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Exploring Cutting-Edge Treatments for Pleural Mesothelioma

ByHolly Zink
Exploring Cutting-Edge Treatments for Pleural Mesothelioma

A new study looks at the current treatments available for people with mesothelioma. The authors of this overview are based in Italy at the University of Bologna.

Advancements in Mesothelioma Treatment

Malignant mesothelioma is a type of cancer that develops from the thin layer of tissue that covers internal organs. When mesothelioma grows in the lungs, it is called pleural mesothelioma.

This aggressive cancer is caused by exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a toxic mineral found in nature. It can be used in manufacturing and construction materials and is illegal in many countries.

Mesothelioma is a very rare cancer, and the symptoms can be like many other diseases. This makes it hard for doctors to make a diagnosis. For mesothelioma in the lungs, the symptoms can include coughing, fever, and shortness of breath.

Pleural mesothelioma often has a poor outlook. The median survival is a little over a year. This is why researchers and doctors are always looking for better ways to treat mesothelioma.

Unraveling the Complexities of Mesothelioma Treatment

When a person is diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma, doctors will usually try a combination of first-line treatments. One of these treatments is chemotherapy. Cisplatin and pemetrexed is the most effective chemotherapy drug combination at treating mesothelioma that cannot be removed with surgery.

Another common treatment is immunotherapy. Immunotherapy is also referred to as biological therapy and uses the person’s immune system to treat mesothelioma. Researchers have found that special molecules called nivolumab and ipilimumab can shrink mesothelioma tumors.

Doctors and researchers are always exploring new ways to treatment mesothelioma. Some research teams are looking at combining immunotherapy and chemotherapy treatments. Other scientists are experimenting with using vaccines as a treatment method, along with chemotherapy. There are also clinical trials that explore using other types of chemotherapy drugs and immunotherapy molecules that could improve the outlook of people with mesothelioma.

Source

Deiana C, Fabbri F, Tavolari S, Palloni A, Brandi G. Improvements in Systemic Therapies for Advanced Malignant Mesothelioma. Int J Mol Sci. 2023;24(13):10415. Published 2023 Jun 21. doi:10.3390/ijms241310415. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10342038/

 

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