Frontiers in Oncology (Apr 2024)

Pathological complete response in a patient with pleural mesothelioma treated with immunotherapy: a case report

  • Eleonora Faccioli,
  • Federica Grosso,
  • Andrea Dell’Amore,
  • Sara Delfanti,
  • Giovanni Zambello,
  • Luigi Cerbone,
  • Gianluca Canu,
  • Antonina De Angelis,
  • Viola Sambataro,
  • Federica Pezzuto,
  • Paola Barbieri,
  • Giulia Pasello,
  • Giulia Pasello,
  • Fiorella Calabrese,
  • Federico Rea

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3389/fonc.2024.1378530
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 14

Abstract

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The role of immunotherapy in the multimodal treatment for pleural mesothelioma (PM) is still under investigation, particularly in the preoperative setting. Pathological complete response (pCR) has been previously described after chemotherapy and immunotherapy; however, there is no prior experience reported with immunotherapy alone before surgery. We report the case of a 58-year-old male with biphasic PM treated with immunotherapy, resulting in a major clinical partial response. Following a multidisciplinary evaluation between thoracic surgeons, medical oncologists, pathologists, radiologists and radiation oncologists, the patient underwent surgery with radical intent through a right extended pleurectomy/decortication (eP/D). Histopathological examination of the specimen confirmed a pathological Complete Response (pCR). This case supports the feasibility and potential efficacy of combining preoperative immunotherapy with surgery in the management of advanced PM.

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