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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
Modern management of malignant pleural mesothelioma
Shivani C Patel1, Jonathan E Dowell2
1Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of Texas Southwestern.
Abstract:
Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a deadly disease that produces a significant worldwide health care burden. The majority of cases are associated with prior asbestos exposure, but recent studies have identified a possible genetic predisposition in a minority of patients. Historically, obtaining a pathologic diagnosis of MPM was challenging, but with current pathological techniques, a secure diagnosis is possible in the majority of patients. Curative therapy for MPM remains elusive, and the primary treatment option for fit patients is platinum-based chemotherapy. Encouraging recent reports suggest that there may be a benefit to the addition of bevacizumab to standard chemotherapy as well as with the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors in MPM. Selected patients may be considered for aggressive surgical approaches, but there is considerable controversy regarding the true benefit of surgery and multimodality therapy in this disease.
Insights
Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a serious cancer, often linked to asbestos. Current treatments include chemotherapy, with emerging benefits from bevacizumab and immunotherapy.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Environmental Health
Background:
- Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) presents a significant global health challenge.
- While asbestos exposure is the primary cause, a genetic predisposition is identified in some cases.
- Accurate diagnosis of MPM is now achievable with modern pathology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current understanding and management of malignant pleural mesothelioma.
- To highlight advancements in diagnosis and treatment strategies for MPM.
Main Methods:
- Review of current pathological diagnostic techniques for MPM.
- Analysis of established and emerging therapeutic options for MPM.
- Evaluation of surgical and multimodality treatment controversies in MPM.
Main Results:
- Platinum-based chemotherapy remains the standard treatment for eligible MPM patients.
- Bevacizumab and immune checkpoint inhibitors show promising results in recent MPM studies.
- The role of aggressive surgery and multimodality therapy in MPM is still debated.
Conclusions:
- Despite diagnostic improvements, curative treatments for MPM are still lacking.
- Emerging therapies offer new hope for MPM management.
- Further research is needed to clarify the optimal treatment pathways for MPM, including surgical interventions.
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