Title: Mesothelioma - Epidemiology and Management
Volume: 7
Issue: 5
Author(s): Patricia Tai, Edward Yu, Avi Assouline and Kurian Joseph
Affiliation:
Keywords:
Asbestos, epidemiology, treatment, Mesothelioma, tri-modality (surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy), pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma, malignant meosothelioma
Abstract: Mesothelioma is an uncommon tumor. It has a latency period of 20-40 years. The most important risk factor is asbestos exposure. Prognosis of mesothelioma is generally poor with high case-fatality rate, and research to improve the outcome of this disease is on-going worldwide. Due to its rarity, management by a multidisciplinary team with experience is recommended. Carefully selected patients may benefit from tri-modality (surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy) treatment. The management of pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma is summarized in this review. Recent advances in chemotherapy and biologic response modifiers are promising.