Question 1

Why does Australia have such a high rate of mesothelioma?

Accepted Answer

Mesothelioma is most strongly linked to past exposure to asbestos. Australia historically used a great deal of asbestos in mining, construction, and home renovation, particularly through the second half of the twentieth century, and exposure was widespread before the health risks were recognised. Because mesothelioma develops decades after exposure, Australia has one of the highest rates in the world today, and is correspondingly active in mesothelioma research.

Question 2

What's the difference between pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma?

Accepted Answer

Mesothelioma arises from the thin lining that wraps around organs and lines body cavities. The most common form is pleural mesothelioma, which starts in the lining around the lungs. Peritoneal mesothelioma is rarer and starts in the lining of the abdominal cavity. The two have somewhat different biology and behaviour, and although they share treatment principles, peritoneal mesothelioma research has its own dedicated focus, particularly around treatments delivered directly into the abdomen.

Question 3

What is mesothelin?

Accepted Answer

Mesothelin is a protein found on the surface of mesothelial cells, the cells that mesothelioma arises from. Most mesotheliomas continue to express mesothelin, often at high levels, which makes it an attractive target for new treatments. Multiple classes of treatment, including antibody-based therapies, antibody-drug conjugates, and cell therapies, are being developed to act on mesothelin, making it one of the most studied targets in mesothelioma research.

Mesothelioma clinical trials in Australia

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Mesothelioma clinical trials: common questions

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