New and emerging therapeutic options for malignant pleural mesothelioma: review of early clinical trials

Abstract

Svetlana Kotova,1,2 Raymond M Wong,1–3 Robert B Cameron1,2 1Veterans Affairs Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Division of Thoracic Surgery, Los Angeles, CA, USA; 2UCLA Division of Thoracic Surgery and Comprehensive Mesothelioma Program, Los Angeles, CA, USA; 3Pacific Meso Center at the Pacific Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, Los Angeles, CA, USA Abstract: Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a rare tumor that is challenging to control. Despite some benefit from using the multimodality-approach (surgery, combination chemotherapy and radiation), survival remains poor. However, current research produced a list of potential therapies. Here, we summarize significant new preclinical and early clinical developments in treatment of MPM, which include mesothelin specific antibody and toxin therapies, interleukin-4 (IL-4) receptor toxins, dendritic cell vaccines, immune checkpoint inhibitors, and gene-based therapies. In addition, several local modalities such as photodynamic therapy, postoperative lavage using betadine, and cryotherapy for local recurrence, have also shown to be effective for local control of disease. Keywords: MPM, new targeted, systemic, local therapies