One study is called, "A multicenter evaluation of assays for detection of SV40 DNA and results in masked mesothelioma specimens." Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev. 2001 May;10(5):523-32 - By Strickler HD; International SV40 Working Group.  Department of Epidemiology and Social Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461 – Here is an excerpt: "Abstract - This nine-laboratory multicenter investigation was designed to assess the sensitivity, specificity, and reproducibility of previously described assays for detection of SV40 DNA with three goals, i.e., (a) to compare methods for testing human tissues, (b) to examine the ability of these methods to detect SV40 in human mesotheliomas, and (c) to uncover assay differences that could explain conflicting findings in some past investigations. Each laboratory received, in a masked fashion, paired replicate DNA samples extracted from 25 fresh frozen mesotheliomas (50 samples) and one from each of 25 normal human lungs. Interspersed were masked positive (titrations of the SV40 genome) and negative control samples. Preliminary studies confirmed the adequacy of the samples for testing high molecular weight double-stranded linear DNA targets. All 15 PCR-based assays detected 5,000 copies or less of the SV40 genome spiked into 2 microg of WI-38 DNA. A high level of specificity and reproducibility was found among the PCR assays performed in most laboratories. However, none of the selected normal human lung tissue or the 25 mesothelioma tumor specimens obtained from archival samples at a single center was reproducibly positive for the presence of SV40 DNA. Further studies are needed to reconcile these results with previous reports of detection of SV40 DNA in tumor specimens."

One study is called, "Inhibition of Wnt-1 Signaling Induces Apoptosis in ß-Catenin-Deficient Mesothelioma Cells" by Liang You, Biao He, Kazutsugu Uematsu, Zhidong Xu, Julien Mazieres, Amie Lee, Frank McCormick, and David M. Jablons - Cancer Res May 15, 2004 64; 3474.  Here is an excerpt: "Abstract - It is known that Wnt-1 signaling inhibits apoptosis by activating ß-catenin/tcf-mediated transcription. Here, we show that blocking Wnt-1 signaling in ß-catenin-deficient mesothelioma cell lines H28 and MS-1 induces apoptotic cell death. Both Wnt-1 small interfering RNA (siRNA) and Dishevelled siRNA induced significant apoptosis in these cell lines. A small molecule inhibitor of c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase inhibited the apoptotic cell killing induced by either Wnt-1 siRNA or Dishevelled siRNA in these cells. Our data suggest that ß-catenin-independent noncanonical pathway(s), i.e., Wnt/JNK pathway, may play a role in the apoptotic inhibition caused by Wnt-1 signaling."

One interesting study is called, "Pleural Space Perfusion With Cisplatin In The Multimodality Treatment Of Malignant Mesothelioma: A Feasibility And Pharmacokinetic Study" - J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 1999;117:759-765 by Giovanni B. Ratto, MD, Dario Civalleri, MD, Mauro Esposito, PhD , Elisabetta Spessa, MD, Antonella Alloisio, MD, Franco De Cian, MD, Maria O. Vannozzi, PhD - Here is an excerpt: "Introduction: Malignant pleural mesothelioma is an ideal model for testing new locoregional multimodality approaches because of its aggressive local behavior.  Methods: This study was planned to investigate the feasibility, safety, and pharmacokinetics of a multimodality therapy including an operation, pleural space perfusion (60 minutes) with cisplatin (100 mg/m2), hyperthermia (41.5°C), and postoperative radiotherapy (55 Gy to chest wall incisions). The effects of the extent of resection and perfusion temperature on cisplatin pharmacokinetics were evaluated. Ten patients with epithelial or mixed, stage I or II, malignant pleural mesothelioma underwent the following procedures: group A (3 patients), pleurectomy/decortication and normothermic pleural space antineoplastic perfusion; group B (3 patients), pleurectomy/decortication and hyperthermic perfusion; and group C (4 patients), pleuropneumonectomy and hyperthermic perfusion. Operations were selectively applied depending on tumor extent. Platinum levels were serially measured by atomic absorption in systemic blood, perfusate, lung, and endothoracic fascia.  Results: The overall procedure was completed in every case, without any death or toxicity. No lung damage was demonstrated after treatment. Major complications included 1 wound infection and 1 diaphragmatic prosthesis displacement. The mean peak platinum plasma levels were reached within 45 to 60 minutes after perfusion was started. Systemic drug concentrations were greater after pleurectomy/decortication than after pleuropneumonectomy (P = .006). The local tissue/perfusate ratio of platinum concentrations tended to be higher after hyperthermic perfusion rather than normothermic perfusion.  Conclusion: This multimodality approach is feasible, pharmacokinetically advantageous, and safe enough to undergo further clinical investigations."