Mesothelioma Types

Respirology. 2005 Jan;10(1):2-8. Related Articles, Links

Pathogenesis of malignant pleural mesothelioma.

Jaurand MC, Fleury-Feith J.

INSERM E0337, Faculty of Medicine, University Paris XII, Creteil Cedex, France.

Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) results from neoplastic transformation of mesothelial cells. Past asbestos exposure represents the major risk factor for MPM, as the link between asbestos fibres and MPM has been largely proved by epidemiological and experimental studies. Asbestos fibres induce DNA and chromosome damage linked to oxidative stress following phagocytosis. Recently, simian virus 40 (SV40) has been implicated in the aetiology of MPM. The origin of human infection has been associated with SV40-contaminated polio vaccines, although to date, no epidemiological data supports this hypothesis. SV40 may act as a coactivator of asbestos in mesothelial oncogenesis. The transforming potency of SV40 results from the activity of two viral proteins, large T and small t antigens. SV40 infection stimulates production of growth factors elsewhere implicated in autocrine growth of mesothelioma cells and inactivates RASSF1, a gene silenced in MPM. Roles for ionising radiation, chemicals or genetic factors have also been suggested from the observation of sporadic MPM cases or animal studies. Genetic alterations in the tumour suppressor genes, P16/CDKN2A and neurofibromatosis 2 (NF2), are found both in human MPM and in asbestos-exposed Nf2-deficient mice. MPM is still of great international concern. Despite a ban on asbestos use in Western countries, the incidence of MPM is increasing, due to the long delay between asbestos exposure and diagnosis. Moreover, asbestos is still used in developing countries. The implication of other risk factors, especially SV40, supports a need for further research into MPM.

fdfd

To receive a FREE information packet, please fill out the following form (U.S. only please):

Name:
Phone Number:
E-mail:
Street Address:
City, State, Zip:
Comments or Questions:
**(Packet includes information on treatment, clinical trials, cancer links, how to access legal and financial resources, and frequently asked legal questions with answers provided by The David Law Firm, P.C.). By filling out the above form you consent to being contacted by The David Law Firm regarding potentially retaining legal services.

This website is sponsored by Jonathan David* of The David Law Firm. The David Law Firm is located in The Woodlands, Texas (Greater Houston Area) and can be reached toll free at 1-800-998-9729 for more information on mesothelioma. Jonathan David is not a medical doctor. The information on these pages is for the education of mesothelioma patients and their families regarding potential medical and legal options. Patients are advised to consult with a medical doctor. * Licensed by the Supreme Court of Texas.