Causes and Pathogenesis of Malignant Mesothelioma

Abstract

Malignant mesothelioma (MM) is a malignancy that arises from the mesothelium, a thin layer of tissue that covers the body’s serous cavities, such as the pleural, peritoneal, pericardial, and tunica vaginalis of the testis. More than 80% of all mesothelioma cases originate from the pleura and approximately 75–80% of patients are males. It is almost always fatal with most of those affected dying within a year of diagnosis. Asbestos exposure is the most common cause of MM, which mostly affects the pleura. Various factors, including other mineral fibers, carbon nanotubes, or genetic mutations, are also suggested to have a role in the development of MM. The involvement of asbestos, other mineral fibers, nanotechnological products, the simian virus SV40, ionizing radiation, genetic factors, and inflammation in the development of MM has been discussed in this chapter. This study focuses on the role of other mineral fibers, such as erionite, fluoroedenite, balangeroite, and carbon nanotubes, as well as genetic mutations in BAP1 and other genes, in the pathogenesis of MM. The etiology of MM is considered to be complex, and greater knowledge of the pathogenetic pathways may lead to the identification of effective and personalized treatment targets.

Asbestos ban policies and mesothelioma mortality in Greece

“…According to our study, mesothelioma typically affects adults within the age group of 60 and 79. This finding is supported by other studies and is compatible with the lengthy latent period of the disease [31,47]. Mazureck et al suggested that the majority of MM deaths, between 1999 and 2015 in the USA, occurred in both sexes between the ages of 75 and 84 [48].…”

Rare thoracic cancers: a comprehensive overview of diagnosis and management of small cell lung cancer, malignant pleural mesothelioma and thymic epithelial tumours

“…Mesothelioma arises when asbestos fibres enter the pleural or abdominal cavity, causing phagocytosis by macrophages. This can lead to an inflammatory reaction, followed by an increased risk of malignant transformation of mesothelial cells [ 80 ]. This risk is higher when the asbestos fibres are longer than 10 µm because of more difficult clearance by macrophages and thus failed attempts of phagocytosis [ 81 ].…”

“…Furthermore, mesothelial cells exposed to asbestos fibres release inflammatory cytokines such as transforming growth factor (TGF) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which generate an ideal environment for tumour growth. These factors are responsible for the increased risk and eventually the development of mesothelioma [ 80 ].…”

Asbestos Ban Policies and Mesothelioma Mortality in Greece

“…The pleural location has a particularly high relationship with asbestos exposure (3,4). Despite widespread asbestos use bans, mesothelioma incidence is continuously rising (5). Nonetheless, despite bans, asbestos can continue to be present in some structures, such as schools or public buildings, and the construction of residential areas near previous asbestos mines, factories, or soil containing natural asbestos may still expose people to it(6, 7).…”

“…Greece banned all forms of asbestos in 2005; production of asbestos reached its peak in 1996 and stopped in 1999 (20). Taking into consideration the long latency period of mesothelioma (which is referred to as 20-50 years), the increased mortality rate of this disease is expected during the early decades of the 21st century (5).…”