Radiotherapy for Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma
Author: Kapplak
The incidence of malignant pleural mesothelioma is increasing and is expected to increase in many developed countries over the next two decades. In 80% of patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma, no clear history of occupational or domestic exposure to asbestos. Very few patients are suitable for any potentially curative treatment is uncertain and the effectiveness of treatment with radical surgery, radiotherapy or chemotherapy in curing patients or prolonging survival. The role of radiotherapy is controversial. It has been used as a component of combination therapy (with chemotherapy or surgery). To date, the reviewers have not found any reports of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that show that radiotherapy is an effective option for the treatment of malignant pleural mesothelioma. Experimental studies are needed to assess the role multicentre radiotherapy in this disease.
Background
Malignant pleural mesothelioma is a relatively uncommon disease, but its incidence is increasing and is expected to increase in many developed countries over the next two decades. Treatment of patients with malignant mesothelioma is controversial. Very few patients are suitable for any potentially curative treatment is uncertain and the effectiveness of treatment with radical surgery, radiotherapy or chemotherapy in curing patients or prolonging survival. Although radiation therapy has been used as part of combination therapy, its role is controversial. This review will try to clarify these uncertainties.
Objectives
Evaluate the effectiveness and safety of radiotherapy in patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma in any stage of the disease.
Search strategy
Electronic searches and manual. We sought all randomized controlled clinical trials in the following electronic databases: Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials), MEDLINE and EMBASE. A manual search was conducted to identify studies in journals not indexed in databases, conference abstracts or scientific meetings.
Selection criteria
We included all randomized controlled trials using radiotherapy for malignant pleural mesothelioma in any stage, alone or combined with other therapies in patients of both sexes and all ages. We excluded studies without a control group.
Data collection and analysis
There were no studies that met the inclusion criteria.
Main results
To date, there has been no reports of randomized comparisons of radiotherapy alone or in combination in patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma.
Authors’ conclusions
There are no data supporting radiotherapy, chemotherapy, surgery or the best supportive care (as part of combination therapy) as the best option for patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma, having never been compared in a prospective, randomized . Is needed multicenter randomized controlled trials assessing the role of radiotherapy in the radical treatment of malignant pleural mesothelioma. The studies should be limited to patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma, classified by stage, cytology and type of radiotherapy. The type of radiotherapy should be defined in advance and must be carefully controlled variables to define the dose and route of administration.