Emerging drugs for mesothelioma

Giorgio Vittorio Scagliotti1, Giovanni Selvaggi

  • 1University of Turin, Department of Clinical & Biological Sciences, Thoracic Oncology Unit, San Luigi Hospital, Regione Gonzole, Orbassano (Torino), Italy. giorgio.scagliotti@unito.it

Insights

Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) has a poor prognosis and limited treatment options. This review covers standard chemotherapy and emerging targeted therapies for improved patient outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Thoracic Surgery
  • Medical Oncology

Background:

  • Malignant mesothelioma, particularly malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM), is a rare and aggressive cancer.
  • Current treatments offer limited long-term survival and local disease control.
  • Short-term goals focus on symptom relief and improving quality of life.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current standard chemotherapy options for malignant pleural mesothelioma.
  • To explore the molecular basis of novel, targeted therapies for future MPM management.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of standard chemotherapy regimens.
  • Analysis of emerging biologically targeted therapies for MPM.
  • Summary of current and future treatment strategies.

Main Results:

  • Cisplatin/pemetrexed combination chemotherapy is the current standard of care for advanced MPM.
  • Existing treatments provide disappointing long-term prognosis and local control.
  • Novel targeted therapies show promise for future implementation.

Conclusions:

  • Improved therapeutic strategies are urgently needed for malignant pleural mesothelioma.
  • Biologically targeted therapies represent a promising avenue for future MPM treatment.
  • Further research into molecular targets is essential for advancing MPM care.

Related Concept Videos

Targeted Cancer Therapies02:57

Targeted Cancer Therapies

The targeted cancer therapies, also known as “molecular targeted therapies,” take advantage of the molecular and genetic differences between the cancer cells and the normal cells. It needs a thorough understanding of the cancer cells to develop drugs that can target specific molecular aspects that drive the growth, progression, and spread of cancer cells without affecting the growth and survival of other normal cells in the body.
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
Drugs that Destabilize Microtubules01:10

Drugs that Destabilize Microtubules

Microtubules are dynamic structures and can be regulated by microtubule targeting agents (MTAs). Microtubule destabilizing drugs are a class of MTAs that destabilize and prevent microtubules' polymerization. Both natural and synthetic chemicals can be found under this class of drugs. Vincristine and vinblastine, two vinca alkaloids, and colchicine were among the first to be discovered. These drugs can affect cells in various ways, either by inducing a change in cell morphology, preventing...
Drugs that Stabilize Microtubules01:15

Drugs that Stabilize Microtubules

Microtubules are dynamic structures that undergo cycles of catastrophe and rescue. The microtubules play a central role in cell division by forming the spindle apparatus for segregating the chromosomes. This makes them ideal targets for regulating dividing cells in tumors and malignant cancer cells. Microtubule stabilizing drugs help stabilize the microtubule formation and promote its polymerization. Paclitaxel was the first microtubule stabilizing agent used as anticancer drug in chemotherapy...
Combination Therapies and Personalized Medicine02:50

Combination Therapies and Personalized Medicine

Combining two or more treatment methods increases the life span of cancer patients while reducing damage to vital organs or tissue from the overuse of a single treatment. Combination therapy also targets different cancer-inducing pathways, thus reducing the chances of developing resistance to treatment.
The combination of the drug acetazolamide and sulforaphane is a good example of combination therapy to treat cancer. The cells in the interior of a large tumor often die due to the hypoxic and...