Occupational Exposure to Asbestos and Mesothelioma Risk:  A Protocol of Meta-Analysis and Systematic Literature Review  in Germany

Mahdi Daraei; Mohammad Javad Shahsavari; Arian Elyasi; Mahdiyeh Sabet; Sourena Baghersemnani; Dina Soltani Nezhad; Hamid Sadeghi; Mohammad Nayebi; Yaser Soleimani; Sana Mirghaffari; Ramin Ghanbarnia; Saeideh Karamian; Alireza Mosavi Jarrahi

doi:10.31557/apjec.1665.20250219

Authors

Mahdi Daraei Medical School, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Mohammad Javad Shahsavari Medical School, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Arian Elyasi Medical engineering, FH Aachen, Germany.
Mahdiyeh Sabet Medical School, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Sourena Baghersemnani Medical School, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Dina Soltani Nezhad Medical School, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Hamid Sadeghi Medical School, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Mohammad Nayebi Medical School, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Yaser Soleimani Medical School, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Sana Mirghaffari Medical School, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Ramin Ghanbarnia Medical School, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Saeideh Karamian Medical School, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Alireza Mosavi Jarrahi Cancer Research Centre, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31557/apjec.1665.20250219

Abstract

Background: Occupational exposure to asbestos is a known risk factor for mesothelioma, a rare but deadly cancer with a prolonged latency period. This study focuses on the association between occupational asbestos exposure and mesothelioma risk within the German context, reflecting the country’s unique industrial legacy and regulatory framework.

Methods: This protocol outlines a systematic meta-analysis and literature review targeting studies related to occupational asbestos exposure and mesothelioma risk in Germany. The review incorporates comprehensive searches of major databases, focusing on studies published in peer-reviewed journals. Data extraction will emphasize study characteristics, exposure assessment, and confounder adjustments. Quality assessment tools will evaluate study reliability and biases.

Results: The meta-analysis aims to quantify mesothelioma risk linked to occupational asbestos exposure in Germany. The analysis will include pooled risk estimates adjusted for exposure levels, fiber types, and industry-specific contexts. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses will enhance the robustness of findings.

Conclusion: The findings are expected to offer evidence-based insights into the risks of occupational asbestos exposure in Germany, informing health policies and strategies to mitigate the burden of asbestos-related diseases.