Current Therapy for Mesothelioma

Abstract

Background Diffuse malignant pleural mesotheliomas (DMPMs) are highly lethal tumors that are becoming more common. Standard management approaches have provided limited effectiveness. Methods The literature on management has been revised, and the authors present their data on outcomes for 120 patients treated with an aggressive trimodality approach. Results An aggressive trimodality approach including extrapleural pneumonectomy followed by chemoradiation produces low mortality and acceptable morbidity. The five-year survival rate in patients with epithelial histology and negative nodes approaches 40%. Conclusions Nodal status and histologic subtype are major predictors for survival in patients with early DMPM. A uniformly accepted staging system would allow comparison of treatment approaches from various institutions. More effective management interventions are required.