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Pathogenesis of malignant pleural mesothelioma and the role of environmental and genetic factors

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Abstract

Background

Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a rare and aggressive tumor for which no effective therapy exists despite the discovery of many possible molecular and genetic targets. The late stage of MPM diagnosis and the long latency that exist between some exposures and diagnosis have made it difficult to comprehensively evaluate the role of risk factors and their downstream molecular effects.

Methods

This manuscript is a review of current literature about the pathogenesis of malignant mesothelioma. In this overview, current published studies concerning pathogenesis of malignant mesothelioma are reviewed, with insights into its etiology and pathogenesis. We searched pubmed using the following subjects: mesothelioma, radiation, genetics, pediatric malignant mesothelioma, SV40 virus, and growth factors. We selected 350 valuable articles of which 152 sources were used to complete this review.

Conclusion

Many risk factors for MPM development have been recognized including environmental exposures, genetic susceptibility, viral contamination, and radiation. In this review, we discuss the current molecular and genetic contributors to MPM pathogenesis and the risk factors associated with these carcinogenic processes.

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  1. Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH, USA

    Shoshana J. Weiner

  2. St Vincent Medical Center, New York Medical College, School of Medicine , 170 West 12th Street , New York City, NY, 10011, USA

    Siyamek Neragi-Miandoab

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  1. Shoshana J. Weiner
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Correspondence to Siyamek Neragi-Miandoab.

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S. J. Weiner and S. Neragi-Miandoab contributed equally to this work.

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Weiner, S.J., Neragi-Miandoab, S. Pathogenesis of malignant pleural mesothelioma and the role of environmental and genetic factors. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 135, 15–27 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00432-008-0444-9

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