Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 25, 2025
Implantation and Monitoring by PET/CT of an Orthotopic Model of Human Pleural Mesothelioma in Athymic Mice
Published on: December 21, 2019
Intraoperative argon-plasma coagulation treatment for patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma
Akira Iyoda1, Yoko Azuma1, Takashi Sakai1
1Division of Chest Surgery, Department of Surgery, Toho University School of Medicine, Tokyo 143-8541, Japan.
Abstract:
Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is often associated with asbestos exposure and carries an extremely poor prognosis. The present study assessed the effectiveness of argon plasma coagulation (APC) treatment in patients with MPM who underwent radical pleural decortication (PD). The clinical data from 11 patients who underwent radical PD treated with APC at Toho University Omori Medical Center from July 2015 to March 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. Clinical features, local recurrence, and clinical prognoses were evaluated. The median overall survival was 18.5 months, and the 1- and 2-year overall survival rates were 71.6 and 43.0%, respectively. One patient survived 5 years but had recurrent tumors. The median disease-free survival was 11.1 months. The 1- and 2-year disease-free survival rates were 49.9 and 12.5%, respectively. Three patients had no recurrences, two of whom were followed continuously (39.6 and 10.2 months). The present study revealed that APC treatment for MPM might be associated with good survival and prognosis. APC as an additional intraoperative treatment for patients with MPM may be further investigated with larger multi-center clinical trials to support its efficacy.
Insights
Argon plasma coagulation (APC) may improve survival for malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) patients undergoing radical pleural decortication. This study suggests APC is a promising intraoperative treatment for MPM, warranting further investigation.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Thoracic Surgery
- Medical Technology
Background:
- Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a rare cancer linked to asbestos exposure with a poor prognosis.
- Radical pleural decortication (PD) is a surgical option for MPM, but local recurrence remains a challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of argon plasma coagulation (APC) as an adjunct treatment in MPM patients undergoing radical PD.
- To assess the impact of APC on local recurrence rates and overall survival in MPM.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of clinical data from 11 MPM patients treated with radical PD and APC.
- Evaluation of clinical features, local recurrence patterns, and survival outcomes.
Main Results:
- Median overall survival was 18.5 months, with 1- and 2-year survival rates of 71.6% and 43.0%, respectively.
- Median disease-free survival was 11.1 months, with 1- and 2-year rates of 49.9% and 12.5%.
- Three patients experienced no recurrence; two were recurrence-free for over 10 and 39 months.
Conclusions:
- Argon plasma coagulation (APC) may be associated with improved survival and prognosis in MPM patients.
- APC shows potential as an effective intraoperative treatment to reduce recurrence after radical PD for MPM.
- Larger multi-center trials are recommended to confirm the efficacy of APC in MPM treatment.
