Mesothelioma Questions

The use of radiotherapy is quite limited. While it may offer a palliative role, tumor volume and tissue toxicity restrict its usefulness. Surgical procedures, such as those that debulk the tumor mass, are limited by the ability of the patient to undergo radical resection. Like radiation, surgery may also offer palliation; there is little evidence to suggest that either of these modalities have any other significant impact on the course of the disease. The impact of single-agent chemotherapy is varied. Approximate response rates range anywhere from 0-35% with cisplatin and methotrexate as the most effective drugs. Combination chemotherapy using traditionally available medications does not seem to have any more positive effect than single-agent and is therefore not widely used. However, emerging trials indicate there may be some benefit to therapy with newer agents when combined with platinums.