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...]
EPA rule would finally ban asbestos, carcinogen still in use
The Environmental Protection Agency on Tuesday proposed a rule to finally ban asbestos, a carcinogen that is still used in some chlorine bleach, brake pads and other products and kills thousands of Americans every year. The proposal marks a major expansion of EPA regulation under a landmark 2016 law that overhauled rules governing tens of … [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...]
Incidence, treatment and survival of malignant pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma: a population-based study
Introduction: Malignant mesothelioma (MM) is an aggressive cancer that primarily arises from the pleura (MPM) or peritoneum (MPeM), mostly due to asbestos exposure. This study reviewed the Dutch population-based incidence, treatment and survival since the national ban on asbestos in 1993. Materials and methods: Patients with MPM or MPeM … [Read more...]
Malignant pleural mesothelioma patients’ experience by gender: findings from a cross-sectional UK-national questionnaire
OBJECTIVES: Malignant mesothelioma is an aggressive malignancy of mesothelial surfaces, most commonly those of the pleura. The aim of this study was to understand, using a national questionnaire, the gendered care experiences of patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM). Patients were asked about their experience of the diagnostic process, … [Read more...]
Asbestos Exposure and Malignant Mesothelioma in Construction Workers—Epidemiological Remarks by the Italian National Mesothelioma Registry (ReNaM)
Notwithstanding the ban in 1992, asbestos exposure for workers in the construction sector in Italy remains a concern. The purpose of this study is to describe the characteristics of malignant mesothelioma (MM) cases recorded by the Italian registry (ReNaM) among construction workers. Incident mesothelioma cases with a definite asbestos exposure … [Read more...]
Surgical Risk and Survival Associated With Less Invasive Surgery for Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma
We compared less invasive surgery with conventional surgery for malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM). We retrospectively reviewed consecutive patients with MPM who received surgery at Hyogo College of Medicine between July 2004 and April 2016. Patients underwent multimodal treatment comprising chemotherapy (neoadjuvant and/or adjuvant) and surgery … [Read more...]
Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors Extend Survival for Mesothelioma
Immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapies have ushered in an exciting new phase of clinical research and treatment for malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM), offering more effective and less toxic treatment options for patients. The research and clinical oncology communities eagerly await the completion of several upcoming trials focused on … [Read more...]