This book provides essential information on recent advances in molecular genetics, epidemiology, translational research, and the latest results of clinical trials on mesothelioma. Significant progress has been made in understanding mesothelioma biology, and in developing new therapies for this refractory tumor, malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM). Not only does this volume summarize the latest research-based data on the disease; it also shares insights into future research directions. The book consists of 5 themed sections on: epidemiology, pathogenesis, screening and early detection, molecular genetics, and clinical aspects and management. Several chapters focus on new trends in the field, e.g. immune therapy and identification of biomarkers, molecular oncogenesis including genetic susceptibility, and molecular diagnostic pathology. The book also highlights new cancer treatment approaches, such as immunotherapy based on immune checkpoint inhibitors, which has meant a paradigm shift in other types of cancer, and given some hope to MPM patients. In turn, it discusses recent molecular pathological studies on mesothelioma, which claim to offer more accurate classifications than traditional morphology and immunohistochemistry-based approaches. All of these cutting-edge analyses provide the basis for a closing discussion on future developments and research directions. Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma - Advances in Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, and Treatments has been edited and authored by respected researchers and will be of interest to medical, surgical and radiation oncologists; pulmonologists; pathologists and basic researchers alike. Since the disease represents a significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenge, scientists and clinicians from learners to experts, as well as fellows in training in these subspecialties, will value this book.

Whether you're a newly diagnosed Mesothelioma patient, a survivor, or a friend or relative of either, this book offers help. The only book to provide the doctor's and patient's views, 100 Questions & Answers About Mesothelioma, Third Edition gives you authoritative, practical answers to your questions about treatment options, post-treatment quality of life, sources of support, legal options, and much more. This outstanding team of authors -- led by a world-class lung disease expert -- provides an invaluable resource for anyone coping with the physical and emotional turmoil of this frightening disease.

Malignant Mesothelioma brings together the most current diagnostic criteria and treatment plans from the world’s leading experts on this rare but devastating cancer. The first edition was a critical and commercial success and this revision builds on that reputation. The editors have brought together the world’s leading experts to fully explore the latest scientific breakthroughs in carcinogenesis, immunotherapy, potential vaccination strategies, and gene therapy. The clinical aspects of the book are equally strong, with thorough discussion of epidemiology, etiology, different clinical presentations, imaging (including interventional pulmonology), treatment of benign disease, strategies for multimodality treatment of malignant disease. Editors: Harvey I. Pass, M.D, Chief, Thoracic Surgery, New York University, New York, NY; Nicholas Vogelzang, M.D, Director, Nevada Cancer Institute, Las Vegas, NV; University of Chicago, Michele Carbone, M.D., Ph.D, Researcher and Director, Thoracic Oncology Program, Cancer Research Center of Hawaii, Honolulu, HI; and Anne S. Tsao, M.D, Department of Thoracic/Head & Neck Medical Oncology, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX.

This book offers an updated review of malignant mesothelioma, including the latest advances in our understanding of its genetic control and molecular biology, as well as pre-clinical and clinical research. It also presents state-of-the-art diagnostic approaches and therapeutic options, and an open discussion on the future prospects for patient management. Malignant mesothelioma is an enormous global health problem related to asbestos exposure. Despite the best efforts of scientists and oncologists, the prognosis for those affected remains poor. Due to anatomical characteristics and non-specific symptoms, the diagnosis of mesothelioma at an early stage is often difficult, while surgery and radiotherapy are only of limited use, even if some multimodality approaches seem promising. In turn, medical treatments are sometimes successful in tumor control, but have little impact on overall survival. However, advances in our understanding of the disease’s biology, together with the availability of new drugs and combinations, make mesothelioma an essential and highly topical field for pre-clinical and clinical studies. This book is subdivided into four parts: epidemiology and preclinical data, diagnosis, therapy, and extrathoracic mesothelioma. It highlights the progress made in a variety of areas – e.g. in vitro and in vivo experimental models, genetics, environment, biomarkers, targeting agents, immunotherapy, metabolic imaging and ongoing clinical trials – and describes the standard clinical management of mesothelioma patients, including those with extra-thoracic localizations. Given its scope, the book offers an invaluable tool for researchers, oncologists and clinicians alike.

The established treatments in malignant mesothelioma are based on trimodality approach including surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. Such approach has proved to clinically benefit mesothelioma patients, however the current treatments seem to have reached a limit regarding the survival and disease control. One approach to overcome the limitations of current treatments is focused on finding appropriate serum or genetic biomarkers that could support personalized medicine and improve outcomes with established treatment modalities in mesothelioma patients. The other approach is exploiting better understanding of molecular and genetic characteristics of mesothelioma to search for new treatment modalities. Immunotherapy with anti PD-1, PD-L1 and CTLA-4 agents is a new frontier in mesothelioma treatment. As in many solid tumors, CAR-T cell therapy is emerging from the field of hematological malignancies. Immunomodulatory approaches seem to be a new perspective in treatment of malignant mesothelioma. This chapter aims to explore possible new therapeutic approaches in mesothelioma.

Patients with unresectable malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) have historically poor outcomes and treatment, and their treatments have been limited to palliative chemotherapy. Recent efforts to improve prognosis for these patients by adding angiogenesis inhibitors to chemotherapy led to significant benefits. However, the emergence of immunotherapy combinations for the front-line treatment has upended the standard of care and has led to the first new FDA approvals for the treatment of MPM in nearly two decades. This review aims to cover the main clinical trials in unresectable MPM with VEGF inhibitors and immunotherapy which have led to paradigm shifts in current practice. Ongoing clinical trials exploring the combination of chemo and immunotherapies show a great deal of promise, and continued support for ambitious, large-scale well-designed trials remain vital for defining the future outcomes of patients diagnosed with MPM.