TITLE:
Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma: Treatment Options and Novel Therapies
AUTHORS:
Jeremiah T. Martin, Brittany A. Zwischenberger, Thomas Fabian
KEYWORDS:
Mesothelioma; Asbestos; Pleura; Trimodality Treatment
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Cancer Therapy,
Vol.5 No.1,
January
8,
2014
ABSTRACT:
Malignant pleural mesothelioma is a rare primary tumor rising from the
pleura and is associated with exposure to asbestos fibers. Mesothelioma is a
locally aggressive disease that usually presents at an advanced stage and has a
median overall survival of 1 year. Treatment options rarely result in cure of
disease and range from trimodality treatment, including chemotherapy,
radiation, and surgery, to supportive care. In patients with limited local
disease and good functional status, trimodality treatment with extra-pleural
pneumonectomy, chemotherapy, and radiation is frequently employed. Best
supportive care should be instituted for patients with metastatic disease and
poor functional status. Palliative therapy focuses on control of pleural
effusions with drainage techniques and pain with radiation therapy. Novel
therapies are showing promise, including photodynamic therapy, immunotherapy,
and molecular targeted therapy.