Carcinogenic mechanisms in mesothelioma: effects of asbestos on cell signalling events, transcription factors, and inflammatory cytokines

Abstract

Abstract Occupational exposure to asbestos fibres, particularly crocidolite asbestos, is associated causally with the vast majority of malignant mesothelioma (MM) . The mechanisms of asbestosinduced carcinogenesis have been intensively studied in an effort to establish preventive and therapeutic approaches to MM and other asbestos-related diseases. Studies have largely focused on the properties of asbestos fibres that are important in the development of MM and the mechanisms of action of asbestos in the multistage carcinogenic process.