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Published on: December 21, 2019
Mesothelioma treatment: Are we on target? A review
Birgitta I Hiddinga1, Christian Rolfo1, Jan P van Meerbeeck1
1Thoracic Oncology, MOCA, Antwerp University Hospital, Belgium.
Abstract:
Targeted treatment is a therapy directed at a specific molecular target close to a hallmark of cancer. The target should be measurable with a biomarker and measurement of the target should correlate with clinical outcome when targeted treatment is administered. Current clinical guidelines do not recommend targeted or biological therapy in MPM. However, since these recommendations came out, new agents have been investigated in MPM. This review updates the use of targeted and biological treatment in patients with mesothelioma.
Insights
Targeted therapies, directed at specific cancer molecules, are being investigated for malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM). This review updates current understanding of these treatments in MPM patients.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Clinical Trials
Background:
- Targeted treatment involves therapies aimed at specific molecular targets within cancer.
- Biomarker measurability and correlation with clinical outcomes are crucial for targeted therapy efficacy.
- Current guidelines do not recommend targeted or biological therapy for malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM).
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and update the application of targeted and biological treatments in MPM.
- To assess newly investigated agents in MPM since the last guideline recommendations.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent studies on targeted and biological agents in MPM.
- Analysis of clinical trial data and investigational therapies for mesothelioma.
Main Results:
- Several new targeted and biological agents have been investigated in MPM.
- Emerging data suggests potential roles for these novel therapies in mesothelioma treatment.
Conclusions:
- Despite current guideline limitations, targeted and biological therapies show promise in MPM.
- Further research and clinical trials are warranted to establish the efficacy of these treatments in mesothelioma.
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