Treatment of diffuse malignant mesothelioma: A review

Epidemiologic studies have anticipated an increase in incidence of malignant mesothelioma in the next decades, largely due to the wide utilization of asbestos. A thorough literature survey has been made of therapeutic modalities presumably available. In the series reviewed the prognosis is usually poor, whatever the treatment. Surgery can relieve temporarily such distressing symptoms as pain or recurrent pleural effusion. Radiotherapy, by conventional or high dose procedures, has led to partial control in some series, but not in others. Many different chemotherapies have been applied in small series of patients. Presently, adriamycin seems to be the most promising single agent. Local therapies are of little value. Controlled therapeutic trials are needed for more precise information about the treatment of this neoplasm.