2022 World Conference on Lung Cancer (ePosters)-EP07.02-003. Characterization of the Extracellular Vesicle-Derived Transcriptome in Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma

EP07.02-003. Characterization of the Extracellular Vesicle-Derived Transcriptome in Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma

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Malignant pleural mesothelioma (PM) is a rare and aggressive cancer caused by exposure to asbestos. Current diagnostic tools are limited, and there is a need for a non-invasive test to detect the disease at an early stage. Researchers aimed to identify biomarkers for a blood-based diagnostic test by analyzing the transcriptome of extracellular vesicles (EVs) secreted by PM primary cell lines.<br /><br />The study found 15,822 genes expressed in all PM samples. Genes that were upregulated in PM compared to plasma-derived EVs were selected as potential biomarkers. Out of these markers, 21 were previously detected in EVs secreted by mesenchymal stem cells. The top enriched pathway in the PM samples was found to be Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition.<br /><br />The researchers also compared the expression of their marker genes with TCGA pancancer data and found that 54 of them were associated with patient's survival. This suggests that these markers could potentially be used to predict the prognosis of PM patients.<br /><br />The development of a non-invasive blood-based test for early detection of PM could improve treatment options and increase patient survival. The study was funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation and the Stiftung für Angewandte Krebsforschung.<br /><br />In summary, this study aimed to identify biomarkers for a non-invasive blood-based test to detect early-stage malignant pleural mesothelioma. The researchers analyzed the transcriptome of extracellular vesicles secreted by PM primary cell lines and identified genes that were upregulated in PM compared to plasma-derived EVs. They found that many of these markers were associated with patient survival. The development of such a test could potentially improve the prognosis and treatment of PM patients.

Asset Subtitle

Michaela B Kirschner

Meta Tag

Speaker Michaela B Kirschner

Topic Mesothelioma, Thymoma, and Other Thoracic Malignancies - Preclinical

Keywords

Malignant pleural mesothelioma

asbestos exposure

biomarkers

extracellular vesicles

transcriptome analysis

Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition

patient survival

early detection

treatment options