Chemotherapy of malignant pleural mesothelioma.
BACKGROUND
Owing to worldwide use of asbestos during the past century, the global incidence of mesothelioma is still increasing. Although the outcome for patients remains poor, there has been definite progress in the systemic treatment of this disease within the past 5 years.


OBJECTIVE
By examining the clinical trials performed and the role of novel emerging agents, this review aims to provide an 'expert opinion' on evidences that validate chemotherapy as current 'standard of care' for inoperable mesothelioma.


METHODS
Relevant literature about clinical trials was reviewed using a PubMed search and other relevant data about novel therapeutic approaches both established and in development.


CONCLUSIONS
The response rates achieved using chemotherapeutic treatments are higher than previous ones, and in the future may be improved by the use of combined and personalized therapies.
Bertino
Pietro
P
Cancer Research Center of Hawaii and Department of Pathology, University of Hawaii, 651 Ilalo Street, BSB Room 231, Honolulu, HI 96813, USA.
Carbone
Michele
M
Pass
Harvey
H
D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001194:Asbestos / Q000633:toxicity; D017326:Clinical Trials, Phase III as Topic; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D018572:Disease-Free Survival; D006801:Humans; D008654:Mesothelioma / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000401:mortality; D010166:Palliative Care; D010997:Pleural Neoplasms / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000401:mortality; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
D001194:Asbestos