Translational therapies for malignant pleural mesothelioma
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 13, 2026
Implantation and Monitoring by PET/CT of an Orthotopic Model of Human Pleural Mesothelioma in Athymic Mice
Published on: December 21, 2019
Carmen Belli1, Santosh Anand, Gianfranco Tassi
1Oncology Department, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina 60, 20132 Milan, Italy. belli.carmen@hsr.it
Abstract:
Malignant pleural mesothelioma is a highly invasive tumor arising from the mesothelial cells of serosal surfaces. Several chemotherapeutic agents have been tested for the treatment of this disease and doublet cisplatin with antifolates has been demonstrated to have significant efficacy in Phase III studies. However, the benefit of these treatments remains poor and the median survival time of patients is low, ranging between 9 and 17 months. Targeted therapies are being developed in oncology and emerging evidence suggests that they offer disease control in several tumors. This article reviews the knowledge on the malignant pleural mesothelioma molecular pathway and focuses on results of clinical trials conducted on this devastating disease.
Insights
Malignant pleural mesothelioma remains a deadly cancer with poor survival despite chemotherapy. This review explores targeted therapies and molecular pathways for improved treatment of this rare thoracic malignancy.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Thoracic Surgery
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Malignant pleural mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer originating from mesothelial cells.
- Current chemotherapy, like cisplatin and antifolates, shows limited efficacy with poor patient survival (9-17 months).
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the molecular pathways implicated in malignant pleural mesothelioma.
- To summarize clinical trial outcomes for targeted therapies in treating this disease.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of preclinical and clinical studies.
- Analysis of molecular targets and their therapeutic potential.
- Focus on targeted therapy clinical trial data.
Main Results:
- Chemotherapy offers limited survival benefits for malignant pleural mesothelioma.
- Targeted therapies are emerging as a promising strategy.
- Understanding molecular pathways is crucial for developing new treatments.
Conclusions:
- Malignant pleural mesothelioma requires novel therapeutic approaches beyond traditional chemotherapy.
- Targeted therapies hold promise for improving disease control and patient outcomes.
- Further research into molecular pathways is essential for advancing treatment strategies.
Related Concept Videos
02:57Targeted Cancer Therapies
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
01:30Pleural Disorders: Types and Brief Description