Vol 1, No 3 (2005)
Review paper
Published online: 2005-09-17
Progress in the management of malignant pleural mesothelioma
Onkol. Prak. Klin 2005;1(3):132-140.
Abstract
The incidence of malignant pleural mesothelioma is likely to increase over the next 10-20 years. Although
relatively uncommon, it represents a challenge due to still unsatisfatory prognosis. Once diagnosis is
made, many years after asbestos exposure, malignant pleural mesothelioma usually tends to remain
confined to the hemithorax. However, the locoregional extent of disease is wide and curative resection is
feasible very seldom. Moreover, the role of both local treatment modalities (surgery and radiotherapy) is
unsettled definitely. Chemotherapy has been disappointing for years. However, very recently it has shown
promising activity with the use of new generation antimetabolities. Although each single therapeutic modality
has limited value, a combined approach may improve survival and quality of life. This overview is
aiming to present current views on the use of different modalities in the treatment of malignant pleural
mesothelioma, in particular their integration within combined management.
Keywords: malignant pleural mesotheliomacombined treatmentsurgeryradiotherapychemotherapy