Scientific Advances and New Frontiers in Mesothelioma Therapeutics

Abstract

Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a rare and aggressive cancer that arises from the mesothelial surface of the pleural and peritoneal cavities, the pericardium, and rarely, the tunica vaginalis. The incidence of MPM is expected to increase worldwide in the next two decades. However, even with the use of multimodality treatment, MPM remains challenging to treat, with a 5-year survival rate of less than 5%. The International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer has gathered experts in different areas of mesothelioma research and management to summarize the most significant scientific advances and new frontiers related to mesothelioma therapeutics.

Keywords: Biomarkers; Chemotherapy; Immunotherapy; Malignant pleural mesothelioma; Oncology therapeutics.

Figure 1.

Different approaches to treating mesothelioma that are currently in clinical trials. Nintedanib, in addition to targeting VEGF receptor, also targets fibroblast growth factor receptor and platelet-derived growth factor receptor. Abbreviations: CAR, chimeric antigen receptor; CTLA4, cytotoxic T-lymphocyteassociated antigen; PD-1, programmed death 1; PD-L1, programmed death ligand 1; ASS1, argininosuccinate synthetase 1; IFN-β, interferon beta; VEGF, vascular endothelial growth factor.