Mesothelioma: Risk Factors, Treatment and Prognosis

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer in which tumors form in the tissue that lines the lungs, heart, stomach, and other organs. While mesothelioma is relatively rare, it represents a serious health crisis as the disease is aggressive and often fatal. This book includes five chapters that detail the treatment and prognosis of the disease as well as the factors that put a person at risk for developing mesothelioma. Chapter One describes the most promising emerging immunotherapy combinations for the treatment of malignant pleural mesothelioma, discussing the biological rational underlying their development as well as the issues surrounding their clinical development. Chapter Two provides an overview of malignant mesothelioma, describing the history of its diagnosis and treatment as well as the role that asbestos exposure and other factors play in its development. Chapter Three revises the role of the main inflammatory and immunological markers as prognostic indicators in malignant pleural mesothelioma and discusses the surgical effects on immune response against cancer. Chapter Four explores the main cancer markers utilized for mesothelioma diagnosis as well as the new developments in the field. Lastly, Chapter Five examines the various surgical options available for removing pleural tumors.