Study: Preoperative Chemotherapy Useful for Mesothelioma

Oncologists in France are exploring the use of bidirectional chemotherapy as a pre-operative tool for peritoneal mesothelioma, increasing the eligibility of patients for aggressive surgery. Their bidirectional chemotherapy — which typically includes a pemetrexed (Alimta) and cisplatin combination — is delivered directly into the abdominal cavity to reduce tumor burden and make cytoreductive surgery more manageable. Doctors at Gustave Roussy, one of Europe’s premier cancer centers, documented this novel use in a study published in the November issue of Annals of Surgical Oncology. “This is the first study to demonstrate the feasibility and efficacy of bidirectional chemotherapy for downstaging initially unresectable MPM [malignant peritoneal mesothelioma],” the authors wrote. “The study demonstrated it is a well-tolerated and effective treatment.” According to the study, half of the previously unresectable or borderline cases became eligible for surgery after bidirectional chemotherapy, which led to a longer overall median survival. “The aim of bidirectional chemotherapy is to increase the local cytotoxic effect with the intent to increase the rate of complete resection,” the authors wrote. “Downsizing the extent of the peritoneal disease with an efficient preoperative treatment represents a pivotal issue.” Surgery and HIPEC Proven Effective A combination of cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) has become the optimal...
Source: Asbestos and Mesothelioma News - Category: Environmental Health Authors: Tags: bidirectional chemotherapy cytoreductive surgery Gustave Roussy hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy Paul Sugarbaker peritoneal mesothelioma Washington Cancer Institute Source Type: news