2018 Update on Mesothelioma Diagnosis, Staging and Treatment Guidelines

Marcelo Luiz Balancin^1*, Alexandre Muxfeldt Ab’Saber^2,3, Vanessa Martins¹ & Vera Luiza Capelozzi¹

¹Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of São Paulo, Brazil
²Pathology Division, Clinics Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, University of São Paulo, Brazil
³Oncocentro Foundation, São Paulo, Brazil

Marcelo Luiz Balancin, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of São Paulo, Brazil.

Keywords: Immunotherapy; Malignant Tumor; Mesothelioma; Asbestos Exposition; Lymphoma

Abstract

Malignant Mesothelioma (MM) is a low incidence, highly fatal neoplastic conditions, that affects serous membranes, mainly associated with asbestos exposure. As an occupational disease, it does not spare neither workforce nor near mining areas inhabitants, as a consequence of direct exposure to asbestos-fibers. Symptoms develop late after exposure, from a twenty to forty years’ latency interval, usually diagnosed at a late stage, and can be considered a Global Health issue, as incidence is increasing worldwide due to increased industrial demand of asbestos fibers. In the last two years, new guidelines on diagnostics, treatment, follow-up and staging have been issued and will be addressed in this review, including the latest concepts, histopathologic diagnostic criteria and guidelines, molecular aspects, treatment updates and new potential drug targets, including immunotherapy.

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