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Published online: 2024-10-02

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Diagnosis and treatment of pleural mesothelioma. State of the art 2024

Zofia Lewandowska1, Dariusz M. Kowalski1

Abstract

Pleural mesothelioma is a cancer with a low incidence and poor prognosis. Treatment of pleural mesothelioma includes surgery, radiotherapy and systemic treatment — chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Tri-modal therapy, consisting of surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy, remains the standard for radical management. The stage of the tumour at the time of diagnosis usually precludes surgical treatment. Recent years have seen significant advances in the treatment of all cancers. The introduction of dual immunotherapy into everyday practice resulted in a breakthrough in the treatment of pleural mesothelioma. Last year, the combination of nivolumab and ipilimumab is also available in Poland for patients with pleural mesothelioma, irrespective of the histological type. This article reviews reports on pleural mesothelioma therapy based on guidelines from global oncology organisations and results of clinical trials conducted over the past several years.

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