Levels of the DNA adduct 8OHdG (marker of exposure), factors involved in tumour growth such as Platelet derived growth factor (PDGF), hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), progression including metalloproteinases (MMP2 and MMP9), tissue inhibitor metalloproteinases (TIMP1 and TIMP2) and SMRPs (a specific biomarker of MM) were assessed in high-risk asbestos-exposed subjects, patients with MM and healthy subjects. The gene discussed is HGF; the disease is neoplasm.