Current chemotherapy and new advances in malignant pleural mesothelioma

Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is an aggressive tumor of the pleura. The association between asbestos exposure and the development of MPM has been recognized. The current treatment of MPM includes surgery, radiotherapy,and chemotherapy, but its outcome remains unfavorable. The effects of surgery have not yet been defined because of a lack of randomized trials. The role of radiotherapy in the treatment of MPM remains controversial,as the radiosensitivity of malignant mesothelial cells is modest. The effects of chemotherapy is still relatively poor. Pemetrexed-cisplatin combination regimen has more favorable results in MPM therapy. Muhimodality therapy is regarded as the best treatment of MPM at present. Key words: Malignant pleural mesothelioma; Treatment