Defining early carcinogenic markers for the prediction of the hazard potential of mineral fibres in an in vitro human 3D bronchial model - Report - MDSpire

Defining early carcinogenic markers for the prediction of the hazard potential of mineral fibres in an in vitro human 3D bronchial model

  • By

  • Vanessa Almonti

  • Serena Mirata

  • Mario Passalacqua

  • Stefania Vernazza

  • Sara Tirendi

  • Sara Ferrando

  • Beatrice Risso

  • Elena Grasselli

  • Giulia De Negri Atanasio

  • Anna Maria Bassi

  • Alessandro F. Gualtieri

  • Sonia Scarfì

  • June 15, 2026

  • 0 min

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Clinical Report: Identifying Early Carcinogenic Indicators for Assessing the Risk of Mineral Fibres

Overview

Revise to remove implications about the model's relevance without direct attribution.

Background

Remove claims about the ongoing debate regarding chrysotile's safety unless directly sourced.

Data Highlights

No numerical data or trial data were provided in the source material.

Key Findings

  • Chrysotile asbestos, despite being the most commonly used type, is often debated regarding its carcinogenic potential.
  • 3D human bronchial models can better replicate the effects of prolonged exposure to mineral fibres compared to traditional models.
  • Long, thin asbestos fibres are associated with greater carcinogenic potential than shorter fibres.
  • Chronic inflammation and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition are key mechanisms in asbestos-related carcinogenesis.
  • Human-relevant in vitro models are increasingly employed in toxicological studies to assess various substances.

Clinical Implications

The use of advanced in vitro models may enhance the understanding of the toxicological effects of mineral fibres, potentially leading to improved risk assessments. Clinicians and researchers should consider these models when evaluating the safety of asbestos and other airborne pollutants.

Conclusion

The development of a human 3D bronchial in vitro model represents a significant advancement in inhalation toxicity assessments, particularly for mineral fibres like chrysotile asbestos. Continued research in this area is essential for better understanding the carcinogenic risks associated with these materials.

Related Resources & Content

  1. IARC, IARC Monographs Volume 136: full volume now available, 2025 -- IARC Monographs Volume 136: full volume now available
  2. ASCO, Treatment of Pleural Mesothelioma: ASCO Guideline Update, 2025 -- Treatment of Pleural Mesothelioma: ASCO Guideline Update
  3. OECD, Guidance Document on Inhalation Toxicity Studies - Second edition, 2018 -- Guidance Document on Inhalation Toxicity Studies - Second edition
  4. Archives of Toxicology — Biomass-derived combustion particles induce varying effects on epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in A549 cell lines
  5. Archives of Toxicology — Consensus among experts on an in vitro methodology for evaluating the fibrogenic potential of aerosolized nanomaterials in the lungs
  6. Archives of Toxicology — Utilization of In Vitro Lung Models for Evaluating the Risks Associated with Silica Particles
  7. Archives of Toxicology — Combining Transcriptome Analysis with Pathophysiological Outcomes to Assess the Toxicity of Cigarette Smoke in an In Vitro Human Airway Tissue Model
  8. IARC Monographs Volume 136: full volume now available – IARC
  9. Treatment of Pleural Mesothelioma: ASCO Guideline Update - PubMed
  10. Guidance Document on Inhalation Toxicity Studies - Second edition (EN)

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