Mesothelioma: A Review

Mesothelioma is an insidious disease with long latency after asbestos exposure. New cases are continually diagnosed, although levels are declining with recognition of the asbestos risk and efforts to remove asbestos from the workplace. Treatment for early stage disease with surgery and radiation is potentially curative, but many patients either are too ill to undergo aggressive surgery or present with advanced disease. Chemotherapy with cisplatin and pemetrexed is considered standard, although relapse is common. Second-line therapy is disappointing. New targeted therapies may pose promise and are being addressed in various clinical trial settings. Palliative care remains an important component of the management of this devastating illness.