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Medical Treatment of Mesothelioma: Anything New?

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Abstract

In the present report, we review the current standard and investigational treatments of malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM). Several studies have reported the use of gemcitabine and cisplatin as an induction chemotherapy in combination with extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP) and thoracic radiation in a combined-modality approach for resectable MPM. Since the combination of cisplatin with pemetrexed was applied as the standard first-line regimen for unresectable MPM, the combination as an induction chemotherapy regimen has been proven effective in phase 2 trials. In addition, intensity-modulated radiation therapy and proton therapy have been introduced as new radiation methods into the combined modality. Hyperthermic intraoperative chemotherapy following EPP appears effective with acceptable toxicity. In addition, clinical studies that include molecular targeting agents, immunotherapy, and gene therapy have all been conducted. Thus, although there are numerous hopeful treatments for MPM, the benefits of these regimens remain to be proven in a randomized clinical setting.

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Acknowledgments

This research is a part of the research and development and dissemination projects related to the 13 fields of occupational injuries and illnesses of the Japan Labor Health and Welfare Organization.

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No potential conflicts of interest relevant to this article were reported.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of General Internal Medicine 4, Kawasaki Medical School, 2-1-80 Nakasange, Kita-ku, Okayama, 700-8505, Japan

    Nagio Takigawa

  2. Department of Oncology and Respiratory Medicine, Okayama University Hospital, Okayama, 700-8558, Japan

    Katsuyuki Kiura

  3. Department of Respiratory Medicine, Okayama Rosai Hospital, Okayama, Japan

    Takumi Kishimoto

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  1. Nagio Takigawa
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  2. Katsuyuki Kiura
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  3. Takumi Kishimoto
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Correspondence to Nagio Takigawa.

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Takigawa, N., Kiura, K. & Kishimoto, T. Medical Treatment of Mesothelioma: Anything New?. Curr Oncol Rep 13, 265–271 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11912-011-0172-1

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