Absence of amplification of the FGFR1-gene in human malignant mesothelioma of the pleura: a pilot study.

Background: Mesothelioma (MPM) is a rare malignant disease with a worse outcome. Fibroblast growth factor 1 (FGFR1) may be an interesting target for selective tyrosine kinases inhibitors (TKI) in MPM. The aim of this study was to evaluate the amplification of the FGFR1 gene in patients suffering from MPM.

Findings: We identified nineteen male patients treated in our department between August 2008 and July 2010 matching the inclusion criteria. Mean age was 68 years. Histopathological examination confirmed thirteen patients with epitheloid subtype, five with biphasic and one patient with sarcomatoid. Fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis revealed no polysomy nor an amplification of the FGFR gene copy number in any case.

Conclusion: Regarding that also EGFR amplifications in MPM are absolute rarities, our findings may be a hint that TKI's will not satisfy the hope for a new era in the treatment of MPM.