Malignant mesothelioma — cancer of the lining of the chest or abdomen — is associated with exposure to asbestos and tends to be rare.  This is a truly fascinating article that suggests that some may have a genetic predisposition to the disease so that its cause is not solely due to exposure to environmental factors.

Scientists believe that pemetrexed should be the standard treatment choice for unresectable malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) and recurrent metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

In June 2005, a Californian study published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine concluded there was an increased risk of mesothelioma from living near naturally occurring asbestos.