Malignant pleural mesothelioma: an update on investigation, diagnosis and treatment

This article summarises the epidemiology and pathogenesis of malignant pleural mesothelioma, before describing some key factors in the patient experience and outlining common symptoms. Diagnostic approaches are reviewed, including imaging techniques and the role of various biomarkers. Treatment options are summarised, including the importance of palliative care and methods of controlling pleural effusions. The evidence for chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery is reviewed, both in the palliative setting and in the context of trimodality treatment. An algorithm for managing malignant pleural effusion in malignant pleural mesothelioma patients is presented. Finally new treatment developments and novel therapeutic approaches are summarised.

Source: European Respiratory Review - November 29, 2016 Category: Respiratory Medicine Authors: Bibby, A. C., Tsim, S., Kanellakis, N., Ball, H., Talbot, D. C., Blyth, K. G., Maskell, N. A., Psallidas, I. Tags: Lung cancer Pleural Diseases Source Type: research