BAP1 and Mesothelioma

Mutations in a gene called BAP1 increase your risk of mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive cancer, after asbestos exposure. Mesothelioma has no cure, but by working with our team, you can access top doctors, treatments, and financial resources. Learn more about the link between BAP1 and mesothelioma and how to get the help you deserve.

Fact-Checked and Updated by: Jenna Tozzi, RN

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BAP1 and Mesothelioma Risks

BRCA1-associated protein 1 (BAP1) is a gene that regulates cell division and growth. If there are mutations in this gene, it can lead to carcinogenesis (development of cancers like malignant mesothelioma). This is known as BAP1 cancer syndrome.

BAP1 gene mutations are typically inherited from family members. There’s currently no way to lower your risk of getting cancer from these mutations.

However, BAP1 mutations also make mesothelioma less aggressive and easier to treat. As a result, you or a loved one could live longer than the average mesothelioma patient.

BAP1 Mesothelioma Key Facts

  • Approximately 10% of mesothelioma cases are caused by BAP1 and other gene mutations, according to the University of Hawai’i Cancer Center.
  • A 2024 Fox Chase Cancer Center study 4 noted that mice with BAP1 mutations had a high incidence of mesothelioma even after limited asbestos exposure.
  • Mesothelioma patients with BAP1 gene mutations live for 7 years on average. This is much longer than the typical mesothelioma life expectancy of 12-21 months.
  • You may be eligible for compensation to pay for BAP1 mesothelioma treatment through lawsuits, asbestos trust fund claims, and benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

Use our Free Doctor Match to find specialists who can determine if a BAP1 gene mutation led to your diagnosis and get the treatments you need to live longer.

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How Do BAP1 Gene Mutations Cause Mesothelioma?

In most people, there are two copies of the BAP1 gene present. Both copies are key to ensuring that healthy cells grow, divide, and die at normal rates by removing a molecule called ubiquitin from cell proteins.

However, some people may only have one copy of the gene, making it easier for mesothelioma cancer to form after being exposed to asbestos.

“Researchers speculate that altered activity of proteins normally regulated by BAP1 may result in tumor formation.”
– U.S. National Library of Medicine

There are two types of BAP1 gene mutations:

  1. Germline mutations: These are present from conception. Germline BAP1 mutations are typically inherited from family members.
  2. Somatic mutation: Somatic BAP1 gene mutations form shortly after conception. These mutations happen at random, according to Cleveland Clinic.

Scientists use genomic sequencing to study how these mutations develop.

Who Is at Risk of Mesothelioma From BAP1 Gene Mutations?

Anyone with a family history of BAP1 mutations is at a high risk of mesothelioma. That said, many mesothelioma patients with BAP1 gene mutations develop the cancer before the age of 50.

A 2022 report in The Journal of Thoracic Oncology noted that:

  • Over 50% of mesothelioma patients under the age of 50 have BAP1 germline mutations.
  • Patients with BAP1 mutations tend to develop cancer 20 years earlier than those without.
  • Roughly 1 in 3 carriers of BAP1 mutations will develop two or more cancers.

Family members have a 50% chance of inheriting BAP1 germline mutations from a loved one, the study authors noted. Early testing to determine if you have a BAP1 gene mutation and a risk of hereditary cancers can potentially improve your overall survival.

BAP1 and Mesothelioma Types

BAP1 cancer syndrome has been linked to the two most common types of mesothelioma.

These include:

BAP1 gene mutations also increase the risk of other cancer types, like uveal melanoma, cutaneous melanoma, breast cancer, basal cell carcinoma, and clear cell renal cell carcinoma.

We can recommend local specialists who can determine if you have BAP1 mutations and confirm your diagnosis. Contact us now to get started.

Diagnosing Mutations in BAP1 and Mesothelioma

Determining if mesothelioma is linked to BAP1 gene mutations is a key part of the diagnosis process.

Oncology (cancer) doctors use a series of different tests to help diagnose mesothelioma, with the most notable being a biopsy. A biopsy allows doctors to remove a sample of fluid or tissue and view it under a microscope to see if cancer cells are present.

After a biopsy, doctors can use BAP1 mesothelioma immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining to determine if the mutation is present. IHC staining allows doctors to see if cancerous tumors are missing the BAP1 gene.

“If that gene is mutated in the tumor, we immediately test the blood of the patient to see if it’s a germline mutation. And if so, there may be others in the family that have this mutation. Now, if you test them and they have the mutation, it implies that they are at risk of developing not just mesothelioma, but also other types of cancers.”

Dr. Richard Alexander, BAP1 mesothelioma specialist at the Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey

IHC staining for BAP1 expression is now a routine procedure when diagnosing if mesothelial cells are cancerous or not, according to a 2020 report in Cancer Discovery.

How BAP1 Helps Doctors Diagnose Mesothelioma Cell Type

There are three different histological (cellular) types of mesothelioma. Doctors must correctly diagnose which type you have, as some are easier to treat than others. BAP1 IHC staining can help your doctor more easily determine your cell type.

The three types of mesothelioma cells include:

  • Epithelioid: This is the most common cell type and the easiest to treat. Epithelioid tumor cells are round and don’t spread as quickly as other mesothelioma cell types.
  • Sarcomatoid: This is the rarest cell type and the hardest to treat. The spindle-shaped cells can spread very easily through the body.
  • Biphasic: This is a mixture of epithelial and sarcomatoid cells in the same tumor. it’s easier to treat if more epithelioid cells are present.

The 2020 Cancer Discovery report notes that BAP1 staining in mesothelioma can help differentiate the biphasic and epithelioid cell types.

Use our Free Doctor Match to connect with mesothelioma specialists who can diagnose and treat BAP1 mesothelioma.

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Mesothelioma BAP1 Prognosis

Mesothelioma prognosis describes the expected health outcome for patients with this cancer. While BAP1 gene mutations make it more likely for someone to develop mesothelioma, the same mutations also contribute to a better prognosis.

BAP1 Status and Mesothelioma Life Expectancy

Patients with BAP1 gene mutations have an average life expectancy of 7 years, as noted by the University of Hawaiʻi Cancer Center in 2023. Mesothelioma patients without BAP1 gene mutations typically live for 12-21 months.

University of Hawaiʻi Cancer Center researchers noted in a 2023 report that patients with BAP1 mutations and mesothelioma may live longer in part due to a protein called HIF1, which helps tumor cells spread.

Both copies of the BAP1 gene control HIF1, so missing one copy increases the risk of cancer. However, the lack of the extra gene also deprives cancer cells of oxygen, meaning they can more easily be killed with treatments.

Cancer screenings are also crucial for people with BAP1 gene mutations. A 2021 study published in JCO Clinical Cancer Informatics found that early screening increased median survival times by almost 5 years.

“Identifying those who carry BAP1 gene mutations allows the establishment of cancer prevention and early detection measures to save their lives.”

Dr. Michele Carbone, BAP1 mesothelioma specialist at the University of Hawaiʻi Cancer Center

BAP1 and Mesothelioma Treatments

Mesothelioma patients with BAP1 gene mutations can receive the same treatments as any other patient. However, mesothelioma treatments could be more effective since these mutations make it harder for tumors to thrive.

Common mesothelioma treatments include:

  • Chemotherapy: Cancer-killing medications help shrink tumors.
  • Immunotherapy: Medications are used to help the immune system kill cancer.
  • Radiation: Beams of energy damage the DNA of cancer cells and lead to cell death.
  • Surgery: Different surgical procedures allow doctors to remove all visible cancer tumors and lesions from the body.

A 2022 Journal of Thoracic Oncology report notes that BAP1 mesothelioma patients typically need a treatment plan that combines multiple therapies, as well as genetic testing, to live as long as possible.

Call (866) 608-8933 for help finding mesothelioma treatments. Our Patient Advocates can go over your options and connect you with local specialists.

BAP1 and Mesothelioma Clinical Trials

Many new prognostic, diagnostic, and treatment options for BAP1 mesothelioma are being tested in clinical trials nationwide.

Ongoing trials related to BAP1 and mesothelioma include:

  • BAP1 mesothelioma patients & families trial: This trial is looking at patients who have BAP1 germline mutations to get a better understanding of how cancer develops.
  • Diagnostic imaging trial: This study is investigating ways to better monitor people with BAP1 mutations through blood tests, genetic counseling, and minor surgeries. The goal is to detect mesothelioma and other cancers before metastasis (spread) occurs.
  • INQOVI® trial: Researchers are studying a new medication combination of decitabine and cedazuridine (INQOVI), which may help slow the spread of early-stage mesothelioma in patients with BAP1 mutations.

Clinical trials like these are key to improving survival outcomes for patients with BAP1 mutation mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma Survivors With BAP1 Gene Mutations

The University of Hawaiʻi Cancer Center reports that many patients with BAP1-related mesothelioma can live longer than average. Some may even be considered informally “cured” of the cancer.

Here are two notable stories of mesothelioma survivors with BAP1 gene mutations:

  • A woman in her mid-40s was diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma and a BAP1 germline mutation in 2016. Following a surgery called cytoreduction with HIPEC and additional chemotherapy, she was cancer-free. As of 2022, the cancer still hadn’t returned.
  • Martin learned he had peritoneal mesothelioma with a BAP1 mutation after complaining of weight loss and sore ribs. Diagnosed in 2016, he was treated with surgery and chemotherapy. This sent the cancer into remission for three years. When it recurred, he joined a clinical trial that could help him live longer.

“I inherited a cancer gene mutation from my mother, but she also gave me my handsome genes! I refuse to feel sorry for myself, and I continue to work, hit the tennis court, hike, and work out. When I do die, it will be with a smile on my face.”
– Martin, BAP1 mesothelioma survivor

Mesothelioma Doctors Studying BAP1

Doctors nationwide are studying how BAP1 gene mutations lead to mesothelioma and how to help patients live longer.

The leading expert on BAP1 and mesothelioma is Dr. Michele Carbone. Based out of the University of Hawai’i Cancer Center, Dr. Carbone and his team discovered that BAP1 gene mutations increased the susceptibility to mesothelioma and other cancers, and he’s studied affected families for over 20 years.

Many other specialists have since collaborated with Dr. Carbone to investigate BAP1 and mesothelioma.

These include:

Use our Free Doctor Match now to connect with these and other specialists so you can get the treatments you need.

Compensation for BAP1 and Mesothelioma

You or a loved one may qualify for different types of mesothelioma compensation to cover expenses related to BAP1 genetic testing, treatments, and follow-up care.

Mesothelioma compensation options include:

  • Mesothelioma lawsuits: The average value of a lawsuit is $1 million or more, which could help you afford medical costs and keep your family financially stable.
  • Asbestos trust funds: These funds contain roughly $30 billion, and you can access them without going to court.
  • VA benefits: The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers compensation worth $4,044.91 a month, free or inexpensive health care, and many other benefits to veterans with mesothelioma.

Lawsuits and trust fund claims are filed against companies that made and sold asbestos-containing materials but hid the health risks for decades. Our legal partners can pursue different types of compensation on your behalf, allowing you to focus on your health while still being able to pay for medical treatments.

Get a Free Case Review so we can help you explore your options for mesothelioma compensation.

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17+ years providing legal help to mesothelioma victims

Get Help for BAP1 Mutations and Mesothelioma

BAP1 gene mutations can put you and your family members at risk of mesothelioma after asbestos exposure. The best way to protect your health is to seek medical care as soon as possible.

At Mesothelioma Hope, we’re committed to helping you find doctors who can diagnose you, treatments that could help you live longer, and compensation to cover any medical bills.

Our caring and dedicated team will walk with you through every step of the way. Call (866) 608-8933 right now or use our Free Doctor Match to get started.

BAP1 Gene Mesothelioma FAQs

Is BAP1 loss in mesothelioma?

Yes, in some cases, mesothelioma patients have lost one of two copies of the BAP1 gene.

Having only one copy of the gene is considered a mutation. It greatly increases your risk of developing mesothelioma and other cancers.

That said, BAP1 deletion may make mesothelioma tumors easier to treat, so you could potentially live longer than someone with both copies of the gene.

How sensitive is BAP1 for mesothelioma?

Testing for BAP1 in mesothelioma patients via immunostaining is very sensitive, which means it’s considered highly accurate.

Distinguishing mesothelioma from other cancers using BAP1 immunostaining had a sensitivity of 100/70% and a specificity of 90/70%, according to a Modern Pathology report.

What cancer is associated with BAP1?

BAP1 is associated with many cancers, most notably mesothelioma, uveal melanoma, and renal carcinoma. When people have a BAP1 mutation, it increases their risk of cancer by making it more likely that tumors will form.

Use our Free Doctor Match for help connecting with specialists who can diagnose and treat you if you’re facing mesothelioma.

What is the life expectancy of a person with BAP1?

The life expectancy of mesothelioma patients with BAP1 gene mutations is 7 years. This is much longer than the average mesothelioma life expectancy of 12-21 months.

Mesothelioma patients with BAP1 mutations have only one copy of the gene, which makes it easier for tumors to form. However, the mutation also makes tumor cells easier to destroy with treatment.

Jenna TozziWritten by:

Chief Patient Care Advisor

Jenna Tozzi, RN, is the Chief Patient Care Advisor for Mesothelioma Hope. With more than 15 years of experience as an adult and pediatric oncology nurse navigator, Jenna provides exceptional guidance and support to cancer patients and their loved ones. Jenna has been featured in Oncology Nursing News and is a member of the Academy of Oncology Nurse & Patient Navigators & the American Nurses Association.

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References
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  2. Carbone, M., et al. (2022). Biological Mechanisms and Clinical Significance of BAP1 Mutations in Human Cancer. Retrieved October 28, 2024, from https://aacrjournals.org/cancerdiscovery/article/10/8/1103/2633/Biological-Mechanisms-and-Clinical-Significance-of
  3. Carbone, M., et al. (July 2022). Medical and Surgical Care of Patients With Mesothelioma and Their Relatives Carrying Germline BAP1 Mutations. Retrieved October 28, 2024, from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1556086422001927
  4. Cedars Sinai (2020, September 20). How a Mesothelioma Patient Stays in the Game. Retrieved October 28, 2024, from https://www.cedars-sinai.org/newsroom/how-a-mesothelioma-patient-stays-in-the-game/
  5. Cigognetti, M., et al. (August 2015). BAP1 (BRCA1-associated protein 1) is a highly specific marker for differentiating mesothelioma from reactive mesothelial proliferations. Retrieved October 28, 2024, from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0893395222013874
  6. Cleveland Clinic. (2022, May 24). Somatic & Germline Mutations. Retrieved October 28, 2024, from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/23067-somatic–germline-mutations
  7. Lobb, R. (n.d.). Michele Carbone: Gene Hunter of Hawai’i. Retrieved October 28, 2024, from https://www.aacr.org/professionals/research-funding/grantees/michele-carbone-gene-hunter-of-hawaii/
  8. Louie, B., et al. (2020, August 20). BAP1: Not just a BRCA1-associated protein. Retrieved October 28, 2024, from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32877777/
  9. Krauss, K. (2024, April 08). Fox Chase Cancer Center Researchers Show Mutation Increases Susceptibility to Asbestos-Induced Malignant Mesothelioma. Retrieved October 28, 2024, from https://www.foxchase.org/news/2024-04-08-fox-chase-cancer-center-researchers-show-mutation-increases-susceptibility-to-asbestos-induced-malignant-mesothelioma
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  11. National Cancer Institute. (2024, October 8). Decitabine/​Cedazuridine (INQOVI), an Oral DNA Demethylating Agent, in Subjects With BAP1 Cancer Predisposition Syndrome and Subclinical, Early-Stage Mesothelioma. Retrieved October 28, 2024, from https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05960773
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