Malignant mesothelioma (MM) is a malignant tumor derived from mesothelial cells, 
native cells of the body cavities. Exposure to asbestos is the most strongly 
established etiologic factor, predominantly for the most common disease form, 
pleural mesothelioma. The pathogenesis of MM involves the accumulation of 
extensive cytogenetic changes, as well as cancer-related phenotypic alterations 
that facilitate tumor cell survival, invasion and metastasis. This review 
presents current knowledge regarding the biological characteristics of this 
disease that are linked to the so-called hallmarks of cancer. In addition, data 
suggesting that the anatomic site (solid tumor vs. effusion) affects the 
expression of metastasis-associated and regulatory molecules in MM are 
presented. Finally, recent work in which high-throughput methodology has been 
applied to MM research is reviewed. The data obtained in the reviewed research 
may aid in defining new prognostic markers and therapeutic targets for this 
aggressive disease in the future.