Circulating biomarkers in malignant pleural mesothelioma

• Main Authors: Giuseppe Viscardi, Davide Di Natale, Morena Fasano, Marta Brambilla, Riccardo Lobefaro, Alessandro De Toma, Giulia Galli
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Open Exploration Publishing Inc. 2020-12-01
• Series: Exploration of Targeted Anti-tumor Therapy
• Subjects: mesothelioma; malignant pleural mesothelioma; liquid biopsy; biomarkers; mesothelin; mirnas; ctc; ctdna
• Online Access: https://www.explorationpub.com/Journals/etat/Article/100228

Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is an aggressive tumor strictly connected to asbestos exposure. Prognosis is dismal as diagnosis commonly occurs in advanced stage. Radiological screenings have not proven to be effective and also pathological diagnosis may be challenging. In the era of precision oncology, validation of robust non-invasive biomarkers for screening of asbestos-exposed individuals, assessment of prognosis and prediction of response to treatments remains an important unmet clinical need. This review provides an overview on current understanding and possible applications of liquid biopsy in MPM, mostly focused on the utility as diagnostic and prognostic test.