Comparative genetics of diffuse malignant mesothelioma tumors of the peritoneumand pleura, with focus on BAP1 expression

Malignant mesothelioma (MM) is a malignancy arising from the mesothelial cells lining the thoracic and abdominal serosal cavities. The pleural space is the most commonly affected site, accounting for about 80% of cases, while peritoneum makes up the majority of the remaining 20%. The different types of mesotheliomas are generally considered as distinct diseases with specific risk factors, therapeutic strategies and prognoses. Epidemiological and clinical differences between pleural and peritoneal MM raise questions about the involvement of different molecular mechanisms. Since the BAP1 gene is involved in the BAP1 cancer syndrome and seems to be a prognostic factor in MM, this review presents an overview of BAP1 alterations in mesothelioma comparing pleural and peritoneal localizations.