volumetric analysis in MPM, comparing tumor volume with tumor thickness measurements and survival outcomes. Methods: This is a retrospective, observational analysis of all patients undergoing diagnostic thoracoscopy between 2014 and 2021 at the University Hospital of Cattinara (Trieste, Italy). Inclusion criteria were as follows: age ≥ 18 years, histological diagnosis of MPM, and the availability of at least one contrast-enhanced chest CT scan at the time of diagnosis. For each patient, the tumor thickness was measured on the axial plane at three levels (upper, middle, and lower hemithorax). Tumor and effusion volumes were calculated with the RayStation[®] software version 11.7.174 (HealthMyne[®], Madison, WI, USA). Results: A total of 81 patients were eligible for analysis. Maximum and mean tumor thickness were strongly associated with survival, with higher thicknesses correlating with an increased risk of death (adjusted hazard ratio per doubling (aHR) of 1.97 (95%CI: 1.40-2.77) and of 2.23 (95%CI: 1.56-3.20), p < 0.001)), respectively, while the effect of the tumor volume on survival was nevertheless significant but less impactful (aHR = 1.26 (1.10-1.45, p < 0.001)). The presence and volume of effusion did not correlate with survival (p = 0.48 and p = 0.64, respectively). Conclusions: This study supports the role of quantitative parameters for staging MPM, particularly given the frequent discrepancies between clinical and pathological staging when relying solely on qualitative measures.},
}

@article {pmid40065797,
year = {2025},
author = {Jayabalan, D and Donaghy, M and Charlesworth, C and Fysh, E and Lee, YCG},
title = {Miliary Mesothelioma.},
journal = {Respirology case reports},
volume = {13},
number = {3},
pages = {e70141},
doi = {10.1002/rcr2.70141},
pmid = {40065797},
issn = {2051-3380},
abstract = {Miliary spread of mesothelioma is a rare but important manifestation of late-stage disease, likely due to hematogenous dissemination. This case highlights characteristic CT imaging findings, emphasizing the need for awareness among clinicians and radiologists. Recognizing this pattern can aid in diagnosis, prognostication, and appropriate referral for palliative management.},
}

@article {pmid40061543,
year = {2025},
author = {Barreto, I and Franckenberg, S and Frauenfelder, T and Opitz, I and Lauk, O},
title = {Potential advantage of magnetic resonance imaging in detecting thoracic wall infiltration in pleural mesothelioma: A retrospective single-center analysis.},
journal = {JTCVS open},
volume = {23},
number = {},
pages = {318-325},
pmid = {40061543},
issn = {2666-2736},
abstract = {OBJECTIVES: Thoracic wall infiltration in pleural mesothelioma determines the extent of resection and can be an important prognostic factor. Currently, standardized imaging for restaging after neoadjuvant systemic therapy comprises contrast-enhanced computed tomography or positron emission tomography. Additional thoracic magnetic resonance imaging could better discriminate chest wall infiltration preoperatively and increase staging accuracy. For this reason, the added benefit of magnetic resonance imaging was evaluated at our center.

METHODS: A retrospective analysis of the extended imaging protocol was performed from July 2018 to March 2024, including a descriptive analysis for the patient's sex, age, tobacco consumption, asbestos exposure, histological subtype, TNM stage, Modified Response Evaluation Criteria for Solid Tumors in solid tumors, and number of neoadjuvant therapy cycles. Preoperative restaging included routine imaging and magnetic resonance imaging. After histological diagnosis of pleural mesothelioma, neoadjuvant therapy was conducted, followed by intended macroscopic complete resection, with intraoperative biopsies of suspicious chest wall lesions. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging results were compared with intraoperative biopsies.

RESULTS: Twenty-six patients (mean age, 65.50 years, 11.50% female) with operable pleural mesothelioma were included. Of the 11 patients with histologically proven chest wall infiltration, 10 (90.91%) had a cT-stage 3 or greater and 4 (36.36%) underwent surgery that resulted in an R2 resection. Thoracic magnetic resonance imaging showed a high sensitivity (90.91%) for the detection of chest wall infiltration, especially when compared with the computed tomography scan (9.09%).

CONCLUSIONS: With the adjunctive use of magnetic resonance imaging, we demonstrated a higher sensitivity for detection of chest wall infiltration compared with conventional imaging before surgery. This may improve patient selection for surgery. Nevertheless, larger studies are required to confirm these results.},
}

@article {pmid40056733,
year = {2025},
author = {Kinoshita, R and Takeda, N and Kiyotoshi, H and Sugihara, M and Kuriyama, M and Nakao, M and Tsuyuki, T and Muramatsu, H},
title = {Sarcomatoid pleural mesothelioma evaluated using diffusion-weighted whole-body imaging with background body signal suppression.},
journal = {Respiratory investigation},
volume = {63},
number = {3},
pages = {323-325},
doi = {10.1016/j.resinv.2025.02.013},
pmid = {40056733},
issn = {2212-5353},
abstract = {An 83-year-old man with a history of asbestos exposure presented with dyspnea. Thoracic computed tomography showed right-sided pleural effusion and heterogeneous pleural thickening with calcified plaques. Thoracentesis revealed exudative fluid, and the cytology results were negative for malignancy. He didn't want to undergo invasive biopsy for pathological diagnosis. Diffusion-weighted whole-body imaging with background body signal suppression (DWIBS) detected signal enhancement in the pleural thickening, ruling out metastasis. The patient died after one month, and sarcomatoid pleural mesothelioma was confirmed by autopsy. DWIBS is free of radioactive materials and can be used to evaluate lesion spread and metastases in hospitals equipped with magnetic resonance imaging.},
}

@article {pmid40036898,
year = {2025},
author = {DeBono, NL and Everest, L and Richardson, DB and Berriault, C and Yeo, RE and Meeds, MA and Arrandale, V and Demers, PA},
title = {Impact of Interventions to Prevent Asbestos-Related Respiratory Disease in an Exposed Worker Registry Using a Simplified G-computation.},
journal = {American journal of epidemiology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/aje/kwaf040},
pmid = {40036898},
issn = {1476-6256},
abstract = {The Ontario Asbestos Workers Registry is a regulatory exposure registry obligating employers to report the number of work hours with asbestos containing materials for each of their workers. Currently, each worker is notified of the need for a medical examination once they have accrued 2,000 reported hours of work with asbestos. We sought to evaluate the impact on disease prevention of alternative policies limiting asbestos work hours among registry participants. A cohort of 26,164 asbestos workers were followed for cancer and non-malignant disease diagnoses between 1986 and 2019. Analyses of the association between cumulative asbestos work hours and respiratory disease incidence rates showed substantially elevated disease rates well before reaching 2,000 asbestos work hours. Using a simplified application of parametric G-computation (G-POSH), limiting cumulative asbestos work hours to 100 hours would have prevented 76 asbestosis, 36 pulmonary fibrosis, 27 mesothelioma, and 79 lung cancer cases at the end of follow-up compared to the observed risk in the cohort. Limiting exposure to 2,000 asbestos work hours had a smaller but still substantial impact on disease prevention, particularly among workers in the construction industry. Regulatory agencies should intervene sooner to prevent respiratory disease among workers in the registry.},
}

@article {pmid40034201,
year = {2025},
author = {Takano, T and Sato, S and Ito, I and Yamamoto, M and Tsukioka, K and Matsumura, Y and Kono, T},
title = {Rare Metastatic Mesothelioma Occupying Intra-Atrial Cavity, Released by an Emergency Surgery: A Case Report and Literature Review.},
journal = {Surgical case reports},
volume = {11},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {40034201},
issn = {2198-7793},
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Cardiac surgery for cardiovascular-associated mesothelioma has a poor prognosis. However, life-saving surgery is unavoidable to maintain circulation. This report describes a case in which metastatic intracardiac mesothelioma triggered sudden respiratory failure, which was reduced by surgical resection.

CASE PRESENTATION: An 81-year-old man with a history of asbestos exposure presented to our hospital with sudden onset of dyspnea. Prior to this event, the pleura was involved in an epithelial malignancy, which was immunohistochemically negatively stained with anti-D2-40, WT-1, or anti-calretinin antibodies, which are positive markers of mesothelioma. Transthoracic echocardiography revealed a fragile and mobile tumor occupying the right atrium, and the patient was admitted for surgical tumorectomy. The operation was performed urgently using a cardiopulmonary bypass via a full sternotomy. The pericardium is grossly intact and does not adhere to the heart. A 3 × 5 cm tumor was tightly attached to the right atrium and was large enough to fit into the tricuspid valve. Therefore, the entire margin of the tumor stem attachment was resected from the lateral wall of the right atrium. Although the resected tumor was not positive for any of the three histopathological markers of mesothelioma, CDKN2A co-deletion revealed by fluorescence in situ hybridization led to a diagnosis of malignant mesothelioma.

CONCLUSIONS: Surgical removal of intracardiac tumors that cause circulatory and respiratory instability is essential for the prevention of sudden death, regardless of prognostic determinants. This case demonstrates that mesotheliomas can metastasize to the endocardium. Even when nuclear atypia and negative results for immunohistochemical tests for the three mesothelioma markers suggest carcinoma, mesothelioma should still be considered and p16/CDKN2A co-deletion should be evaluated.},
}

@article {pmid40017229,
year = {2025},
author = {Prabhakaran, S and Hocking, AJ and Irani, Y and Hussey, M and Alexeyenko, A and Dobra, K and Micsik, T and Duhig, E and Walts, AE and Vanwalleghem, L and Chhut, V and Roden, AC and Roggli, VL and Hertoghs, M and Galateau-Salle, F and Brcic, L and Moffat, D and Klebe, S},
title = {An Evaluation Into the Robustness of Grading of Pleural Mesothelioma Outside of Specialist Centres.},
journal = {APMIS : acta pathologica, microbiologica, et immunologica Scandinavica},
volume = {133},
number = {3},
pages = {e70006},
pmid = {40017229},
issn = {1600-0463},
support = {//Flinders University/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *Pleural Neoplasms/pathology/diagnosis ; *Neoplasm Grading ; *Mesothelioma/pathology/diagnosis ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Mesothelioma, Malignant/pathology/diagnosis ; Pathologists ; Aged ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Prognosis ; Necrosis ; },
abstract = {The 2021 WHO classification of thoracic tumours recommends grading pleural mesothelioma to aid prognostication. Robustness of grading and morphological characterisation is key to its clinical utility, though validation of this grading system has largely been conducted by expert thoracic pathologists. We conducted a survey inviting pathologists across a range of practices and expertise to grade digitised images of 50 epithelioid pleural mesotheliomas that had been graded by an expert in thoracic pathology. We included slides that were considered potentially problematic such as small biopsies, focal necrosis, and rare subtypes that may affect grading (small cell and deciduoid features). Using the Sectra Uniview web viewer, participants were asked to score atypia, mitotic count, and necrosis and choose from a list of cytological and architectural features. Seventy-four pathologists anonymously participated. There was 90% agreement of consensus scores with expert opinion using the WHO 2-tier grade and 72% for the 3-tier nuclear grade but only 70% for nuclear atypia, 56% for mitoses, and 84% for necrosis. Both 3-tier nuclear grade and WHO 2-tier grading systems were significantly associated with survival. Our study affirms the overall robustness and utility of grading for pleural mesothelioma, reveals variances, and suggests the need for dedicated training.},
}

Humans
*Pleural Neoplasms/pathology/diagnosis
*Neoplasm Grading
*Mesothelioma/pathology/diagnosis
Male
Female
Middle Aged
Mesothelioma, Malignant/pathology/diagnosis
Pathologists
Aged
Surveys and Questionnaires
Prognosis
Necrosis

@article {pmid40009063,
year = {2025},
author = {Brew, DW and Stevens, ME and Langer, AM and Paustenbach, DJ},
title = {A risk assessment of mechanics who changed chrysotile asbestos containing brakes and other vehicle components in the 1950s-early 2000s era: an update on the 2004 evaluation.},
journal = {Critical reviews in toxicology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {1-50},
doi = {10.1080/10408444.2024.2427222},
pmid = {40009063},
issn = {1547-6898},
abstract = {For the past 50 years, there has been an ongoing interest in understanding the potential health hazards, if any, to vehicle mechanics who worked with asbestos-containing brakes in the 1950s-early 2000s era. Two reviews have been published on this topic, one by Langer (2003) ("Reduction of the biological potential of chrysotile asbestos arising from conditions of service on brake pads") and another by Paustenbach, et al. (2004) ("Environmental and occupational health hazards associated with the presence of asbestos in brake linings and pads (1900 to present): a 'state-of-the-art' review"). This analysis is an update on those papers since a considerable amount of research has been published over the past 20 years on this topic. The following important aspects are addressed in this review: new information on the toxicology of chrysotile, toxicology studies of brake dust associated with grinding, additional epidemiology studies and meta-analyses published on auto mechanics of the era, previously unfound data on how brakes (during the era when chrysotile was used) were manufactured, and new work describing the transformation of chrysotile to various degradation products during vehicle braking. This update also addresses questions about the health hazards associated with asbestos in vehicle clutches, transmissions, and gaskets. The exposure data indicate that the airborne concentrations of chrysotile fibers associated with vehicle mechanic work when asbestos was in auto brakes were, on average, less than 0.04 f/cm[3] (8-h TWA) and the average lifetime cumulative dose was in the vicinity of 0.5-3 f/cm[3]-year for mechanics of that era. Although many of these fibers may have no toxicity due to thermal degradation and the conversion to degradation products, 31 epidemiology studies have evaluated the risks of mesothelioma for vehicle mechanics of this era and all but one indicate that there was no increased incidence of this disease in these workers. The weight of evidence continues to indicate that the asbestos-related health risks to vehicle mechanics from asbestos-containing components were de minimis. The risks associated with take-home and bystander exposure of a mechanic were also addressed and they were found to pose a de minimis or zero health risk to those potentially exposed. Based on our evaluation, there is no indication that asbestos from asbestiform tremolite was present at detectable concentrations in bulk samples of brakes or in the air during brake work. The recent U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) risk assessment of 2024 on chrysotile and their views of the hazards of asbestos-containing brakes were discussed. Their analyses did not alter our views that exposures to mechanics posed no increased risk of asbestos related disease. The latest knowledge about the role of genetic susceptibility on the development of mesothelioma is also addressed.},
}

@article {pmid40006597,
year = {2025},
author = {Stebletsova, IA and Larin, AA and Matnurov, EM and Ananyev, IV and Babak, MV and Fershtat, LL},
title = {Exploring the Anticancer Potential of NO-Donor Oxadiazole Assemblies Against Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma.},
journal = {Pharmaceutics},
volume = {17},
number = {2},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/pharmaceutics17020230},
pmid = {40006597},
issn = {1999-4923},
support = {9211315//Pneumoconiosis Compensation Fund Board of Hong Kong/ ; 19-73-20074-P//Russian Science Foundation/ ; },
abstract = {Background: Nitric oxide (NO) has been linked to the pathogenesis of asbestos-related pleural diseases, including an extremely aggressive cancer called malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM). Given that MPM cells are characterized by a higher expression of NO synthases and elevated NO production relative to normal cells, the use of NO-donor compounds could potentially saturate the cancerous cells with NO, triggering their death. Methods: We developed a novel class of NO prodrugs by merging two NO-releasing components, 1,2,5-oxadiazole 2-oxides (furoxans) and 1,2,4-oxadiazoles, and studied their NO-releasing characteristics in a time-dependent manner using the Griess assay. The cytotoxicity against two human MPM cell lines and non-cancerous lung fibroblasts was evaluated using a colorimetric MTT assay. Results: All compounds exhibited excellent NO-donating properties, surpassing the capacity of two reference NO donor compounds, 3-carbamoyl-4-(hydroxymethyl)furoxan (CAS-1609) and 4-ethoxy-3-phenylsulphonylfuroxan (CHF-2363), by at least 1.5-3 times. All oxadiazole hybrids demonstrated high cytotoxicity against MPM cell lines in a low micromolar range, comparable or higher than the cytotoxicity of the standard-of-care drug cisplatin. Conclusions: Notably, the novel compounds displayed a markedly greater selectivity towards cancerous cells than cisplatin when compared with non-cancerous lung fibroblasts, aligning with the intended design.},
}

@article {pmid40003441,
year = {2025},
author = {Singh, R and Fitzgerald, S and Dada, R and Frank, AL},
title = {Marble Waste Dump Yard in Rajasthan, India Revealed as a Potential Asbestos Exposure Hazard.},
journal = {International journal of environmental research and public health},
volume = {22},
number = {2},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/ijerph22020215},
pmid = {40003441},
issn = {1660-4601},
mesh = {India ; *Asbestos/analysis ; Humans ; Environmental Exposure ; Waste Disposal Facilities ; Asbestos, Amphibole/analysis/toxicity ; Dust/analysis ; },
abstract = {Asbestos is a fibrous variety of certain minerals, some of which occur naturally as an accessory to a wide variety of mineral resources. Although asbestos itself has been historically mined for various useful properties, the negative health effects of asbestos dust have greatly diminished it as a useful earth material, as many countries have banned the use of these fibrous minerals based on those health concerns. Resulting regulations of asbestos have focused primarily on intentionally mined material used in product manufacturing, such as building materials made with beneficiated asbestos and their derivative exposures, e.g., airborne asbestos in schools with asbestos-containing materials. The hazards of asbestos as unintended byproducts have not been as extensively considered, although this "contamination" has been repeatedly observed in common earth materials including talc, vermiculite, sand, and gravel. This study reveals such contamination of ornamental and dimension stone commonly referred to as "marble". Asbestos types that can be associated with certain Indian marble reserves include asbestiform tremolite, actinolite, anthophyllite, and chrysotile asbestos. This case reveals such contamination in a marble reserve in Rajsamand, Rajasthan. At this location, marble dust in slurry is disposed at waste collection points, unfortunately including a location now open to the public that has become a tourist destination. Using Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) in this study, dust from this location revealed abundant tremolite asbestos fibres in the disaggregated dust. This poses potential health risks to the workers, bystanders, and tourists that may be exposed to this recognized carcinogen, a known cause of mesothelioma, lung cancer, and other asbestos-related diseases.},
}

India
*Asbestos/analysis
Humans
Environmental Exposure
Waste Disposal Facilities
Asbestos, Amphibole/analysis/toxicity
Dust/analysis

@article {pmid40002287,
year = {2025},
author = {Suraya, R and Nagano, T and Tachihara, M},
title = {Recent Advances in Mesothelioma Treatment: Immunotherapy, Advanced Cell Therapy, and Other Innovative Therapeutic Modalities.},
journal = {Cancers},
volume = {17},
number = {4},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/cancers17040694},
pmid = {40002287},
issn = {2072-6694},
abstract = {Mesothelioma is a highly malignant condition arising from the pleura and peritoneum that is closely related to asbestos exposure. The prognosis for this condition has traditionally been poor due to the difficulty physicians have faced in diagnosing and treating this disease, even in its early phase. Fortunately, recent advances in both the molecular understanding of the development of this disease and innovative and novel treatment modalities have accelerated the discovery of new ways to treat mesothelioma. In this review, we first summarize the mechanism of mesothelioma pathophysiology and then relate it to emerging treatment modalities. These include immunotherapy or immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), molecular targeted therapies, and cell-based therapies (such as CAR-T cells or dendritic cells). The scientific basis for the utilization of these treatment modalities, alongside the current clinical evidence for each option, will be explored in detail later on. The hope is that this review can elucidate how these emerging therapeutic options work clinically to help accelerate further developments in novel mesothelioma treatment modalities.},
}

@article {pmid39989419,
year = {2025},
author = {Angelini, A and Ricci, P and Mirabelli, D},
title = {[Risk apportionment to remote and recent asbestos exposures for pleural mesothelioma].},
journal = {Epidemiologia e prevenzione},
volume = {49},
number = {1},
pages = {In press},
doi = {10.19191/EP25.1.A762.002},
pmid = {39989419},
issn = {1120-9763},
mesh = {Humans ; *Asbestos ; *Mesothelioma/epidemiology/etiology ; *Pleural Neoplasms/epidemiology/etiology ; *Occupational Exposure/adverse effects ; Italy/epidemiology ; *Occupational Diseases/epidemiology/etiology ; Incidence ; Risk Assessment ; Middle Aged ; Time Factors ; Adult ; Male ; Aged ; Lung Neoplasms/epidemiology/etiology ; Female ; Aged, 80 and over ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: the exposure-response relationship between pleural mesothelioma and asbestos has been traditionally described by models that predicted incidence to increase indefinitely by latency. Studies with long observation showed that the increase flattens out beyond 40 years of latency. It has been, therefore, proposed to introduce an exponential decay function into the models Objectives: to show characteristics and implications as to the relevance of remote and recent exposures, by conducting a simulation exercise based on data available from the literature.

METHODS: the traditional and decay models that best fit mortality from pleural cancer during the initial 40 years of observation in the Italian pooled cohort of asbestos workers were selected. The mesothelioma incidence predicted by such models as a function of age at first exposure, exposure duration, and age at risk was compared. It was also compared the proportional weight assigned to remote, intermediate, and recent exposure, by dividing the whole exposure period in three parts of equal duration.

RESULTS: the decay, but not the traditional, model fits well the trend observed after 40 years. According to the traditional model, remote exposures have maximum and recent exposures minimum weight: for instance, following an exposure starting at age 20 and lasting 18 years, the incidence at age 80 would be attributed to remote exposures by 47% and by 21% to the recent ones. The decay model predicts only minor differences and even of reversed weight: 34% and 31%, respectively, in this case.

CONCLUSIONS: remote exposures do not necessarily have overwhelming weight in determining pleural mesothelioma risk. The balance between different exposure periods depends on the time-distribution of exposure.},
}

Humans
*Asbestos
*Mesothelioma/epidemiology/etiology
*Pleural Neoplasms/epidemiology/etiology
*Occupational Exposure/adverse effects
Italy/epidemiology
*Occupational Diseases/epidemiology/etiology
Incidence
Risk Assessment
Middle Aged
Time Factors
Adult
Male
Aged
Lung Neoplasms/epidemiology/etiology
Female
Aged, 80 and over

@article {pmid39984959,
year = {2025},
author = {Piccioni, M and Di Meo, F and Valentino, A and Campani, V and Arigoni, M and Tanori, M and Mancuso, M and Cuciniello, R and Tomasetti, M and Monaco, F and Goteri, G and Spugnini, EP and Calogero, RA and De Rosa, G and Peluso, G and Baldi, A and Crispi, S},
title = {miRNA-503 inhibition exerts anticancer effects and reduces tumor growth in mesothelioma.},
journal = {Journal of experimental & clinical cancer research : CR},
volume = {44},
number = {1},
pages = {65},
pmid = {39984959},
issn = {1756-9966},
support = {PNRR P2022RLH39//Ministero dell'Istruzione, dell'Università e della Ricerca/ ; P2022RZ8WM//Ministero dell'Università e della Ricerca/ ; G46C2000000009//Regione Basilicata/ ; F/180022/04/X43//Ministero dello Sviluppo Economico/ ; DBA.AD005.225//Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche/ ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Malignant mesothelioma (MM) is a rare and aggressive form of cancer that affects the mesothelial surfaces, associated with exposure to asbestos fibres. To date, no cure is available for MM and therapeutically approved treatments are based on the use of platinum compounds often used in combination with other drugs. We have previously analysed the efficacy of a cisplatin/piroxicam (CDDP/P) combined treatment showing that this treatment was able to reduce in vivo tumor growth. Several studies reported that platinum-drug sensitivity in cancer is connected to modulation of the expression of non-coding RNAs. In this study we analysed if the CDDP/P treatment was able to modulate miRNAs expression in MM.

METHODS: miRNA sequencing performed on MSTO-211 H cells treated with CDDP with CDDP/P led us to identify miRNA-503 - downregulated by CDDP/P - as a novel miRNA that acts as an oncomiR in MM. The effect of miRNA-503 inhibition was evaluated in vitro in mesothelioma cells analysing apoptosis induction and reduction of cancer properties. Inhibition of miR-503 expression in vivo, was analysed in ectopic mouse model of MM by using LNP encapsulating anti-mir-503 and miR-503 expression was evaluated in human MM samples.

RESULTS: In vitro and in vivo analysis confirmed miR-503 acts as oncogene in MM since its inhibition was able to reduce cell cancer properties and tumor growth in ectopic mouse model of MM. Its expression was found upregulated in human MM patients compared to normal pleura. Bioinformatic analysis indicated BTG1, CCNG1, EDG1, and TIMP2 as putative target genes of miRNA-503. These genes showed an opposite expression compared to miR-503 levels both in cells and in MM samples. Finally, microarray analysis indicated that miR-503 inhibition affected the expression of the well-known MM biomarkers: CXCL8, SERPINE1 and Osteopontin.

CONCLUSIONS: Our study is the first reporting an oncomiR role for miR-503 in MM and suggests that its inactivation could have a clinical value in MM patients. This study reveals that miRNA-503 acts as an oncomiR in MM suggesting that its inhibition, through LNP delivery, has the potential to be considered as a novel therapeutic strategy in MM.},
}

@article {pmid39983469,
year = {2025},
author = {Fukui, T and Sumitomo, R and Menju, T and Kobayashi, M and Sakai, H and Date, H},
title = {M2-like tumor-associated macrophages may promote tumor progression in malignant pleural mesothelioma.},
journal = {Translational oncology},
volume = {54},
number = {},
pages = {102324},
doi = {10.1016/j.tranon.2025.102324},
pmid = {39983469},
issn = {1936-5233},
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is an aggressive malignancy with an unfavorable prognosis. Asbestos-activated macrophages may contribute to both oncogenesis and progression of MPM. This study aimed to clarify the biological and clinical significance of M2-like tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) in MPM.

METHODS: This retrospective study included 101 MPM patients who were diagnosed and started treatment between 1998 and 2010. The distribution of M2-like TAMs in the intratumoral and peritumoral regions was evaluated by immunohistochemistry using CD163 staining. Tumor proliferation was evaluated by Ki-67 staining.

RESULTS: Intratumoral M2-like TAM density was significantly correlated with the pretreatment C-reactive protein level (r = 0.283, P = 0.004) and Ki-67 proliferation index (r = 0.498, P < 0.001). Peritumoral M2-like TAM density was also significantly correlated with the pretreatment C-reactive protein level (r = 0.255, P = 0.010) and Ki-67 proliferation index (r = 0.435, P < 0.001). Additionally, intratumoral M2-like TAM density was associated with histological subtype (P < 0.001), with higher densities observed in sarcomatoid tumors compared to epithelioid tumors. The overall survival rate was significantly worse in the intratumoral and peritumoral M2-like TAM-high groups (P = 0.044 and P = 0.046, respectively), particularly in patients with advanced-stage MPM. Multivariable analysis identified peritumoral M2-like TAM status (hazard ratio = 1.700, 95 % confidence interval: 1.034-2.796, P = 0.037), clinical stage, and histology as significant prognostic factors for overall survival.

CONCLUSIONS: During MPM progression, M2-like TAMs may induce tumor cell proliferation and aggressiveness, contributing to the poor prognosis in MPM patients.},
}

@article {pmid39981889,
year = {2025},
author = {Andreikos, D and Spandidos, DA and Georgakopoulou, VE},
title = {Telomeres and telomerase in mesothelioma: Pathophysiology, biomarkers and emerging therapeutic strategies (Review).},
journal = {International journal of oncology},
volume = {66},
number = {3},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3892/ijo.2025.5729},
pmid = {39981889},
issn = {1791-2423},
mesh = {Humans ; *Telomerase/genetics/metabolism ; *Biomarkers, Tumor/genetics/metabolism ; *Telomere/genetics/metabolism ; *Mesothelioma, Malignant/genetics/pathology/drug therapy ; Mesothelioma/genetics/pathology ; Lung Neoplasms/genetics/pathology ; Prognosis ; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide ; Mutation ; Promoter Regions, Genetic ; },
abstract = {Malignant mesothelioma (MM) is a rare but aggressive cancer linked to asbestos exposure and characterized by advanced‑stage disease at presentation. Despite advances in treatment, prognosis remains abysmal, highlighting the imperative for the development of novel biomarkers and treatment approaches. Telomere biology plays a pivotal role in the tumorigenic process and has emerged as a key area in oncology research. Short telomeres have been associated with genomic instability, and substantially shorter telomere length (TL) has been identified in MM, showcasing the potential of TL in risk assessment, early detection, and disease progression monitoring. MM predominantly maintains TL through telomerase activity (TA), which in research has been identified in >90% of MM cases, underscoring the potential of TA as a biomarker in MM. Telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) polymorphisms may serve as valuable biomarkers, with research identifying associations between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and the risk and prognosis of MM. Additionally, TERT promoter mutations have been associated with poor prognosis and advanced‑stage disease, with the non‑canonical functions of TERT hypothesized to contribute to the development of MM. TERT promoter mutations occur in ~12% of MM cases; C228T, C250T and A161C are the most common, while the distribution and frequency differ depending on histological subtype. Research reveals the promise of the various approaches therapeutically targeting telomerase, with favorable results in pre‑clinical models and inconclusive findings in clinical trials. The present review examines the role of telomere biology in MM and its implications in diagnosis, prognosis, and therapy.},
}

Humans
*Telomerase/genetics/metabolism
*Biomarkers, Tumor/genetics/metabolism
*Telomere/genetics/metabolism
*Mesothelioma, Malignant/genetics/pathology/drug therapy
Mesothelioma/genetics/pathology
Lung Neoplasms/genetics/pathology
Prognosis
Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide
Mutation
Promoter Regions, Genetic

@article {pmid39973732,
year = {2025},
author = {Tuncer, K and Gomleksiz, M},
title = {Improving asbestos knowledge among demolition workers through training after earthquakes.},
journal = {Work (Reading, Mass.)},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {10519815241305009},
doi = {10.1177/10519815241305009},
pmid = {39973732},
issn = {1875-9270},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Asbestos was widely used as insulation material in Türkiye's construction. It poses severe health risks, including mesothelioma, a type of lung cancer that is often fatal.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine and improve the knowledge about asbestos among employees of a building demolition workers in Elazığ.

METHODS: Out of 82 employees in the demolition workers, 75 volunteered for the study after ethical approval was obtained. Training materials and survey forms were developed through a review of the literature. Surveys were conducted before and after the training sessions. Data were analyzed using SPSS 22.0, and a p-value of less than 0.05 indicated statistical significance.

RESULTS: The participants were exclusively male, with an average age of 39.06 years. Among them, 40% were current smokers. Most had not received prior training on asbestos. Before the training, nearly half of the respondents (49.4%) were unaware of the procedures for asbestos check and removal prior to demolition. knowledge across all surveyed areas. The knowledge of demolition workers increased significantly after training.

CONCLUSION: Training significantly improved asbestos-related knowledge which was low before among the demolition workers, a group at high risk for asbestos exposure.},
}

@article {pmid39960454,
year = {2025},
author = {Kanno, J},
title = {Carcinogenicity assessment: "Modern Toxicology" considerations from an experience in the evaluation of a carbon nanotube.},
journal = {Journal of occupational health},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/joccuh/uiaf013},
pmid = {39960454},
issn = {1348-9585},
abstract = {The novel properties and functions of nanomaterials have naturally alerted the toxicologists to the fact that such materials may also have novel effects on the human body and living organisms. In particular, materials with high stability or biopersisteny have been shown to have a tendency to accumulate in the body, leading to chronic toxicity including carcinogenicity. However, at the early stages of toxicity research, the information is often limited to the effects of short-term exposure studies, and findings on chronic effects are very much delayed. In this context, it was rather exceptional that studies on multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) have started with the verification of their potential to induce mesothelioma. This toxicological endpoint was expected on the basis of existing knowledge of asbestos and asbestos-like fiber particles. This movement has led to the achievement of the original mission of the "Modern Toxicology", which is "to achieve a win-win situation where both industrial promotion and safety assurance are ensured by communicating and sharing toxicity information to developers and consumers at a stage before mass production and consumption begins, that is, before massive exposure of the general public begins". Inaccurate toxicity assessments of asbestos in the 1980s and 1990s allowed its spread to our living environment, which is difficult to decontaminate, and the damage still continues to this day. However, the case described here could be an example of realizing the proposition that 'nanomaterials, the flagship of high technology, must not repeat the same mistakes.'},
}

@article {pmid39958414,
year = {2024},
author = {Salvado, A and Capone, L and Zamorano, P and Samudio, M and Garcia-de-Dávila, MT and Ernst, G},
title = {A comprehensive multidisciplinary approach for identifying asbestos exposure among underground workers.},
journal = {Revista brasileira de medicina do trabalho : publicacao oficial da Associacao Nacional de Medicina do Trabalho-ANAMT},
volume = {22},
number = {4},
pages = {e20241271},
pmid = {39958414},
issn = {1679-4435},
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Inhalation of asbestos fibers can lead to a range of diseases, including asbestosis, pleural plaques, lung cancer, and malignant mesothelioma. Despite regulatory efforts, asbestos-related diseases remain a significant public health issue.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess the characteristics and prevalence of asbestos-related diseases among exposed workers.

METHODS: We conducted a descriptive cohort study with underground workers in Buenos Aires, Argentina, from March 2018 to March 2023. A comprehensive screening and surveillance program, including medical examinations, was implemented to identify exposure-related signs and symptoms. Histological sections from paraffin-embedded tissue blocks were analyzed using light and polarization microscopy for lung cancer cases.

RESULTS: A total of 2,690 participants were included, of whom 2.8% (n = 77) had asbestos-related diseases and 0.22% (n = 6) had lung cancer. Occupational exposure exceeding 20 years was significantly associated with an elevated risk of asbestos-related diseases (odd ratio: 3.02; 95%CI 1.7-5.3).

CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of occupational diseases among underground workers was consistent with findings from other surveillance programs for asbestos-exposed workers. Occupational exposure exceeding 20 years emerged as a significant risk factor, markedly increasing the likelihood of asbestos-related diseases.},
}

@article {pmid39947731,
year = {2025},
author = {Rao D, P and Vijayan, S and Vananjakar, SS and T, PK},
title = {Malignant pleural mesothelioma.},
journal = {BMJ case reports},
volume = {18},
number = {2},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1136/bcr-2024-263562},
pmid = {39947731},
issn = {1757-790X},
mesh = {Humans ; Female ; *Mesothelioma, Malignant/diagnosis/pathology/therapy ; *Pleural Neoplasms/diagnosis/therapy ; Aged ; *Pleurodesis ; Mesothelioma/diagnosis/therapy/pathology ; Lung Neoplasms/diagnosis/pathology/therapy ; Palliative Care ; Talc/adverse effects/administration & dosage ; Thoracoscopy/methods ; Pleural Effusion, Malignant/etiology/therapy/diagnosis/diagnostic imaging ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed ; Dyspnea/etiology ; },
abstract = {Malignant pleural mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive tumour of the pleura, commonly linked to asbestos exposure. However, its diagnosis is challenging, especially without known exposure. We present the case of a woman in her early 70s with no history of asbestos exposure, who presented with progressive breathlessness and left-sided chest pain. Radiological assessment revealed a large pleural effusion and nodular pleural thickening. Malignant pleural mesothelioma was confirmed through histopathological analysis of biopsies obtained via medical thoracoscopy. The patient was initiated on a palliative chemotherapy regimen, underwent talc slurry pleurodesis for recurrent effusion, and is currently under follow-up. This case emphasises the importance of a high index of suspicion for malignant pleural mesothelioma in patients with unexplained pleural effusion, even in the absence of typical risk factors, and the need for a timely diagnosis due to the disease's dismal prognosis.},
}

Humans
Female
*Mesothelioma, Malignant/diagnosis/pathology/therapy
*Pleural Neoplasms/diagnosis/therapy
Aged
*Pleurodesis
Mesothelioma/diagnosis/therapy/pathology
Lung Neoplasms/diagnosis/pathology/therapy
Palliative Care
Talc/adverse effects/administration & dosage
Thoracoscopy/methods
Pleural Effusion, Malignant/etiology/therapy/diagnosis/diagnostic imaging
Tomography, X-Ray Computed
Dyspnea/etiology

@article {pmid39939955,
year = {2025},
author = {Shi, H and Yu, TK and Johnson, B and Selvamani, SP and Zhuang, L and Lee, K and Klebe, S and Smith, S and Wong, K and Chen, K and Clark, G and Rath, EM and Pearson, H and Ortega, DG and Linton, A and Kao, S and Silveira, P and Cheng, YY},
title = {A combination of PD-1 and TIGIT immune checkpoint inhibitors elicits a strong anti-tumour response in mesothelioma.},
journal = {Journal of experimental & clinical cancer research : CR},
volume = {44},
number = {1},
pages = {51},
pmid = {39939955},
issn = {1756-9966},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Finding effective and curative treatment for mesothelioma remains challenging. While the introduction of immunotherapy combinations using ipilimumab (anti-CTLA-4) and nivolumab (anti-PD-1) have offered hope for some patients, a large proportion of mesothelioma cases, particularly the epithelial subtype, have minimal benefit from this.

METHODS: Our study was inspired by the results of the AdvanTG-105 phase I clinical trial, which showed partial response with anti-TIGIT/PD-1 treatment in two epithelioid mesothelioma patients. Here, we conducted a comprehensive in vivo experiment involving eight animal treatment groups administered with either PBS (control group), cisplatin/pemetrexed, anti-PD-1, anti-PD-1 + anti-CTLA-4, anti-TIGIT, anti-PD-1 + anti-TIGIT, anti-PD-1 + anti-CTLA-4 + anti-TIGIT, and cisplatin/pemetrexed + anti-PD-1 + anti-TIGIT.

RESULTS: Our results indicate that animals receiving anti-PD-1 + TIGIT exhibited a superior anti-tumour response, with 90% of the treatment group exhibiting an objective response, compared to 60%, 20% and 40% for the standard-of-care anti-PD-1 + CTLA-4, single-agent anti-PD-1 and cisplatin/pemetrexed treatment groups, respectively. Animals receiving anti-PD-1 + TIGIT displayed a significantly reduced average tumour size, with improved weight and survival rates, and fewer adverse effects than those receiving anti-PD-1 + CTLA-4 treatment. Anti-PD-1 + TIGIT-treated animals achieved complete tumour regression, with heightened effector CD8 + T cell and NK cell activity, remaining tumour-free for over 300 days without immune-related adverse events. After initial tumour elimination, anti-PD-1 + TIGIT-treated animals showed no tumour regrowth in the rechallenge experiment.

CONCLUSION: These findings provide rationale for the development of an anti-PD-1 + TIGIT combination immunotherapy trial for mesothelioma patients.},
}

@article {pmid39934006,
year = {2025},
author = {Lopci, E},
title = {"Current Status of Staging and Restaging Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma".},
journal = {Seminars in nuclear medicine},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1053/j.semnuclmed.2025.01.003},
pmid = {39934006},
issn = {1558-4623},
abstract = {Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is the most frequent aggressive tumor affecting the pleura, accounting for over 38,000 deaths worldwide. It originates from the mesothelial cells and is mostly associated to asbestos exposure. Depending on the extent of the disease, the management of MPM varies from surgical intervention to a combination of systemic chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and radiation therapy. Major International scientific societies provide continuous updates on proper management of the disease, including recommendations on the optimal imaging algorithms, which are crucial for determining effective treatment options and optimizing clinical outcomes. However, despite the continuous efforts to improve patients' prognosis, median overall survival remains poor, ranging from 8 to 14 months. And even in case of initial response to treatment, local or distant recurrences represent almost a certainty, requiring appropriate imaging for the assessment of tumor sites. The aim of the present article is to illustrate the current status of imaging for staging and restaging of MPM, not forgetting most recent novelties in the diagnostic work-up of the disease.},
}

@article {pmid39921204,
year = {2025},
author = {Pandey, K and Faridi, P and Ayala, R and Lee, YCG and Rouse, E and Krishna, SSG and Dick, I and Redwood, A and Robinson, B and Creaney, J and Purcell, AW},
title = {Multiple classes of antigen contribute to the antigenic landscape of mesothelioma.},
journal = {Molecular & cellular proteomics : MCP},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {100925},
doi = {10.1016/j.mcpro.2025.100925},
pmid = {39921204},
issn = {1535-9484},
abstract = {Mesothelioma is an incurable, asbestos-exposure related cancer that typically affects the lining or pleura of the lungs. Symptoms typically develop many decades after initial exposure to asbestos, leaving an enduring legacy of disease. Current disease burden is peaking worldwide and thus there is a massive unmet clinical need for curative therapies. Recently, immune checkpoint blockade-based therapy has been adopted as a first-line of treatment for mesothelioma. Vaccine-induced augmentation of immune responses unleashed during checkpoint blockade may provide further clinical benefit in mesothelioma. In this study we explore the human leukocyte antigen class I landscape (or immunopeptidome) of mesothelioma in patient derived cell line and clinical material (pleural effusion samples). We identify a range of peptide antigens derived from targets including cancer testis antigens, endogenous retroviruses as well as novel post-translational modification of peptides. This information will facilitate the characterization of the immune response to these antigens to determine which class of antigen is most immunogenic and has the potential to be tested in future vaccine studies.},
}

@article {pmid39911320,
year = {2025},
author = {Korchevskiy, AA and Wylie, AG},
title = {Habit of elongate amphibole particles as a predictor of mesothelial carcinogenicity.},
journal = {Toxicology reports},
volume = {14},
number = {},
pages = {101908},
pmid = {39911320},
issn = {2214-7500},
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Amphiboles are a class of minerals that are abundantly present in the environment. Amphiboles may exist in several habits, with asbestiform particles behaving like typical amphibole asbestos and non-asbestiform (or massive) reported to be less biologically active.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: The available dimensional information for 16 testing sets (8 asbestiform and 8 non-asbestiform types of tremolite) was combined. In addition, three validation sets (an asbestiform sample from Eastern New York and non-asbestiform samples from Quebec and Falls Village, Connecticut) were tested by Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) to determine dimensional distribution. Mathematical modeling was utilized to determine the classification method for amphiboles with various habits.

RESULTS: The decision boundary method was developed to distinguish asbestiform vs. non-asbestiform samples (with error rate of 0 % for single-sourced tremolite and 3 % for potentially mixed samples). All validation datasets were correctly classified. A new empirical dimensional coefficient of carcinogenicity (DCC) was proposed, with DCC = 1 - exp(-0.11 Surface Area /(1000width[3] + 1)). For several mineral types (crocidolite, amosite, Libby amphiboles, anthophyllite, chrysotile, and erionite), it was demonstrated that mesothelioma potency factors can be predicted based on DCC and biosolubility with a high level of accuracy (R=0.98, R[2]=0.96, p < 0.006). It was demonstrated that modeled mesothelioma potency correlates with relative potency for pleural instillation in Wistar rats, and correlates inversely with membranolytic toxicity index HC50. Mesothelioma potency was demonstrated to be negligible in all non-asbestiform sets.

CONCLUSIONS: The habit of amphibole particles is predictive of biological behavior that can be estimated from the dimensional data for the particles.},
}

@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.},
}