Chapter 1

Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma (MPM): Latent Disease

M. Genovés Crespo, F.J. Callejas González, R.D. García Ángel, W. Mayoris Almonte and F.J. Agustín Martínez

Abstract

Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a cancer with aggressive nature and poor prognosis (the median survival ranges from 9-18 months). The worldwide incidence of this disease is increasing, with 2180 estimated new cases diagnosed in the United States in 2013. Despite the apparent benefits offered by the multimodal approach (a combination of surgery, chemotherapy -cisplatin/ pemetrexed- and radiotherapy), survival remains poor. As a consequence, multiple therapies aiming to improve the evolution of the disease are under investigation. In this chapter, we will summarize some of the new preclinical and early clinical developments in the treatment of MPM, which include mesothelin specific antibody and toxin therapies, gene therapy, interleukin-4 (IL-4) receptor toxins and dendritic cell vaccines, among others.

Total Pages: 3-92 (90)

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