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Implantation and Monitoring by PET/CT of an Orthotopic Model of Human Pleural Mesothelioma in Athymic Mice
Published on: December 21, 2019
New agents in the management of advanced mesothelioma
Nicholas J Vogelzang1, Camillo Porta, Luciano Mutti
1Nevada Cancer Institute, Las Vegas, NV 89135, USA. nvogelza@nvcancer.org
Abstract:
Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a seemingly uncommon tumor whose incidence has in fact increased steadily and progressively over the last 30 years. Indeed, an actual "epidemic" is expected in Europe over the next 20 years. Despite unquestionable improvement in the diagnostic methods at our disposal and the availability of new treatment strategies, the prognosis of MPM patients remains dramatically poor (12 to 18 months' median survival from diagnosis), although exceptional cases of long-survivors are reported in all literature series. The current review will cover the dramatic improvements in the treatment of this rare disease that have been recently achieved, as well as the promise that new, molecular-targeted therapies, such as bortezomid, mTOR ( m ammalian t arget o f r apamycin) inhibitors, and Met inhibitors, seem to offer for the next few years. With pemetrexed we now have a drug that is able to impact patient survival. Together with the newer drugs, rapidly emerging from the laboratory to be applied in the clinic, we have the hope of making further advances in the struggle against this disease.
Insights
Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) incidence is rising, with poor prognosis despite diagnostic advances. New molecular-targeted therapies and pemetrexed offer hope for improved patient survival in this rare cancer.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Thoracic Surgery
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) incidence has steadily increased over 30 years, with an expected epidemic in Europe.
- Despite diagnostic and therapeutic improvements, MPM patients face a poor prognosis with a median survival of 12-18 months.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advancements in MPM treatment.
- To highlight the potential of novel molecular-targeted therapies for improving patient outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent studies on MPM treatment.
- Analysis of emerging molecular-targeted therapies including bortezomib, mTOR inhibitors, and Met inhibitors.
- Evaluation of pemetrexed's impact on patient survival.
Main Results:
- Pemetrexed has demonstrated an impact on patient survival.
- Emerging molecular-targeted therapies show promise for future clinical application.
- Exceptional long-term survivors are reported, indicating potential for improved outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Recent therapeutic improvements offer hope for managing MPM.
- Molecular-targeted therapies and pemetrexed represent significant advances in combating this rare disease.
- Continued research and clinical application of new drugs are crucial for further progress against MPM.
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