Mesothelioma
Cell Types of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is classified into three histopathological subtypes; each type has its own unique characteristics that determine how the disease responds to specific oncological treatments.
Epithelioid
This is the most common subtype, and affects the epithelioid cells. It tends to be slower growing with a median survival of 19 months. Epithelioid mesothelioma is more likely to respond to chemotherapy.1
Sarcomatoid
Refers to mesothelioma tumours consisting of sarcomatoid cells. This cell type is more aggressive, it typically forms in multiple lesions and is more likely to spread to bone and nearby organs. Previously sarcomatoid mesothelioma was resistant to standard oncological therapy, but recent clinical trials have shown immunotherapy to be the most promising treatment. The median survival is 4 months.1,2
Biphasic
Also known as mixed mesothelioma, biphasic consists of at least 10% of both epithelioid and sarcomatoid cells. The percentage of epithelioid and sarcomatoid cells will impact the treatment options and prognosis.3
References
- Asciak, R, George, V, Rahman, NM. Update on biology and management of mesothelioma. European Respiratory Review. 2021:30(159).
- Clopton, B et al. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma: unusual findings and literature review. Journal of Surgical Case Reports. 2022;2022(11)
- Røe OD. Mesothelioma diagnosis and prognosis are we moving beyond histology and performance status towards circulating biomarkers?. Journal of Thoracic Disease. 2018;10: 1956-1961.