Pleural mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma is a rare and serious cancer that starts in the pleura — the thin layer of tissue that lines the lungs and chest wall. It is sometimes called malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM). This cancer is almost always caused by past exposure to asbestos, a mineral once widely used in construction, shipbuilding, and manufacturing. When tiny asbestos fibers are breathed in, they can become lodged in the lining of the lungs and, over many decades, cause cells to grow out of control. The disease usually develops very slowly. Most people do not notice symptoms until the cancer is already at an advanced stage. Common symptoms include shortness of breath, chest pain, and a buildup of fluid around the lungs (called a pleural effusion) that makes breathing even harder. Some people also experience a persistent cough, unexplained weight loss, and extreme tiredness. Treatment options include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and newer approaches like immunotherapy. The combination of chemotherapy drugs pemetrexed and cisplatin (or carboplatin) has been a standard treatment for many years. More recently, the immunotherapy combination of nivolumab and ipilimumab received FDA approval for first-line treatment of unresectable pleural mesothelioma. While these treatments can help manage the disease and extend life, pleural mesothelioma remains very difficult to cure, and most treatment goals focus on controlling the cancer and improving quality of life.

Data sourced from FDA regulatory filings and ClinicalTrials.gov. Updated periodically.

Bring these to your next appointment

• Q1.What stage is my mesothelioma, and what does that mean for my treatment options?,Am I a candidate for surgery, and what are the risks and benefits?,Should I be tested for a BAP1 gene mutation, and should my family members be tested?,What clinical trials are available for my type and stage of mesothelioma?,What are the expected side effects of the recommended treatment, and how will they be managed?,How will we know if the treatment is working, and what happens if it stops working?,What palliative care and support services are available to help manage my symptoms and quality of life?

Common questions about Pleural mesothelioma