biomarkers for early detection of malignant mesothelioma diagnostic and therapeutic application生物标志物早期诊断恶性间皮瘤的诊断和治疗的应用程序.pdfVIP

Cancers 2010, 2, 523-548; doi:10.3390/cancers2020523 OPEN ACCESS cancers ISSN 2072-6694 /journal/cancers Review Biomarkers for Early Detection of Malignant Mesothelioma: Diagnostic and Therapeutic Application Marco Tomasetti * and Lory Santarelli Department of Molecular Pathology and Innovative Therapies, Occupational Medicine, Polytechnic University of Marche, via Tronto 10/A Torrette 60020, Ancona, Italy; E-Mail: l.Santarelli@univpm.it * Author to whom correspondence should be addressed; E-Mail: m.tomasetti@univpm.it; Tel.: +71-2206062; Fax: +71-2206063. Received: 25 February 2010; in revised form: 1 April 2010 / Accepted: 7 April 2010 / Published: 14 April 2010 Abstract: Malignant mesothelioma (MM) is a rare and aggressive tumour of the serosal cavities linked to asbestos exposure. Improved detection methods for diagnosing this type of neoplastic disease are essential for an early and reliable diagnosis and treatment. Thus, focus has been placed on finding tumour markers for the non-invasive detection of MM. Recently, some blood biomarkers have been described as potential indicators of early and advanced MM cancers. The identification of tumour biomarkers alone or in combination could greatly facilitate the surveillance procedure for cohorts of subjects exposed to asbestos, a common phenomenon in several areas of western countries. Keywords: biomarkers; malignant meosthelioma; asbestos exposure; early diagnosis 1. Introduction Malignant mesothelioma (MM) is a rare, highly aggressive