SV40 and the pathogenesis of mesothelioma

Citation
P. Rizzo et al., SV40 and the pathogenesis of mesothelioma, SEM CANC B, 11(1), 2001, pp. 63-71
Citations number
36
Categorie Soggetti
Onconogenesis & Cancer Research
Journal title
SEMINARS IN CANCER BIOLOGY
ISSN journal
1044579X → ACNP
Volume
11
Issue
1
Year of publication
2001
Pages
63 - 71
Database
ISI
SICI code
1044-579X(200102)11:1<63:SATPOM>2.0.ZU;2-S
Abstract
Malignant mesothelioma, a tumor of the pleura, pericardium, and peritoneum, is presently a worldwide problem. Current therapy is ineffective in slowin g the course of the disease, and median survival from the time of diagnosis is rarely greater than 1 year: While the tumor was almost unknown prior to the second half of the twentieth century, it is presently responsible for more than 2000 deaths per year in the US alone. Mesothelioma is frequently associated with exposure to asbestos, but the incidence of cases involving individuals with low, levels of asbestos exposure is increasing. For this r eason. there has been much interest in studying whether there are alternati ve factors that act alone or in conjunction with asbestos in producing this malignancy. In the last decade, simian virus 40 (SV40) has become the most notable suspected agent.