Future Oncology 2015 November [Link]
Vigneri P, Martorana F, Manzella L, Stella S.
Abstract
The increasing incidence and the dismal prognosis of malignant pleural mesothelioma calls for the identification of biomarkers that will allow a timely diagnosis; display prognostic value; and, predict the response to pharmacological agents employed for the treatment of the disease. Biomarkers associated with early diagnosis currently include mesothelin in combination with miRNA miR-103a-3p. As for prognostic biomarkers, the Cancer and Leukemia Group B (CALGB) and the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) scores take into account different hematological and clinical parameters that distinguish patients with good prognosis from those with inferior outcomes. Fluorodeoxyglucose-PET, microarray expression data, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratios, c-MET expression, Ki-67 ratios and fibulin-3 levels have also been associated with disease outcome. Finally, thymidylate synthase protein cutoffs may predict mesothelioma response to the association of pemetrexed with a platinum derivative.
December 12, 2015
- cancer
- malignancy; a group of diseases typified by abnormal, generally out-of-control, cell growth.
- diagnosis
- identifying a disease by its signs or symptoms, and by using imaging procedures and laboratory findings. The earlier a diagnosis of cancer is made, the better the chance for long-term survival.
- leukemia
- (loo-key-me-uh) cancer of the blood or blood-forming organs. People with leukemia often have a noticeable increase in white blood cells (leukocytes).
- mesothelioma
- a tumor derived from mesothelial tissue, such as the peritoneum (lining the abdomen) or pleura (lining the lungs). More on mesothelioma.
- oncology
- (on-call-o-jee) the branch of medicine concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of cancer.
- pemetrexed
- chemotheraputic agent that interferes with a crucial process that allows cancer cells to reproduce and spread. Specifically, pemetrexed stops the production of three enzymes that are required to feed the cancer cell. Often used in combination with cisplatin. Marketed under the name ALIMTA. See: Alimta.
- prognosis
- (prog-no-sis) a prediction of the course of disease; the outlook for the cure of the patient. For example, women with breast cancer that was detected early and who received prompt treatment have a good prognosis.
Mesothelioma Line Administrator