The MSTO-211H cell line was established in 1985 from the pleural effusion of a patient with biphasic mesothelioma of the lung. The patient had not received prior radiation or chemotherapy. MSTO-211H cells have high affinity binding sites for EGF and express Neuron specific enolase (NSE) as well as the alpha and beta subunits of human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG). L-DOPA decarboxylase (DDC), bombesin and neurotensin were not detected. The cells overexpress the c-myc protooncogene, and no gene rearrangement or amplification was observed.