Tumor-specific genetic variants can be detected in circulating cell-free DNA of malignant pleural mesothelioma patients

Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a rare and aggressive cancer, which is often causally associated with asbestos exposure. Given the long latency period between asbestos exposure and MPM development and because asbestos is still being used in some countries, MPM will remain a global health issue for decades to come [1]. Although improvements in outcome have been observed with the advent of -palliative- chemotherapy, overall survival of patients plateaus at a median of one year [2]. Amongst others, this dismal prognosis can be attributed to difficulties in (early) diagnosis, lack of effective treatment and treatment monitoring.

Source: Lung Cancer - July 21, 2018 Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Marieke Hylebos, Ken Op de Beeck, Patrick Pauwels, Karen Zwaenepoel, Jan P. van Meerbeeck, Guy Van Camp Source Type: research