The addition of nintedanib (Ofev) to standard of care pemetrexed (Alimta) plus cisplatin failed to delay disease progression in patients with unresectable malignant pleural mesothelioma, according to phase III results of the LUME-Meso study. After a median treatment duration of more than 5 months, median progression-free survival was 6.8 months … [Read more...]
Confocal Laser Endomicroscopy Promising Guidance Tool for Pleural Biopsies
In patients with suspected malignant pleural mesothelioma, confocal laser endomicroscopy (CLE) holds promise as a guidance tool for use in pleural biopsies and can help distinguish pleural abnormalities from pleural fibrosis, according to study results published in CHEST. The study included patients from multiple centers who were scheduled to … [Read more...]
Malignant pleural mesothelioma: from bedside to bench and from bench to bedside
Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a rare but very aggressive cancer of the thin tissue layer (pleura) covering the lungs. The development of MPM is strongly linked to previous exposure to the fibrous mineral asbestos, which has been widely used until the 1980s, in particular in the building industry. Although patients are generally eligible … [Read more...]
Novocure nets approval for its Tumor Treating Fields therapy in mesothelioma
Novocure’s tumor-treating electric field system scored a first-line FDA approval in mesothelioma, making it the first new treatment option in the indication in more than 15 years. Given as an add-on to the previously approved combination of Eli Lilly’s lung cancer drug Alimta and cisplatin chemotherapy, Novocure’s device uses electromagnetic … [Read more...]
NIOSH considers mesothelioma registry; seeks input
The [ National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) ] is gauging the feasibility of a national [ mesothelioma registry ] intended to track cases of mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer linked to on-the-job exposure to asbestos. According to a Request for Information published in the April 8 Federal Register, the agency is asking … [Read more...]
Cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy for peritoneal mesothelioma: patient selection and special considerations
Abstract: Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma (MPM) is a rare, aggressive malignancy that typically presents with vague symptoms, ascites, and/or diffuse peritoneal studding. Despite findings of advanced disease within the peritoneal cavity, spread beyond the abdomen is uncommon. Although advances in systemic chemotherapy have been made, … [Read more...]