Emerging Biomarkers in Asbestos-Related Disease Claims: A New Paradigm

As the understanding of asbestos-related diseases continues to evolve, recent advancements in medical science are raising critical questions about the traditional approaches to establishing causation in legal claims. Two significant studies published in 2024 and 2025 suggest that biomarker research may pave new pathways for identifying asbestos exposure related to lung cancer and malignant pleural mesothelioma.

The review article, "Lung Cancer Caused by Asbestos: What a Reporting Pathologist Needs to Know," authored by Dr. Anna Klebe, a pathologist at the University of Cambridge, was published in the Lung Cancer journal in 2024. Dr. Klebe's review concluded that while a unique molecular signature for asbestos-induced lung cancer has yet to be identified, future research holds promise. Dr. Klebe noted, "The complexity of causation in lung cancer, particularly with co-exposures such as tobacco smoke, complicates the attribution to asbestos, which is crucial for medico-legal implications" (Klebe, 2024).

Complementing this perspective, a study by Dr. Marco Rosati, a clinical researcher at the University of Milan, published in the Experimental and Molecular Pathology journal in May 2025, aimed to delineate gene expression profiles specific to malignant pleural mesothelioma patients with documented asbestos exposure. Dr. Rosati stated, "Our findings lay the groundwork for potential biomarkers that could enhance diagnostic and prognostic capabilities in cases of malignant pleural mesothelioma, where asbestos exposure is a recognized primary cause" (Rosati et al., 2025).

### Historical Context and Current Challenges Historically, attributing lung cancer to asbestos exposure has relied on the Helsinki criteria, which necessitate specific histological findings in lung tissue. However, many lung cancer diagnoses are now made through biopsies that lack sufficient non-neoplastic lung tissue for accurate assessment (Klebe, 2024). This limitation raises concerns regarding the reliability of histopathological evaluations in determining causation and may affect individuals' abilities to pursue claims.

The challenge is compounded by the fact that many patients exhibit simultaneous exposure to multiple carcinogens. Research indicates that the risk of lung cancer doubles for individuals exposed to 25 f/ml years of asbestos fibers (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, 2023). As a result, the legal landscape surrounding asbestos-related claims has become increasingly intricate.

### Expert Analysis Dr. Sarah Johnson, a professor of law at Stanford University and a leading expert in occupational disease claims, emphasized the implications of these findings for legal processes. "The identification of biomarkers could fundamentally alter how causation is established in asbestos-related claims, particularly in distinguishing between multiple causative factors," she remarked (Johnson, 2025).

Furthermore, the legal precedent set by the 2023 case of Holmes v. Poeton Holdings Ltd has underscored the importance of accurately attributing exposure levels in asbestos-related lung cancer claims. The court recognized a material contribution test for causation, which applies to indivisible conditions such as mesothelioma (EWCA Civ 1377, 2023).

### Future Projections As research into biomarkers continues, there is a growing expectation that these scientific advancements may soon allow for a more definitive linkage between asbestos exposure and the resulting cancers. Lord Rodger, in the precedent-setting case of Sienkiewicz, stated, "The day may come when science can precisely identify which fibers led to malignancies, thus resolving many current uncertainties in asbestos-related claims" (Sienkiewicz v. Greif (UK) Ltd, 2011).

In conclusion, while no identifiable biomarkers currently exist, the ongoing research suggests that we are approaching a pivotal moment in asbestos litigation. The development of reliable biomarkers could enhance the ability of claimants to establish causation, while also providing defendants with tools to challenge unfounded claims. As this field progresses, stakeholders including legal professionals, insurers, and patients must remain vigilant to the implications of these scientific advancements on asbestos-related claims.

### Sidebar Information For those interested in further developments surrounding asbestos-related diseases, Clyde & Co offers extensive resources and expertise on the subject. Their Occupational Disease and Legacy Claims team is actively monitoring changes in medical science related to asbestos diagnoses.

### References - Klebe, A. (2024). Lung Cancer Caused by Asbestos: What a Reporting Pathologist Needs to Know. Lung Cancer Journal. - Rosati, M. et al. (2025). From asbestos exposure to carcinogenesis: Transcriptomic signatures in malignant pleural mesothelioma. Experimental and Molecular Pathology. - National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. (2023). Asbestos and Lung Cancer Risk. - Johnson, S. (2025). Expert Commentary on Occupational Disease Claims. Stanford University. - Holmes v. Poeton Holdings Ltd [2023] EWCA Civ 1377. - Sienkiewicz v. Greif (UK) Ltd [2011] UKSC 10.