Malignant pleural mesothelioma is a rare cancer with a cause-effect relationship
to asbestos exposure. The prognosis is poor and chemotherapy seems the best
treatment option. In the last two decades a deeper understanding of mesothelioma
carcinogenesis and invasiveness mechanisms has prompted research efforts to test
new agents in patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma, but the results have
been modest. Attractive preclinical data disappointed in subsequent experimental
phases. Other promising agents failed to improve patient outcomes due to high
toxicity. Interesting suggestions have come from preliminary data on
immunotherapy. Several trials are ongoing and the results are eagerly awaited.
The aim of this review is to discuss the most recent news on systemic therapy
for advanced malignant pleural mesothelioma.
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