Cyclooxygenase-2, epidermal growth factor receptor, and aromatase signaling in inflammation and mesothelioma.

Malignant mesothelioma or mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that develops from transformed cells originating in the mesothelium, the protective lining that covers many of the internal organs of the body. It is directly linked to asbestos exposure, which acts as a carcinogen by initiating the carcinogenic process. Because of their shape, asbestos fibers can cross the membrane barriers inside the body and cause inflammatory and fibrotic reactions. Such reactions are believed to be the mechanism by which asbestos fibers may trigger malignant mesothelioma in the pleural membrane around the lungs. Carcinogens are known to modulate the transcription factors, antiapoptotic proteins, proapoptotic proteins, protein kinases, cell-cycle proteins, cell adhesion molecules, COX-2, and growth factor signaling pathways. This article reviews recent studies regarding some malignant mesothelioma molecular targets not only for cancer prevention but also for cancer therapy.