This volume is comprised of a multidisciplinary assessment of the interplay between asbestos and cancer as well as new research about the biology and treatment of malignant mesothelioma. Chapters on the various types of asbestos and other mineral fibers, epidemiology, history and future of asbestos-related diseases are included. Other reviews present new information about the role of asbestos-related inflammation and genetic factors, including the role of inherited mutations of BAP1, in mesothelioma causation, as well as recent research about gene signatures, cell signaling, and epigenetic mechanisms in asbestos-related diseases. Other chapters provide updates of novel disease biomarkers and prevention, mechanistic lesson from genetically engineered mouse and 3-D models of mesothelioma tumorigenesis and therapeutic resistance. Also included are up-to-date reviews of surgical, molecularly targeted chemotherapeutic, and immunotherapeutic approaches for mesothelioma as well as an overview of legal issues.

Autorentext
Joseph R. Testa, PhD, FACMG is Senior Member/Professor, Carol and Kenneth E. Weg Chair in Human Genetics, Chief of Laboratory Genetics, and Co-Leader of the Cancer Biology Program at Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA. His research interests focus on mesothelioma pathogenesis and AKT-related oncogenesis. He has published numerous papers and reviews, and serves on the editorial boards of several journals, including as Senior Editor for Cancer Research. He has received multiple science awards, including the J. Christopher Wagner Medal from the International Mesothelioma Interest Group and the Pioneer Research Award from the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation. He is also a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science.

Inhalt

1. Malignant Mesothelioma An Asbestos Legacy.- 2. Asbestos and Fibrous Erionite.- 3. Epidemiology of Mesothelioma.- 4. Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma: History, Controversy and Future of a Man-Made Epidemic .- 5. Communities at High Risk in the Third Wave of Mesothelioma.- 6. Mesothelioma Pathology.- 7. Asbestos-Induced Inflammation in Malignant Mesothelioma and Other Lung Diseases.- 8. Germline and Somatic Mutations in Human Mesothelioma and Lessons from Asbestos-Exposed Genetically Engineered Mouse Models.- 9. Gene Signature of Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma.- 10. Cell Signaling and Epigenetic Mechanisms in Mesothelioma.- 11. 3D Models of Mesothelioma in the Study of Mechanisms of Cell Survival.- 12. Biomarkers of Response to Asbestos Exposure.- 13. Surgery Approaches in Mesothelioma.- 14. Radiotherapy and Photodynamic Therapy for Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma.- 15. Standard Chemotherapy Options and Clinical Trials of Novel Agents for Mesothelioma.- 16. Immunotherapeutic Approachesto Mesothelioma.- 17. Challenges Facing Mesothelioma Patients and Their Families: Medical/Legal Intersections.- 18. The Patient's Experience of Malignant Mesothelioma.