Neoplasms of the mediastinum, chest wall, and pleura

Although primary malignant diseases of the mediastinum, chest wall, and pleura are rare, the interest in investigational activity in mesothelioma and thymoma has increased because of new technologies such as magnetic resonance imaging, monoclonal antibody testing, thoracoscopy, and genetic engineering. Improvement in treatment outcome among patients with mesothelioma has been slow, due in part to the rarity of the disease and in part to resistance to treatment. Groupwide or intergroup studies are needed to assess the biology and treatment of these disorders. Advanced malignant thymoma has been shown to be sensitive to chemotherapy. Active studies to define the optimal treatment regimen continue.