Current Management of Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma.

Malignant pleural mesothelioma is increasing in importance in the Asia-Pacific region, where ongoing asbestos consumption in many countries and a long latency period will result in a rising incidence over many decades. Treatment, whether it is with palliative or curative intent, can involve several different modalities, with chemotherapy, radiotherapy, palliative care, and surgery having important roles. There is now good evidence for survival and quality of life benefits from treatment with palliative chemotherapy. Controversies surrounding "curative" treatment with trimodality therapy are discussed, including the lack of high quality evidence for this approach. The current and developing roles of different modalities in the treatment of malignant pleural mesothelioma are reviewed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]