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Review
. 2025 Mar 30;17(7):1160.
doi: 10.3390/cancers17071160.

Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma: From Pathophysiology to Innovative Actionable Targets

Francesco Rocco Bertuccio  1   2 , Simone Montini  1   2 , Maria Antonietta Fusco  1   2 , Antonella Di Gennaro  1   2 , Gaetano Sciandrone  1   2 , Francesco Agustoni  1   3 , Giulia Galli  1   3 , Chandra Bortolotto  4   5 , Jessica Saddi  6   7 , Guido Baietto  8 , Giulio Melloni  8 , Gioacchino D'Ambrosio  9 , Angelo Guido Corsico  1   2 , Giulia Maria Stella  1   2
Affiliations
Review

Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma: From Pathophysiology to Innovative Actionable Targets

Francesco Rocco Bertuccio et al. Cancers (Basel). .

Abstract

Background: Pleural mesothelioma (PM) is a rare and highly aggressive cancer which arises from mesothelial layer and primarily linked to asbestos exposure, genetic predispositions, and specific mutations. Despite current treatment modalities, including chemotherapy, antiangiogenic therapy and more recently immunotherapy, the prognosis remains dismal, with a median survival time of 6-18 months.

Objectives: The urgent need for novel therapeutic strategies has prompted research into molecular targets and precision medicine approaches. At present, many potential targets for therapeutic strategies have been identified, and emerging clinical trials are demonstrating certain clinical efficacy.

Methods: This review examines advancements in understanding PM's genetic and epigenetic landscape, signaling pathways, and promising therapeutic targets.

Results: We also discuss the results of recent clinical trials and their potential implications for future treatment paradigms.

Keywords: actionable targets; genetics; personalized medicine; pleural mesothelioma.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
PM novel targets and their localization.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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