title: Management of malignant mesothelioma by decortication and adjunct phototherapy.
abstract: Malignant mesothelioma is a relatively rare tumor that originates in the pleural space and almost invariably results from exposure to asbestos. Between September 1989 and December 1999, 100 patients were managed with curative intent using a combination of full decortication, adjunct phototherapy after administration of hematoporphyrin derivative, and strip radiotherapy to any areas where adequate clearance was not obtained. The survival curve was compared to that of 17 matched patients treated by decortication alone. Median survival increased from 250 to 440 days in the combined treatment group.
authors.affiliation: Austin Health, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia. clarkecp@bigpond.com.au
authors.forename: Charles P
authors.initials: CP
authors.lastname: Clarke
authors.forename: Simon R
authors.initials: SR
authors.lastname: Knight
authors.forename: Freddy J
authors.initials: FJ
authors.lastname: Daniel
authors.forename: Siven
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Seevanayagam
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D005260:Female; D006415:Hematoporphyrins / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008654:Mesothelioma / Q000532:radiotherapy / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010789:Phototherapy; D010997:Pleural Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D006415:Hematoporphyrins