Antibodies Raised against Proteins Isolated from the Cytoplasm of Mesothelioma Cells

One interesting study is called, "Phase II study of novel antifolate, N super(10)-propargyl-5,8 dideazafolic acid (CB3717), in malignant mesothelioma." By Cantwell, BMJ Earnshaw, M, Harris, AL - CANCER TREAT. REP. Vol. 70, no. 11, pp. 1335-1336. 1986.   Here is an excerpt: "The quinazoline folate analogue N super(10)-propargyl-5,8 dideazafolic acid (CB3717) is a tight binding inhibitor of thymidylate synthetase and in human tumor cell lines may overcome methotrexate resistance. In a phase I trial, dose-limiting toxicity of CB3717 was renal; responses occurred at doses from 200 to 600 mg/m super(2) and most patients developed reversible biochemical abnormalities of liver function associated with malaise. Three patients had only one course of CB3717, two refused further treatment because of toxicity, and one with pre-existing ischemic heart disease died within 7 days of CB3717 administration. CB3717-related death was considered unlikely. CB3717 has a low level of activity in mesothelioma and induces frequent (but reversible) hepatic toxicity and associated malaise but minimal myelosuppression."

Another interesting study is called, "New marker for mesothelioma: an immunoperoxidase study." By A Donna, P G Betta, D Bellingeri, A Marchesini
J Clin Pathol 1986; 39:961-968.  Here is an excerpt: "Abstract - An antibody was raised against a protein isolated from the cytoplasm of mesothelioma cells. It was subsequently used in an immunoperoxidase procedure on formalin fixed, paraffin embedded tissue sections. A representative sample of benign and malignant tumours from all the systems of the human body was examined. All the tumours derived from coelomic surfaces (mesotheliomas of pleura, peritoneum, and ovary, and adenomatoid tumour of epididymis) reacted with the antibody. No other tumour tested in this study expressed the protein. These findings indicate that the antibody may be useful in the identification of mesothelioma cells in both histological and cytological diagnostic routine practice when morphological interpretation is in doubt."

Another interesting study is called, "Fine needle aspiration cytology of malignant mesothelioma." By Sterrett GF, Whitaker D, Shilkin KB, Walters MN - Acta Cytol. 1987 Mar-Apr;31(2):185-93.  Here is an excerpt: "Abstract - The results of fine needle aspiration (FNA) cytology in 19 cases of malignant mesothelioma are presented. Adequate material for a diagnosis of malignancy was obtained in 17 cases, and in 8 cases a specific diagnosis of mesothelioma could be made. In four other cases, the findings were either consistent with or suggestive of mesothelioma; in four, accurate distinction from other neoplasms was not possible, and in two cases, adenocarcinoma was suggested. The spectrum of cytologic findings ranged from neoplasms of purely epithelial appearance through more pleomorphic biphasic neoplasms to anaplastic tumors. A combination of epithelial-like cell clusters, pavement-like sheets of epithelial cells with well-defined cell borders and prominent cell separation, dispersed angular cells with dense cytoplasm and some spindle-cell forms was the most specific cytologic pattern for mesothelioma. In four neoplasms, ultrastructural examination of aspirated material provided the additional evidence for a definitive diagnosis. The identification of hyaluronic acid within intracytoplasmic vacuoles, either in smears or in cell blocks, confirmed the diagnosis in three tumors. Only in one case, with a strong clinical background suggesting mesothelioma, was the cytologic preparation sufficient for diagnosis without ancillary diagnostic methods. FNA is of particular value in the diagnosis of pleural mesothelioma in patients who do not present with a pleural effusion. Obtaining material for cell block preparations, cytochemistry or ultrastructural study is generally necessary for definitive tumor typing."

Another interesting study is called, "Peritoneal mesothelioma. Radiologic appearances correlated with histology." By Ros PR, Yuschok TJ, Buck JL, Shekitka KM, Kaude JV. -
Acta Radiol. 1991 Sep;32(5):355-8.  Department of Radiology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville.  Here is an excerpt: "Abstract - Previous imaging reports of peritoneal mesothelioma have described a variety of radiologic appearances, but have not included its pathologic classification. We retrospectively reviewed 10 cases of peritoneal mesothelioma representing the following histologic categories: 7 epithelial, 2 sarcomatoid, and one biphasic. By imaging, epithelial mesotheliomas demonstrated diffuse thickening of the peritoneum and mesentery and/or multiple small nodules. The sarcomatoid-type appeared as a mass and the biphasic-type had radiologic and gross pathologic features of both sarcomatoid and epithelial types. We conclude that peritoneal mesothelioma presents with a wide spectrum of radiographic appearances and should therefore be included in the differential diagnoses of diffuse as well as localized peritoneal processes."