UH Cancer Center identifies treatable form of mesothelioma
September 30, 2025
University of Hawaiʻi Cancer Center researchers have identified a new, less aggressive form of mesothelioma that offers patients greater hope for survival and treatment success. Led by Michele Carbone and Haining Yang, internationally recognized leaders in mesothelioma research, the team’s findings were published in the Journal of Thoracic Oncology.
The variant, called low-grade BAP1-associated mesothelioma (L-BAM), stems from inherited mutations of the BAP1 gene and is biologically different from the aggressive, asbestos-related form of the disease. Unlike traditional mesotheliomas, which resist most therapies, L-BAM often responds well, allowing some patients to live nearly normal life spans. These patients also face higher risks of other cancers, including melanoma, kidney, breast and liver cancers, making regular screening and early detection critical.
