Disease Markers

Our medical research library holds 19 studies published in Disease Markers (2001–2019). Each entry links to the study's record on PubMed and, where there is one, to the publisher's page and a free full text. 19 have an abstract, the authors' own summary as PubMed records it: open "Abstract" to read it.

About the journal

• Publisher: Wiley
• Published: 1983–2024, United States
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0278-0240 (print), 1875-8630 (electronic)
• Its record in the NLM Catalog

2010s

• Evaluation of Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 Serum Concentration as a Biomarker in Malignant Mesothelioma. D. Štrbac, K. Goričar, V. Dolžan, et al. 2019;2019:1242964. PubMed · Publisher · Free full text

  Abstract

  Background: Malignant mesothelioma (MM) is a rare, but fatal disease with few treatment options. The diagnosis and treatment response are challenging in MM. Therefore, the search for novel diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers is ongoing. The aim of our study was to investigate matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) as a potential serum biomarker of treatment response and survival in MM. We also investigated the influence of genetic polymorphisms on MMP9 serum levels.

  Methods: We included 110 patients with MM that have been previously genotyped for common MMP9 polymorphisms. Serum samples were collected before treatment, at the end of chemotherapy, and at the time of progression. MMP9 serum levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. The role of serum MMP9 and MMP9 polymorphisms in treatment response was determined using the nonparametric tests and logistic or Cox regression.

  Results: Median serum MMP9 was 706.7 (499.6-1224.9) ng/ml before treatment, 440.5 (255.9-685.2) ng/ml after chemotherapy, and 502.8 (307.2-851.4) ng/ml at disease progression. After chemotherapy, 87 (79.8%) patients had lower serum MMP9, with the median change of -286.3 (-607.3 to -70.2) ng/ml (P < 0.001). At disease progression, 47 (65.3%) patients had lower serum MMP9 compared to pretreatment values, with the median change of -163.7 (-466.6 to 108.6) ng/ml (P = 0.001). Patients with higher performance status had higher serum MMP9 before treatment (P = 0.010). Among investigated polymorphisms, only rs17576 was associated with serum MMP9 levels before treatment (P = 0.041).

  Conclusion: Median serum MMP9 levels differed significantly before and after treatment of MM, but failed to reach significance as a standalone biomarker. The contribution of MMP9 serum levels and MMP9 polymorphisms to a composite diagnostic and prognostic biomarker should be further tested.

• HMGB1 as a Potential Biomarker and Therapeutic Target for Malignant Mesothelioma. Y. Wang, Z. Jiang, J. Yan, et al. 2019;2019:4183157. Review PubMed · Publisher · Free full text

  Abstract

  Malignant mesothelioma (MM) is a rare, aggressive, and highly lethal cancer that is substantially induced by exposure to asbestos fibers. High-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) is an intriguing proinflammatory molecule involved in MM. In this review, we describe the possible crucial roles of HMGB1 in carcinogenic mechanisms based on in vivo and in vitro experimental evidence and outline the clinical findings of epidemiological investigations regarding the possible roles of HMGB1 as a biomarker for MM. We conclude that novel strategies targeting HMGB1 may suppress MM cells and interfere with asbestos-induced inflammation.

• MicroRNA Signatures in Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma Effusions. K.A. Birnie, C.M. Prêle, A.W.B. Musk, et al. 2019;2019:8628612. PubMed · Publisher · Free full text

  Abstract

  Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is an incurable cancer of the pleura that can be difficult to diagnose. Biomarkers for an easier and/or earlier diagnosis are needed. Approximately 90% of MPM patients develop a pleural effusion (PE). PEs are ideal sources of biomarkers as the fluid would almost always require drainage for diagnostic and/or therapeutic reasons. However, differentiating MPM PE from PE caused by other diseases can be challenging. MicroRNAs are popular biomarkers given their stable expression in tissue and fluid. MicroRNAs have been analysed in PE cytology samples for the diagnosis of MPM but have not been measured in frozen/fresh PE. We hypothesise that microRNAs expressed in PE are biomarkers for MPM. TaqMan OpenArray was used to analyse over 700 microRNAs in PE cells and supernatants from 26 MPMs and 21 other PE-causing diseases. In PE cells, combining miR-143, miR-210, and miR-200c could differentiate MPM with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.92. The three-microRNA signature could also discriminate MPM from a further 40 adenocarcinomas with an AUC of 0.9887. These results suggest that the expression of miR-143, miR-210, and miR-200c in PE cells might provide a signature for diagnosing MPM.

• A Novel Panel of Serum Biomarkers for MPM Diagnosis. A. Bonotti, R. Foddis, S. Landi, et al. 2017;2017:3510984. PubMed · Publisher · Free full text

  Abstract

  Exposure to asbestos is the main cause of malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM), a highly aggressive cancer of the pleura. Since the only tools for early detection are based on radiological tests, some authors focused on serum markers (i.e., mesothelin). The aim of this study was the evaluation of new serum biomarkers to be used individually or in combination, in order to improve the outcome of patients whose disease would be diagnosed at an earlier stage. Serum and plasma were available from 43 subjects previously exposed to asbestos and 27 MPM patients, all being epithelioid type. All the new markers found differentially expressed in MPM and healthy subjects, by proteomic and genomic approaches, have been validated in the serum by the use of specific ELISA. The combined approach, using tools of genomics and proteomics, is found to be highly innovative for this type of disease and led to the identification of new serum markers in the diagnosis of MPM. These results, if confirmed in a larger series, may have a strong impact in this area, because early detection of this cancer in people at high risk could significantly improve the course of the disease and the clinical approach to an individualized therapy.

• Circulating miR-132-3p as a Candidate Diagnostic Biomarker for Malignant Mesothelioma. D.G. Weber, K. Gawrych, S. Casjens, et al. 2017;2017:9280170. PubMed · Publisher · Free full text

  Abstract

  The use of circulating microRNAs as biomarkers has opened new opportunities for diagnosis of cancer because microRNAs exhibit tumor-specific expression profiles. The aim of this study was the identification of circulating microRNAs in human plasma as potential biomarkers for the diagnosis of malignant mesothelioma. For discovery, TaqMan Low Density Array Human MicroRNA Cards were used to analyze 377 microRNAs in plasma samples from 21 mesothelioma patients and 21 asbestos-exposed controls. For verification, individual TaqMan microRNA assays were used for quantitative real-time PCR in plasma samples from 22 mesothelioma patients and 44 asbestos-exposed controls. The circulating miR-132-3p showed different expression levels between mesothelioma patients and asbestos-exposed controls. For discrimination, sensitivity of 86% and specificity of 61% were calculated. Circulating miR-132-3p in plasma was not affected by hemolysis and no impact of age or smoking status on miR-132-3p levels could be observed. For the combination of miR-132-3p with the previously described miR-126, sensitivity of 77% and specificity of 86% were calculated. The results of this study indicate that miR-132-3p might be a new promising diagnostic biomarker for malignant mesothelioma. It is indicated that the combination of miR-132-3p with other individual biomarkers improves the biomarker performance.

• Malignant Mesothelioma, BAP1 Immunohistochemistry, and VEGFA: Does BAP1 Have Potential for Early Diagnosis and Assessment of Prognosis?. E. Pulford, K. Huilgol, D. Moffat, et al. 2017;2017:1310478. PubMed · Publisher · Free full text

  Abstract

  Malignant mesothelioma (MM) is an aggressive malignancy of the serosal membranes. Early diagnosis and accurate prognostication remain problematic. BAP1 is a tumour suppressor gene commonly mutated in MM. Germline BAP1 mutation has been associated with early onset and less aggressive disease compared with sporadic MM. Sporadic BAP1 mutations are common and are associated with improved survival in MM, contrary to other malignancies. This study investigated the prognostic role of BAP1 in matched cytology and surgical specimens and aimed to investigate the association between BAP1 and the established prognostic marker VEGFA from a cohort of 81 patients. BAP1 mutation was found in 58% of histology and 59% of cytology specimens. Loss of BAP1 expression in both surgical and cytology specimens was significantly associated with poorer survival in a multivariate analysis when controlling for known prognostic indicators. Increased levels of VEGFA in pleural effusions were associated with poor survival. We conclude that the prognostic significance of BAP1 mutations in MM cannot be determined in isolation of other prognostic factors, which may vary between patients. Pathologists should employ caution when commenting on prognostic implications of BAP1 status of MM patients in diagnostic pathology reports, but it may be useful for early diagnosis.

• Matrix Metalloproteinases Polymorphisms as Prognostic Biomarkers in Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma. D. Štrbac, K. Goričar, V. Dolžan, et al. 2017;2017:8069529. PubMed · Publisher · Free full text

  Abstract

  Background: Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a rare disease with a relatively short overall survival (OS). Metalloproteinases (MMPs) have a vast biological effect on tumor progression, invasion, metastasis formation, and apoptosis. MMP expression was previously associated with survival in MPM. Our aim was to evaluate if genetic variability of MMP genes could also serve as a prognostic biomarker in MPM.

  Methods: We genotyped 199 MPM patients for ten polymorphisms: rs243865, rs243849 and rs7201, in MMP2; rs17576, rs17577, rs20544, and rs2250889 in MMP9; and rs1042703, rs1042704, and rs743257 in MMP14. We determined the influence on survival using Cox regression.

  Results: Carriers of polymorphic MMP9 rs2250889 allele had shorter time to progression (TTP) (6.07 versus 10.03 months, HR = 2.45, 95% CI = 1.45-4.14, p = 0.001) and OS (9.23 versus 19.2 months, HR = 2.39, 95% CI = 1.37-4.18, p = 0.002). In contrast, carriers of at least one polymorphic MMP9 rs20544 allele had longer TTP (10.93 versus 9.40 months, HR = 0.57, 95% CI = 0.38-0.86 p = 0.007) and OS (20.67 versus 13.50 months, HR = 0.56, 95% CI = 0.37-0.85, p = 0.007). MMP14 rs1042703 was associated with nominally shorter TTP (8.7 versus 9.27 months, HR = 2.09, 95% CI = 1.06-4.12, p = 0.032).

  Conclusions: Selected MMP SNPs were associated with survival and could be used as potential genetic biomarkers in MPM.

• MicroRNA Expression in Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma and Asbestosis: A Pilot Study. P. Mozzoni, L. Ampollini, M. Goldoni, et al. 2017;2017:9645940. PubMed · Publisher · Free full text

  Abstract

  Background: The identification of diagnostic/prognostic biomarkers for asbestos-related diseases is relevant for early diagnosis and patient survival and may contribute to understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying the disease development and progression.

  Aims: To identify a pattern of miRNAs as possible diagnostic biomarkers for patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) and asbestosis (ASB) and as prognostic biomarkers for MPM patients.

  Methods: miRNA-16, miRNA-17, miRNA-126, and miRNA-486 were quantified in plasma and formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded samples to evaluate their diagnostic and prognostic roles compared to patients with other noncancerous pulmonary diseases (controls). Results. The expression of all the miRNAs was significantly lower in patients with MPM and ASB than that in controls. miRNA-16, miRNA-17, and miRNA-486 in plasma and tissue of MPM patients were significantly correlated. Furthermore, the expression of miRNA-16 in plasma and tissue, and miRNA-486 only in tissue, was positively related with cumulative survival in MPM patients.

  Conclusions: All the miRNA levels were decreased in patients with MPM or ASB, supporting the role of circulating miRNAs as a potential tool for diseases associated with exposure to asbestos fibers. miRNA-16 was directly related to MPM patient prognosis, suggesting its possible use as a prognostic marker in MPM patients.

• Plasma Fibulin-3 as a Potential Biomarker for Patients with Asbestos-Related Diseases in the Han Population. Z. Jiang, S. Ying, W. Shen, et al. 2017;2017:1725354. PubMed · Publisher · Free full text

  Abstract

  Fibulin-3 has been reported as a potential biomarker for mesothelioma. However, little is known about the diagnostic efficacies of fibulin-3 for asbestos-related diseases (ARDs) in China. This study was to investigate the utility of fibulin-3 for asbestos exposure and ARDs. A total of 430 subjects were recruited from Southeast China, including healthy individuals, asbestos-exposed (AE) individuals, and patients with pleural plaques (PP), asbestosis, and malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM). Plasma fibulin-3 was measured using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Linear regression analyses were applied to explore the influencing factors of fibulin-3. Receiver operating characteristic curves were used to determine the cutoff values. The median fibulin-3 level of subjects in the mesothelioma group was higher than that in other groups. Subjects in the asbestosis group had higher median fibulin-3 level than those in the control group. A higher fibulin-3 level was found in the group with ≥10 years of asbestos exposure as compared with control groups. The AUCs of fibulin-3 for distinguishing MPM subjects from control, AE, PP, and asbestosis subjects were 0.92, 0.88, 0.90, and 0.81, respectively. Our study provided evidence that fibulin-3 could be a potential biomarker for the early screening of MPM, but not of other nonmalignant ARDs in Chinese populations.

• Serum HMGB1 as a Potential Biomarker for Patients with Asbestos-Related Diseases. S. Ying, Z. Jiang, X. He, et al. 2017;2017:5756102. PubMed · Publisher · Free full text

  Abstract

  High-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) functions as a proinflammatory cytokine and is one of the most intriguing molecules in inflammatory disorders and cancers. Notably, HMGB1 is a potential therapeutic target and novel biomarker in related diseases. However, the diagnostic value of HMGB1 for benign and malignant asbestos-related diseases (ARDs) remains unclear. In this work, we detected preoperative serum HMGB1 levels in Chinese asbestos-exposed (AE) and ARDs populations and further evaluated the diagnostic value of HMGB1 in patients with certain types of ARDs, including those with pleural plaques, asbestosis, or malignant mesothelioma (MM). The experimental data presented that the serum level of HMGB1 was significantly elevated in AE and ARDs subjects. Our findings indicated that serum HMGB1 is a sensitive and specific biomarker for discriminating asbestosis- and MM-affected individuals from healthy or AE individuals. In addition, serum matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 9 are not correlated with HMGB1 in ARDs. Thus, our study provides supporting evidence for HMGB1 as a potential biomarker either for the clinical diagnosis of high-risk AE cohorts or for evaluating ARDs.

• SFRP Tumour Suppressor Genes Are Potential Plasma-Based Epigenetic Biomarkers for Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma. Y.Y. Cheng, E. Mok, S. Tan, et al. 2017;2017:2536187. PubMed · Publisher · Free full text

  Abstract

  Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is associated with asbestos exposure. Asbestos can induce chronic inflammation which in turn can lead to silencing of tumour suppressor genes. Wnt signaling pathway can be affected by chronic inflammation and is aberrantly activated in many cancers including colon and MPM. SFRP genes are antagonists of Wnt pathway, and SFRPs are potential tumour suppressors in colon, gastric, breast, ovarian, and lung cancers and mesothelioma. This study investigated the expression and DNA methylation of SFRP genes in MPM cells lines with and without demethylation treatment. Sixty-six patient FFPE samples were analysed and have showed methylation of SFRP2 (56%) and SFRP5 (70%) in MPM. SFRP2 and SFRP5 tumour-suppressive activity in eleven MPM lines was confirmed, and long-term asbestos exposure led to reduced expression of the SFRP1 and SFRP2 genes in the mesothelium (MeT-5A) via epigenetic alterations. Finally, DNA methylation of SFRPs is detectable in MPM patient plasma samples, with methylated SFRP2 and SFRP5 showing a tendency towards greater abundance in patients. These data suggested that SFRP genes have tumour-suppresive activity in MPM and that methylated DNA from SFRP gene promoters has the potential to serve as a biomarker for MPM patient plasma.

• Blockade of aquaporin 1 inhibits proliferation, motility, and metastatic potential of mesothelioma in vitro but not in an in vivo model. S. Klebe, K. Griggs, Y. Cheng, et al. 2015;2015:286719. PubMed · Publisher · Free full text

  Abstract

  Background: Malignant mesothelioma (MM) is an aggressive tumor of the serosal membranes, mostly the pleura. It is related to asbestos exposure and has a poor prognosis. MM has a long latency period, and incidence is predicted to remain stable or increase until 2020. Currently, no biomarkers for a specific targeted therapy are available. Previously, we observed that expression of aquaporin 1 (AQP1) was an indicator of prognosis in two independent cohorts. Here we determine whether AQP1 inhibition has therapeutic potential in the treatment of MM.

  Methods: Functional studies were performed with H226 cells and primary MM cells harvested from pleural effusions. AQP1 expression and mesothelial phenotype was determined by immunohistochemistry. AQP1 function was inhibited by a pharmacological blocker (AqB050) or AQP1-specific siRNA. Cell proliferation, migration, and anchorage-independent cell growth were assessed. A nude mouse heterotopic xenograft model of MM was utilised for the in vivo studies.

  Results: Inhibition of AQP1 significantly decreases cell proliferation, metastatic potential, and motility without inducing nonspecific cytotoxicity or increasing apoptosis. In vivo blockade of AQP1 had no biologically significant effect on growth of established tumours.

  Conclusions: Targeted blockade of AQP1 restricts MM growth and migration in vitro. Further work is warranted to fully evaluate treatment potential in vivo.

• Frequency of Surgery in Black Patients with Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma. E. Taioli, A.S. Wolf, J.M. Moline, et al. 2015;2015:282145. PubMed · Publisher · Free full text

  Abstract

  Introduction: Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma (MPM) is a rare disease, even less frequently described in minority patients. We used a large population-based dataset to study the role of race in MPM presentation, treatment, and survival.

  Methods: All cases of pathologically proven MPM were identified in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. Age, sex, diagnosis year, stage, cancer-directed surgery, radiation, and vital status were analyzed according to self-reported race (black or white).

  Results: There were 13,046 white and 688 black MPM patients (incidence: 1.1 per 100,000 whites; 0.5 per 100,000 blacks; age-adjusted, p = 0.01). Black patients were more likely to be female, younger, and with advanced stage and less likely to undergo cancer-directed surgery than whites, after adjustment by stage. On multivariable analysis, younger age and having surgery were associated with longer survival for both cohorts; female gender (HR 0.82 (0.77-0.88)) and early stage at diagnosis (HR 0.83 (0.76-0.90)) were predictive of longer survival in white, but not in black, patients.

  Conclusions: Surgery was associated with improved survival for both black and white MPM patients. However, black patients were less likely to undergo cancer-directed surgery. Increased surgical intervention in MPM black patients with early stage disease may improve their survival.

• Serum Survivin Levels and Outcome of Chemotherapy in Patients with Malignant Mesothelioma. K. Goričar, V. Kovač, A. Franko, et al. 2015;2015:316739. PubMed · Publisher · Free full text

  Abstract

  Background: Survivin is an inhibitor of apoptosis protein involved in the regulation of cell proliferation that could be used as a marker for cancer diagnosis or prognosis. Our aim was to evaluate whether serum survivin levels influence the outcome of cisplatin-based chemotherapy in patients with malignant mesothelioma (MM).

  Methods: Serum survivin levels were determined using human survivin enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in 78 MM patients before chemotherapy, after chemotherapy, and at disease progression. The influence on tumor response and survival was evaluated using nonparametric tests and Cox regression.

  Results: A median serum survivin level at diagnosis was 4.1 (0-217.5) pg/mL. Patients with a progressive disease had significantly higher survivin levels before chemotherapy (p = 0.041). A median serum survivin level after chemotherapy was 73.1 (0-346.2) pg/mL. If survivin levels increased after chemotherapy, patients had, conversely, better response (p = 0.001, OR = 5.40, 95% CI = 1.98-14.72). Unexpectedly, patients with increased survivin levels after chemotherapy also had longer progression-free (p < 0.001, HR = 0.33, 95% CI = 0.20-0.57) and overall survival (p = 0.001, HR = 0.29, 95% CI = 0.14-0.58).

  Conclusions: These results suggest that serum survivin levels before and during chemotherapy could serve as a biomarker predicting MM treatment response.

• Pleural fluid mesothelin as an adjunct to the diagnosis of pleural malignant mesothelioma. J. Creaney, A. Segal, N. Olsen, et al. 2014;2014:413946. PubMed · Publisher · Free full text

  Abstract

  Rationale: The diagnosis of pleural malignant mesothelioma (MM) by effusion cytology may be difficult and is currently controversial. Effusion mesothelin levels are increased in patients with MM but the clinical role of this test is uncertain.

  Objectives: To determine the clinical value of measuring mesothelin levels in pleural effusion supernatant to aid diagnosis of MM.

  Methods And Measurements: Pleural effusion samples were collected prospectively from 1331 consecutive patients. Mesothelin levels were determined by commercial ELISA in effusions and their relationship to concurrent pathology reporting and final clinical diagnosis was determined.

  Results: 2156 pleural effusion samples from 1331 individuals were analysed. The final clinical diagnosis was 183 MM, 436 non-MM malignancy, and 712 nonmalignant effusions. Effusion mesothelin had a sensitivity of 67% for MM at 95% specificity. Mesothelin was elevated in over 47% of MM cases in effusions obtained before definitive diagnosis of MM was established. In the setting of inconclusive effusion cytology, effusion mesothelin had a positive predictive value of 79% for MM and 94% for malignancy.

  Conclusions: A mesothelin-positive pleural effusion, irrespective of the identification of malignant cells, indicates the likely presence of malignancy and adds weight to the clinical rationale for further investigation to establish a malignant diagnosis.

• Comparison of the diagnostic accuracy of the MSLN gene products, mesothelin and megakaryocyte potentiating factor, as biomarkers for mesothelioma in pleural effusions and serum. J. Creaney, S. Sneddon, I.M. Dick, et al. 2013;35(2):119-27. PubMed · Publisher · Free full text

  Abstract

  The MSLN gene products, soluble mesothelin and megakaryocyte potentiating factor (MPF), are being investigated as biomarkers for the asbestos-related cancer malignant mesothelioma (MM). Pleural fluid biomarkers of MM can be elevated when serum levels remain normal. The aim of this study was to determine if this was true for MPF and to compare levels of mesothelin. Biomarker concentrations were compared in 66 MM patients, 39 patients with other malignancies, 37 with benign disease, 18 asbestos-exposed healthy individuals, and 53 patients with chronic kidney disease. In pleural effusions, MPF and soluble mesothelin concentrations were both significantly elevated in MM patients relative to controls. No significant difference between the area under the receiver operator curve (AUC) for MPF (0.945 ± 0.02) and mesothelin (0.928 ± 0.03) when distinguishing MM from all other causes of effusion was observed. MPF and mesothelin serum concentrations were highly correlated and of equivalent diagnostic accuracy with AUCs of 0.813 ± 0.04 and 0.829 ± 0.03, respectively. Serum levels of both markers increased with decreasing kidney function. In conclusion, MPF is elevated in the pleural effusions of MM patients similar to that of mesothelin. Mesothelin and MPF convey equivalent diagnostic information for distinguishing MM from other diseases in pleural effusions as well as serum.

• Soluble mesothelin-related peptides levels in patients with malignant mesothelioma. A. Franko, V. Dolzan, V. Kovac, et al. 2012;32(2):123-31. PubMed · Publisher · Free full text

  Abstract

  Soluble mesothelin-related peptides (SMRP) are a potential tumor marker for malignant mesothelioma. The aim of this study was to determine the differences in SMRP levels in patients with malignant mesothelioma before treatment and in various responses to treatment and to investigate whether SMRP level could be useful in evaluating tumor response to treatment. The study included patients with malignant mesothelioma treated at the Institute of Oncology Ljubljana between March 2007 and December 2009. Blood samples were collected before treatment and/or in various responses to treatment. SMRP levels were determined using ELISA assay based upon a combination of two monoclonal antibodies. Mann-Whitney test was used to determine the differences in SMRP levels in various responses to treatment. Median SMRP was 2.80 nmol/L (range 0.00-34.80) before treatment, 0.00 nmol/L (range 0.00-0.00) in complete response, 0.48 nmol/L (range 0.00-4.40) in partial response, 1.65 nmol/L (range 0.00-20.71) in stable disease and 7.15 nmol/L (range 0.44-31.56) in progressive disease. Pre-treatment SMRP levels were significantly higher than in stable disease, partial response and complete response (p=0.006), as were SMRP levels in progressive disease compared to stable disease, partial response and complete response (p< 0.001). Our findings suggest that SMRP may be a useful tumor marker for detecting the progression of malignant mesothelioma and evaluating tumor response to treatment.

2000s

• Increasing evidence for involvement of SV40 in human cancer. J.S. Butel. 2001;17(3):167-72. Review PubMed · Publisher · Free full text

  Abstract

  SV40, a small DNA virus, is known to possess strong oncogenic potential. Millions of people were exposed to SV40 as an unknown contaminant of some early poliovaccines. This article briefly summarizes the increasing evidence of the association of SV40 with certain types of human cancer, including mesotheliomas and brain tumors. Unanswered questions pertaining to the pathogenesis of human infections by SV40 and the functional role of the virus in tumor development are noted. It is concluded that SV40 should be considered a candidate human tumor virus and that vigorous efforts to clarify the role of the virus in human disease should be supported.

• SV40: A human pathogen?. R.L. Garcea. 2001;17(3):149-51. Review PubMed · Publisher · Free full text

  Abstract

  Over the past eight years an increasing number of investigators have found SV40 genomic sequences in a variety of human samples, both malignant and normal. Tumor types recurrently reported as SV40-positive include choroid plexus neoplasms, ependymomas, osteosarcomas, and mesotheliomas. Nonetheless, considerable skepticism that SV40 is a human pathogen still prevails. More constructively, the study of SV40 in humans has renewed interest in the related BK and JC viruses and their role in human disease. New questions now must be addressed. In particular, seroepidemiologic studies utilizing reagents that distinguish SV40, BKV, and JCV immune responses would be a logical next step for independently assessing viral prevalence. Also, prospective studies of select patient groups using optimized detection methods might determine whether SV40 is associated with human oncogenesis in particular circumstances. The importance of such research is underscored by the potential to prevent human polyomavirus infections, and possible associated malignancy, through immunization of high risk populations.

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