Molecular pathways in malignant pleural mesothelioma.
Malignant pleural mesothelioma, although uncommon, is highly lethal. There is a high correlation between associated environmental exposure factors, carcinogens, and its development. Carcinogenesis is also mediated by genetic defects that result in loss of tumor suppressors or over expression of proto-oncogenes. Factors such as the loss of CDK inhibition function, IGF stimulatory pathways, p14(ARF), p15(INK4b), p16(INK4a), p21, and p53 loss or mutation, VEGF and COX over expression are discussed. Correlations to potential therapeutic modalities are made.
Whitson
Bryan A
BA
Division of Hematology/Oncology/Transplant University of Minnesota Medical School, Department of Surgery, Section of Heme-Onc-Transplant, 480 Delaware Street SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA.
Kratzke
Robert A
RA
D002471:Cell Transformation, Neoplastic / Q000235:genetics; D006801:Humans; D008654:Mesothelioma / Q000235:genetics*; D009154:Mutation; D010997:Pleural Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics*