Malignant mesothelioma.

Orphanet J Rare Dis. 2008;3:34

Authors: Moore AJ, Parker RJ, Wiggins J

Malignant mesothelioma is a fatal asbestos-associated malignancy originating from the lining cells (mesothelium) of the pleural and peritoneal cavities, as well as the pericardium and the tunica vaginalis. The exact prevalence is unknown but it is estimated that mesotheliomas represent less than 1% of all cancers. Its incidence is increasing, with an expected peak in the next 10-20 years.

Malignant pleural mesothelioma: medical treatment update.

Clin Lung Cancer. 2009 Mar;10(2):112-7

Authors: Vorobiof DA, Mafafo K

Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a disease usually unaffected by current therapeutic strategies, but for the majority of patients, the use of systemic chemotherapeutic drugs remains the only therapeutic option available.

Mesothelioma cells escape heat stress by upregulating Hsp40/Hsp70 expression via mitogen-activated protein kinases.

J Biomed Biotechnol. 2009;2009:451084

Authors: Roth M, Zhong J, Tamm M, Szilard J Therapy with hyperthermal chemotherapy in pleural diffuse malignant mesothelioma had limited benefits for patients. Here we investigated the effect of heat stress on heat shock proteins (HSP), which rescue tumour cells from apoptosis. In human mesothelioma and mesothelial cells heat stress (39-42 degrees C) induced the phosphorylation of two mitogen activated kinases (MAPK) Erk1/2 and p38, and increased Hsp40, and Hsp70 expression. Mesothelioma cells expressed more Hsp40 and were less sensitive to heat stress compared to mesothelial cells. Inhibition of Erk1/2 MAPK by PD98059 or by Erk1 siRNA down-regulated heat stress-induced Hsp40 and Hsp70 expression and reduced mesothelioma cell survival. Inhibition of p38MAPK by SB203580 or siRNA reduced Hsp40, but not Hsp70, expression and also increased mesothelioma cell death. Thus hyperthermia combined with suppression of p38 MAPK or Hsp40 may represent a novel approach to improve mesothelioma therapy.

PMID: 19551156 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

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Surgical biology for the clinician: peritoneal mesothelioma: current understanding and management.

Can J Surg. 2009 Feb;52(1):59-64 Authors: Chua TC, Yan TD, Morris DL

Mesothelioma is an asbestos-related tumour. Mesothelioma in the thorax occurs on the pleura and is known as pleural mesothelioma. It is the more common form of mesothelioma, accounting for 70% of cases.