Mesothelioma Biomarkers: A Review Highlighting Contributions from the Early Detection Research Network

Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers, and Prevention 2020 July 22 [Link]

Harvey I Pass, Marjan Alimi, Michele Carbone, Haining Yang, Chandra M Goparaju

Abstract

Background: Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma (MPM) is an asbestos related neoplasm which can only be treated successfully when correctly diagnosed and treated in early stages. The asbestos exposed population serves as a high risk group which could benefit from sensitive and specific blood based 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.

Methods: The literature of the last 20 years was reviewed in order 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.

Results: Soluble Mesothelin-Related Proteins (SMRP) have been characterized extensively and constitute an FDA-approved biomarker in plasmawith 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.

Conclusions: The EDRN has played a key role in the development and testing of MPM biomarkers by enlisting collaborations all over the world.