European guidelines for the management of malignant pleural mesothelioma

Abstract

Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is nearly invariably lethal tumor of the pleura. Significant therapeutic nihilism exists among health professionals. Recent progress has reshaped the clinical landscape in the treatment of MPM. Two European guidelines have been published, one from the task force of the European Respiratory Society and the European Society of Thoracic Surgery, and the other from the European Society of Medical Oncology. With these guidelines and recommendations as a guidepost, this review discusses the major changes and their impact on the management of MPM.