Main description:

This volume is comprised of a multidisciplinary assessment of the interplay between asbestos and cancer as well as new research about the biology and treatment of malignant mesothelioma. Chapters on the various types of asbestos and other mineral fibers, epidemiology, history and future of asbestos-related diseases are included. Other reviews present new information about the role of asbestos-related inflammation and genetic factors, including the role of inherited mutations of BAP1, in mesothelioma causation, as well as recent research about gene signatures, cell signaling, and epigenetic mechanisms in asbestos-related diseases. Other chapters provide updates of novel disease biomarkers and prevention, mechanistic lesson from genetically engineered mouse and 3-D models of mesothelioma tumorigenesis and therapeutic resistance. Also included are up-to-date reviews of surgical, molecularly targeted chemotherapeutic, and immunotherapeutic approaches for mesothelioma as well as an overview of legal issues.

Contents:

1. Malignant Mesothelioma - An Asbestos Legacy.- 2. Asbestos and Fibrous Erionite.- 3. Epidemiology of Mesothelioma.- 4. Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma: History, Controversy and Future of a Man-Made Epidemic .- 5. Communities at High Risk in the Third Wave of Mesothelioma.- 6. Mesothelioma Pathology.- 7. Asbestos-Induced Inflammation in Malignant Mesothelioma and Other Lung Diseases.- 8. Germline and Somatic Mutations in Human Mesothelioma and Lessons from Asbestos-Exposed Genetically Engineered Mouse Models.- 9. Gene Signature of Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma.- 10. Cell Signaling and Epigenetic Mechanisms in Mesothelioma.- 11. 3D Models of Mesothelioma in the Study of Mechanisms of Cell Survival.- 12. Biomarkers of Response to Asbestos Exposure.- 13. Surgery Approaches in Mesothelioma.- 14. Radiotherapy and Photodynamic Therapy for Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma.- 15. Standard Chemotherapy Options and Clinical Trials of Novel Agents for Mesothelioma.- 16. Immunotherapeutic Approaches to Mesothelioma.- 17. Challenges Facing Mesothelioma Patients and Their Families: Medical/Legal Intersections.- 18. The Patient's Experience of Malignant Mesothelioma.