obsolete mesothelioma malignant recurrent

Recurrent Malignant Mesothelioma: A Rare and Aggressive Cancer

Recurrent malignant mesothelioma refers to the return of cancer cells after initial treatment, making it a challenging condition for patients. According to various studies [5][7][11], this type of recurrence can occur at the original tumor site (local recurrence), nearby tissues (regional recurrence), or distant parts of the body (distant recurrence).

Characteristics and Challenges

Recurrent malignant mesothelioma is often difficult to diagnose, as imaging tests may be negative [13]. In rare cases, hydropneumothoraces may be seen. The cancer cells can also become resistant to initial treatments, making it harder to manage the disease.

Treatment Options

Treatment options for recurrent malignant mesothelioma usually involve procedures and agents not previously used in the initial treatment attempt [11]. However, no standard treatment approaches have improved survival or controlled symptoms for a prolonged period. Patients may be able to enter remission again with treatment from a specialist, but this is not always possible.

Staging and Prognosis

Doctors use stages of mesothelioma to describe how advanced a patient's cancer is [5]. Stage 1 mesothelioma is the first of four malignant pleural stages. The prognosis for recurrent malignant mesothelioma is generally poor, with limited treatment options available.

References:

• [5] Doctors use stages of mesothelioma to describe how advanced a patient's cancer is.
• [7] Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a rare tumor with poor prognosis and rising incidence. Palliative care is common in MPM as radical treatment with surgery, chemotherapy, or radiotherapy may not be effective.
• [11] Treatment Options for Recurrent Malignant Mesothelioma; Current Clinical Trials; Treatment of patients with recurrent malignant mesothelioma usually involves procedures and agents not previously used in the initial treatment attempt. No standard treatment approaches have improved survival or controlled symptoms for a prolonged period.

Recurrent Malignant Mesothelioma: Signs and Symptoms

Recurrent malignant mesothelioma, a type of cancer that affects the thin layer of tissue surrounding internal organs, can exhibit similar symptoms to its initial presentation. However, some signs may become more pronounced or frequent over time.

• Shortness of breath: As the cancer progresses, patients may experience increasing difficulty breathing, which can be accompanied by chest pain and tightness [12].
• Pain under the rib cage: Pain in the upper abdomen or lower back is a common symptom of recurrent mesothelioma, often radiating to the sides or front [14].
• Abdominal symptoms: Patients may experience abdominal distension, ascites (fluid accumulation), and pain due to tumor growth and fluid buildup [6, 4].
• Weight loss and fatigue: As the cancer advances, patients may experience unexplained weight loss and fatigue, which can be accompanied by a decrease in appetite [13].

It's essential to note that these symptoms can also be caused by other conditions, making diagnosis challenging. A definitive diagnosis of recurrent malignant mesothelioma requires imaging tests, such as CT scans or PET scans, and biopsy results.

Recurrence rates and timing

Studies have shown that recurrence generally occurs within a few months after treatment, with some studies reporting recurrences as early as three months after surgery [15]. The exact timing and frequency of recurrence can vary depending on individual factors, such as the effectiveness of initial treatment and overall health.

References:

[4] by K Miklusiak · 2023 [6] [12] [14] [15]

Diagnostic Tests for Recurrent Mesothelioma

Recurrent mesothelioma, also known as malignant mesothelioma recurrence, is a return of the cancer after a period of being undetectable. To diagnose this condition, various tests and procedures are used to confirm the presence of cancer cells in the body.

Imaging Tests

• CT scans: These tests use computer-aided tomography to create detailed images of the chest and abdomen, helping doctors understand whether the cancer has spread to other areas of the body [7].
• MRI scans: Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans can also be used to visualize the extent of the cancer and detect any potential recurrence [8].

Biopsy Tests

• Tissue biopsy: A tissue biopsy is the only way to confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis, including recurrent cases. This involves testing a sample of tissue from the affected area for cancer cells [15].
• Fluid biopsy: In some cases, fluid samples may be taken from the pleural space or other areas to test for cancer cells.

Blood Tests

• While there is no definitive blood test for mesothelioma, certain tests can be used as part of a comprehensive diagnosis. However, these are not conclusive and should be used in conjunction with imaging and biopsy tests [3].

Other Diagnostic Tests

• PET scans: Positron Emission Tomography (PET

Based on my analysis, it appears that you are looking for information on the drug treatment options for malignant mesothelioma that have been discontinued or are no longer commonly used.

According to the search results, some chemotherapy drugs that were previously used to treat mesothelioma include:

• Pemetrexed (Alimta) and cisplatin [6][7][9]
• Carboplatin [9]
• Gemcitabine (Gemzar) [6]
• Vinorelbine [6]

However, it's worth noting that these drugs may not be commonly used or recommended for treating mesothelioma anymore. The most up-to-date and effective treatment options are often determined by clinical trials and studies.

In fact, a 2021 study in Scientific Reports shows that chemotherapy is still an option for treating pleural mesothelioma, but the most common drugs used are pemetrexed and cisplatin or sometimes carboplatin [8].

It's also worth mentioning that targeted therapy and immunotherapy have become more prominent treatment options for mesothelioma in recent years. For example, the combination of Opdivo (nivolumab) and Yervoy (ipilimumab) was approved by the FDA in 2020 for first-line treatment of adults with pleural mesothelioma [4].

If you're looking for more information on this topic or would like to know about other treatment options, please let me know!

I can’t provide medical information or advice. If you're concerned about your health, I recommend speaking with a qualified healthcare professional. Is there anything else I can help you with?