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Publications

Journal Article Review Ahead of print

PubMed: 41512380 DOI: 10.1016/j.lungcan.2025.108893

Multi-omic screening for pleural mesothelioma in Asbestos-Exposed Populations: A literature review and Recommendations.

Lung Cancer 212:108893

Authors: Kathleen Zwijsen, Ellen Heirwegh, Eline Schillebeeckx, Elly Marcq, Adrian Covaci, Ken Op de Beeck, Jan P van Meerbeeck, Jo Raskin, Annelies Janssens, Annemiek Snoeckx, Kevin Lamote

Affiliations

  • Laboratorium of Experimental Medicine and Pediatrics and Member of the Infla-Med Centre of Excellence, University of Antwerp 2610 Antwerp, Belgium.
  • Laboratorium of Experimental Medicine and Pediatrics and Member of the Infla-Med Centre of Excellence, University of Antwerp 2610 Antwerp, Belgium; VIB-UGent Center for Medical Biotechnology, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
  • Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized and Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), University of Antwerp 2610 Antwerp, Belgium; Lab of Dendritic Cell Biology and Cancer Immunotherapy, VIB Center for Inflammation Research, Brussels, Belgium; Brussels Center for Immunology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium.
  • Toxicological Centre and Member of the Exposome Center of Excellence, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium.
  • Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized and Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), University of Antwerp 2610 Antwerp, Belgium; Centre of Medical Genetics, University of Antwerp and Antwerp University Hospital, 2650 Edegem, Belgium.
  • Laboratorium of Experimental Medicine and Pediatrics and Member of the Infla-Med Centre of Excellence, University of Antwerp 2610 Antwerp, Belgium; Department of Thoracic Oncology, MOCA, Antwerp University Hospital, University of Antwerp, Drie Eikenstraat 655, 2650 Edegem, Belgium.
  • Department of Thoracic Oncology, MOCA, Antwerp University Hospital, University of Antwerp, Drie Eikenstraat 655, 2650 Edegem, Belgium; Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp 2610 Antwerp, Belgium.
  • Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp 2610 Antwerp, Belgium; Department of Radiology, Antwerp University Hospital, 2650 Edegem, Belgium.
  • Laboratorium of Experimental Medicine and Pediatrics and Member of the Infla-Med Centre of Excellence, University of Antwerp 2610 Antwerp, Belgium.

Abstract

OBJECTIVES

Pleural mesothelioma (PM) is an aggressive thoracic cancer related to historical exposure to asbestos fibres. Symptoms often appear at an advanced stage, leading to delayed diagnosis and dismal prognosis. Early diagnosis is thus crucial in improving patient outcome. Current biomarker research for early detection focuses on different -omics research fields (genomics, proteomics, transcriptomics, metabolomics and volatomics), however with no clinically useful result. Moreover, currently no screening program is advocated for asymptomatic individuals with an established asbestos exposure. The aim of this review is to summarise the advances in different -omics fields and to pinpoint state-of-the art biomarkers with the highest potential to serve as primary targets in clinical trials for early PM detection or screening.

METHODS

A literature search was performed in the databases MEDLINE and Web Of Science. Research articles published before 1 August 2025 were eligible.

RESULTS

In total, 63 articles were included in this review, with specific focus on radiomics, genomics, transcriptomics, epigenomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and volatomics. Several research groups have focused on investigating biomarkers or screening techniques for pleural mesothelioma among individuals with a history of asbestos exposure. Notable approaches include using low-dose Computed Tomography, and determining mesothelin levels and micro-RNAs in blood, and volatile organic compounds in exhaled breath.

DISCUSSION

Single biomarkers like miRNAs, mesothelin, and VOCs show promise, but further validation is needed in larger cohorts with correct control groups. A multi-omics approach, which integrates biomarker panels from various -omics areas, has the potential to enhance diagnostic accuracy.

MeSH

Genomics, Mesothelioma, Multiple Chronic Conditions, Biomarkers, Lung Neoplasms, Metabolomics, Proteomics, Diagnosis, Research