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Updated: Mar 23, 2026
Implantation and Monitoring by PET/CT of an Orthotopic Model of Human Pleural Mesothelioma in Athymic Mice
Published on: December 21, 2019
Advances in treatment of mesothelioma
C Maggioni1, G Barletta1, E Rijavec1
1a IRCCS San Martino-IST Istituto Nazionale per la Ricerca sul Cancro , UOS Tumori Polmonari , Genova , Italy.
Introduction:
Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is an uncommon, aggressive cancer, derived from pleural mesothelial cells, that has a close relationship to asbestos exposure. To date, MPM prognosis is poor and very few treatment options are available for both localized and advanced MPM.
Areas Covered:
The standard of care is still chemotherapy with platinum derivates and antifolate agents. In the last few years, several new agents have been studied on the basis of mesothelioma carcinogenesis and invasiveness mechanisms; however, the recent results are poor and few drugs have been tested in phase III trials because of toxicity or because they did not improve patient outcomes. The aim of this review is to focus on the current available treatment for MPM through the analysis of the results comes from the phase III trials and to discuss the future perspectives in the pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment.
Expert Opinion:
Many compounds are currently under investigation in different subsets of patients. Interesting data have come from preliminary studies on immunotherapy, but randomized studies are needed to confirm the preliminary positive results of this new strategy. A better comprehension of MPM pathogenesis should be obtained to improve and develop new diagnostic tools and target therapies.
Insights
Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a rare, aggressive cancer linked to asbestos. Current treatments offer limited options, but new immunotherapies show promise, requiring further study for improved diagnosis and targeted therapies.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pulmonology
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is an uncommon and aggressive cancer.
- MPM is strongly associated with asbestos exposure.
- Prognosis for MPM is poor with limited treatment options.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current treatments for MPM based on phase III trial results.
- To discuss future directions in MPM pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment.
- To evaluate emerging therapeutic strategies for MPM.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of phase III clinical trial data for MPM treatments.
- Review of recent studies on MPM carcinogenesis and invasiveness.
- Examination of preliminary immunotherapy data for MPM.
Main Results:
- Standard care for MPM remains platinum-based chemotherapy with antifolate agents.
- Many novel agents have been investigated, but few advanced to phase III trials due to toxicity or lack of efficacy.
- Preliminary immunotherapy studies show potential but require randomized trials for confirmation.
Conclusions:
- Ongoing research is investigating numerous compounds for various MPM patient subsets.
- Immunotherapy presents a promising new strategy, pending validation through randomized studies.
- Enhanced understanding of MPM pathogenesis is crucial for developing improved diagnostic tools and targeted therapies.
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