Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is an aggressive asbestos-related tumour with poor prognosis. To date, a multimodality treatment, including chemotherapy and surgery, with or without radiotherapy, is the gold standard therapy for selected patients with epithelioid and early-stage MPM. In this setting, the goal of surgery is to achieve the … [Read more...]
Clinical-pathological characteristics and prognostic factors for malignant peritoneal mesothelioma in the elderly
Background: Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma (MPM) is a rare disease characterized by atypical symptoms, difficult diagnosis, variable course and poor prognosis, and it develops mainly in elderly individuals. The authors aimed to identify the clinical-pathological characteristics, prognosis, and prognostic factors in elderly [ malignant … [Read more...]
A Case Report of Hypophosphatemia Leading to the Diagnosis of Mesothelioma
Hypophosphatemia can be commonly encountered as an electrolyte imbalance and is defined as a value less than 0.8 mmol/l (2.5 mg/dl). It can be an incidental finding, but it is not uncommon to see it presenting with varied symptoms. It is good to have a clear diagnostic approach to this so adequate treatment can be instated. We present a … [Read more...]
CDC: Mesothelioma Deaths Up Among Women
While use of asbestos has gone down in the U.S., deaths from mesothelioma still increased 25% among women over the last two decades, researchers found. From 1999 to 2020, mesothelioma deaths among women rose significantly from 489 to 614, though the age-adjusted death rate per 1 million women fell from 4.83 to 4.15, reported Jacek Mazurek, MD, … [Read more...]
Unexplained Pleural Effusion Leads to the Revelation of a Malignant Mesothelioma: A Case Report
Abstract: Malignant mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive cancer that usually affects subjects with prior asbestos exposure, a major risk factor that has been widely known as carcinogenic, and its use is now controlled if not banned in many areas of the world. Malignant mesothelioma originates from mesothelial surface cells covering the serous … [Read more...]
Pericardial Mesothelioma Presenting as Constrictive Pericarditis
Abstract: This case report presents a 60-year-old gentleman with a significant smoking history and possible asbestos exposure who was referred to the emergency department for atrial fibrillation with a rapid ventricular rate and symptoms of heart failure. Labs showed normal brain natriuretic peptide and troponin I. His echocardiography finding … [Read more...]
Abemaciclib for Previously Treated Patients With p16ink4A-Deficient Mesothelioma
As reported in The Lancet Oncology by Dean A. Fennell, FRCP, and colleagues, a phase II trial (MiST2) showed the activity of [ Verzenio (abemaciclib) ] in previously treated patients with p16ink4A-deficient malignant mesothelioma. As stated by the investigators, “Genetically stratified therapy for malignant mesothelioma is unavailable. … [Read more...]
Early Clinical Activity With CDK4/6 Inhibitor in Pretreated Mesothelioma
[Verzenio (abemaciclib), a drug that has proven effective in breast cancer,] showed preliminary activity in its first-ever clinical trial in mesothelioma. The cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) 4/6 inhibitor [Verzenio (abemaciclib)] achieved disease control at 12 weeks in 14 of 26 patients with progressive mesothelioma associated with a CDKN2A … [Read more...]
Biphasic Peritoneal Mesothelioma: A Lethal Clinical Entity
Abstract: Mesotheliomas are a rare malignancy of the serosal membrane. Mainly it affects the pleural surfaces followed by the second most common location, “peritoneum.” The disease follows an aggressive pattern of spread, and by the time the diagnosis is established, the condition significantly spreads to distant locations. Diagnosis of malignant … [Read more...]
First-line nivolumab plus ipilimumab versus chemotherapy in patients with unresectable malignant pleural mesothelioma: 3-year outcomes from CheckMate 743
Background: In the phase 3 CheckMate 743 study (NCT02899299), first-line nivolumab plus ipilimumab significantly improved overall survival (OS) versus chemotherapy in patients with unresectable malignant pleural mesothelioma [(unresectable MPM)]. We report updated data with 3-year minimum follow-up. Patients and methods: Adults with previously … [Read more...]