Objectives: Second-line immune checkpoint inhibition (ICI) was recently shown to have a survival advantage over placebo in malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM), but the survival comparison to chemotherapy in patients with MPM receiving routine clinical care is unknown. Our objective was to examine the effectiveness of second-line [ immune … [Read more...]
Neoadjuvant pemetrexed plus cisplatin followed by pleurectomy for malignant pleural mesothelioma.
PURPOSE: Despite becoming the preferred surgical technique for malignant pleural mesothelioma, pleurectomy/decortication has received few prospective clinical trials. Therefore, the Japan Mesothelioma Interest Group conducted a prospective multi-institutional study to evaluate the feasibility of neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by … [Read more...]
Drug Combo Promising in Rare Mesothelioma
A combination of atezolizumab (Tecentriq) and bevacizumab appeared effective and safe in patients with advanced malignant peritoneal mesothelioma, according to results from a small single-arm trial. The combination achieved an objective response rate (ORR) of 40% in patients who had progressed on or were resistant to prior platinum-pemetrexed … [Read more...]
A Case of Pulmonary Embolism with Sarcomatoid Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma with Long-Term Pleural Effusion
Background: Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a highly aggressive tumor that originates from pleural mesothelial cells. In recent years, with the development of asbestos-related industries and the increase in air pollution, its incidence has been increased. The incidence of pulmonary embolism combined with sarcomatoid MPM is very low and the … [Read more...]
Osteopontin, GLUT1 and Ki-67 expression in malignant peritoneal mesothelioma: prognostic implications
Background: Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma is the most common primary peritoneal neoplasm. The only universally recognised pathological prognostic factor is histopathological subtype. Prognostic markers based on patient features and clinical stages have been disappointing. Aims: To assess the prognostic role of several clinicopathological … [Read more...]
The association between pleural fluid exposure and survival in pleural mesothelioma
Background: Most patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) present with malignant pleural effusion (MPE). There is in vitro evidence that MPE may not be a simple bystander of malignancy, but potentially has biological properties improving cancer cell survival and promoting cancer progression. If this is the case, MPE management may need … [Read more...]
Vinorelbine extends PFS in relapsed malignant pleural mesothelioma
Vinorelbine combined with active supportive care conferred superior [ progression-free survival (PFS) ] compared with active supportive care alone among patients with relapsed malignant pleural mesothelioma, according to phase 2 study results. “All patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma eventually relapse following standard chemotherapy … [Read more...]
Environmental exposure to asbestos and the risk of lung cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Asbestos is a carcinogen associated with lung cancer, but few studies have examined the increased risk of lung cancer due to environmental asbestos exposure. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the association between environmental asbestos exposure and lung cancer. We searched for articles on non-occupational or … [Read more...]
Health groups sue to make EPA evaluate ‘legacy’ asbestos risk
Health and environmental groups have sued the Environmental Protection Agency, seeking a court order compelling it to evaluate the risks posed by so-called "legacy" asbestos used in old products and buildings. In a complaint filed Tuesday in federal court in San Francisco, groups including the nonprofit Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization … [Read more...]
Why Asbestos Still Threatens Construction Workers’ Health
Asbestos continues to represent a considerable threat to the health of construction workers and the population at large. Though some applications for asbestos have been banned in the United States, the naturally occurring silicate mineral itself is not. The first use of asbestos is believed to date back to the Stone Age, approximately 750,000 … [Read more...]