Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is an
asbestos-related
neoplasm, which can be treated successfully only if correctly diagnosed and treated in early stages. The
asbestos-exposed population serves as a high-risk group that could benefit from sensitive and specific blood- or tissue-based
biomarkers. This review details the recent work with
biomarker development in MPM and the contributions of the NCI Early Detection Research Network
Biomarker Developmental Laboratory of NYU Langone Medical Center. The literature of the last 20 years was reviewed to comment on the most promising of the blood- and tissue-based
biomarkers. Proteomic, genomic, and epigenomic platforms as well as novel studies such as "breath testing" are covered. Soluble
mesothelin-related
proteins (SMRP) have been characterized extensively and constitute an FDA-approved
biomarker in plasma with diagnostic, monitoring, and prognostic value in MPM.
Osteopontin is found to be a valuable prognostic
biomarker for MPM, while its utility in diagnosis is slightly lower. Other
biomarkers, such as
calretinin,
fibulin 3, and High-Mobility Group Box 1 (
HMGB1), remain under study and need international validation trials with large cohorts of cases and controls to demonstrate any utility. The EDRN has played a key role in the development and testing of MPM
biomarkers by enlisting collaborations all over the world. A comprehensive understanding of previously investigated
biomarkers and their utility in screening and early diagnosis of MPM will provide guidance for further future research.See all articles in this CEBP Focus section, "NCI Early Detection Research Network: Making
Cancer Detection Possible."