Is there a role for immunotherapy in malignant pleural mesothelioma?

Med Oncol. 2018 May 29;35(7):98. doi: 10.1007/s12032-018-1156-x.

Abstract

Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a very aggressive malignancy, mainly caused by asbestos exposure. Patients with MPM have a poor prognosis that remained substantially unchanged in the last few years and limited effective therapeutic options with no recognized second or further-line therapy. In this context, also in view of the positive results observed in other tumor types, immunotherapy could play a relevant role. This review focuses on the most promising immunotherapies being investigated in MPM.

Keywords: CAR T cell therapy; Immune checkpoint inhibitors; Immunotherapy; Malignant pleural mesothelioma.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • CTLA-4 Antigen / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Humans
  • Immunotherapy*
  • Lung Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Mesothelioma / therapy*
  • Mesothelioma, Malignant
  • Pleural Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Programmed Cell Death 1 Ligand 2 Protein / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Programmed Cell Death 1 Receptor / antagonists & inhibitors

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • CTLA-4 Antigen
  • CTLA4 protein, human
  • PDCD1 protein, human
  • PDCD1LG2 protein, human
  • Programmed Cell Death 1 Ligand 2 Protein
  • Programmed Cell Death 1 Receptor