Molecular prognostic markers in malignant mesothelioma

Malignant mesothelioma remains a highly lethal cancer. Recent advances in both surgical and medical therapy have improved survival, but the treatments remain toxic and selection of appropriate patients for these therapies is difficult. Research into the molecular pathways involved in the development of mesothelioma should yield information that will guide therapeutic decisions in the near future. In particular, expression of EGFR and VEGF receptor hold promise to alter standards of patient care in the next few years. Alterations in cell cycle control proteins such as p16, p21, and p27 also offer information on prognosis and represent potential targets for therapy.