Pivotal role of long non-coding RNA in the development of new therapeutic approaches for pleural mesothelioma

Discover Oncology 2026 March 12 [Link]

Caroline Joseph Kiriacos, Dina M Elkahwagy, Manar Mansour

Abstract

Pleural mesothelioma is a rare aggressive tumor that affects the parietal layer of the pleura. It constitutes 90% of mesotheliomas. Usually, the diagnosis takes place 30 to 40 years after asbestos exposure. Thus, patients are diagnosed at a very late stage, leading to a poor prognosis, with a low median survival rate of approximately one year and a 5-year survival rate of only 5%. The available treatment usually consists of a multimodal approach, including chemotherapy (platinum-based drugs and antifolates), surgery, and radiotherapy. Yet, new therapeutic approaches are still needed to achieve higher survival rates. Long non-coding RNAs are transcripts of more than 200 nucleotides and have been proven to participate in various cellular processes and biological mechanisms. Upon dysregulation, many biological pathways can be affected, initiating cancers or even promoting their aggressiveness. These non-coding RNAs have been studied for their therapeutic potential in various cancers. The role of long non-coding RNAs in PM, whether in regulating pathogenicity or as potential therapeutic targets, requires further investigation. This review highlights the role of lncRNAs in PM pathogenesis and their potential as therapeutic targets.