Unleashing precision: A review of targeted approaches in pleural mesothelioma

Crit Rev Oncol Hematol. 2024 Nov:203:104481. doi: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2024.104481. Epub 2024 Aug 17.

Abstract

This review delves into the intricate landscape of pleural mesothelioma (PM), emphasizing the need for nuanced therapeutic strategies. While platinum-based chemotherapy remains a cornerstone, the advent of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), notably through the Checkmate 743 trial, has reshaped treatment paradigms. Challenges persist due to patient heterogeneity and a lack of specific biomarkers. Targeting genotypic and phenotypic alterations emerges as a promising avenue, demanding precision oncology in this rare disease. CDKN2A loss, prevalent in PM, may respond to CDK4/6 inhibitors. Defects in MMR and HR suggest tailored approaches with ICI or PARP inhibitors, respectively. Ongoing trials explore novel inhibitors and promising targets like mesothelin. Implementing these strategies requires overcoming challenges in patient selection, combination therapies, biomarker identification, and cost considerations. Collaboration is crucial for transforming these insights into impactful clinical interventions, heralding the era of personalized and precision medicine for PM.

Keywords: Pleural mesothelioma; Precision medicine; Targeted treatments.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Biomarkers, Tumor / genetics
  • Biomarkers, Tumor / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors / therapeutic use
  • Mesothelioma* / drug therapy
  • Mesothelioma* / genetics
  • Mesothelioma* / metabolism
  • Mesothelioma* / pathology
  • Mesothelioma, Malignant / drug therapy
  • Mesothelioma, Malignant / genetics
  • Mesothelioma, Malignant / pathology
  • Molecular Targeted Therapy* / methods
  • Pleural Neoplasms* / drug therapy
  • Pleural Neoplasms* / genetics
  • Pleural Neoplasms* / pathology
  • Precision Medicine* / methods

Substances

  • Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors
  • Biomarkers, Tumor