The Genes–Stemness–Secretome Interplay in Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma: Molecular Dynamics and Clinical Hints

Abstract

MPM has a uniquely poor somatic mutational landscape, mainly driven by environmental selective pressure. This feature has dramatically limited the development of effective treatment. However, genomic events are known to be associated with MPM progression, and specific genetic signatures emerge from the exceptional crosstalk between neoplastic cells and matrix components, among which one main area of focus is hypoxia. Here we discuss the novel therapeutic strategies focused on the exploitation of MPM genetic asset and its interconnection with the surrounding hypoxic microenvironment as well as transcript products and microvesicles representing both an insight into the pathogenesis and promising actionable targets.

Keywords

• malignant pleural mesothelioma
• genetics
• microenvironment
• targeted therapies