Identification of the molecular and cellular events of asbestos-induced disease has been the subject of extensive research within the past two decades (see Mechanisms of Asbestos Toxicity: Overview section). However, much remains unknown, and the precise steps in pathogenic pathways are not fully established.  Identifying these steps leading to cancer would give researcher new avenues of attack on this difficult disease.

For more information on this highly complex subject do a MedLine database search.  A search in October 2007 for mesothelioma came up with 10,050 medical journal articles.