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Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma: Present Status and Future Directions

Richard Wright

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Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a rare and aggressive cancer that affects the lining of the lungs. It is caused by exposure to asbestos, a mineral fiber that was once commonly used in construction and insulation. MPM is a difficult cancer to treat, and the prognosis is often poor.

Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma: Present Status and Future Directions

by Jana Aston

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Diagnosis

The diagnosis of MPM is based on a combination of factors, including the patient's symptoms, a physical examination, and imaging tests. Symptoms of MPM can include shortness of breath, chest pain, coughing, and weight loss. A physical examination may reveal fluid in the chest or a mass in the lung. Imaging tests, such as X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs, can help to confirm the diagnosis of MPM.

Treatment

The treatment of MPM depends on the stage of the cancer and the patient's overall health. Treatment options may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy. Surgery is the most common treatment for MPM, and it is often used to remove the tumor and surrounding tissue. Chemotherapy is a type of drug treatment that uses chemicals to kill cancer cells. Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams to kill cancer cells. Immunotherapy is a type of treatment that uses the patient's own immune system to fight cancer.

Prognosis

The prognosis for MPM is often poor. The median survival time is about 12 months. However, the prognosis can vary depending on the stage of the cancer and the patient's overall health. Patients who are diagnosed with early-stage MPM have a better prognosis than patients who are diagnosed with advanced-stage MPM.

Future Directions

Research is ongoing to develop new and more effective treatments for MPM. Some of the most promising areas of research include:

* Developing new drugs that target specific molecular pathways involved in MPM * Developing new immunotherapies that can activate the patient's immune system to fight cancer * Developing new surgical techniques that can remove MPM tumors more effectively * Developing new ways to prevent MPM

MPM is a rare and aggressive cancer that affects the lining of the lungs. It is caused by exposure to asbestos, and the prognosis is often poor. However, research is ongoing to develop new and more effective treatments for MPM.

Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma: Present Status and Future Directions

by Jana Aston

5 out of 5