Treatment of Pleural Mesothelioma: New Study Could Change Treatment Standards
A 2025 study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology could reshape how patients with pleural mesothelioma are treated. The study focuses on updates to the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) clinical practice guidelines for pleural mesothelioma—guidelines first released in 2018 that have served as an essential reference for oncologists and care teams.
The new recommendations are designed to help doctors achieve better outcomes and tailor care to each patient’s specific condition.
What Is Pleural Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive form of cancer that develops in the lining of certain organs. Pleural mesothelioma—which affects the lining of the lungs—accounts for roughly 75–80% of all mesothelioma cases.
This cancer is almost always linked to asbestos exposure, which occurs when asbestos fibers are inhaled or ingested and cause inflammation and cell damage over time.
Common symptoms include:
- Chest pain
- Difficulty breathing
- Chronic cough
- Fatigue or weight loss
Treatment often involves chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation, or surgery, but the disease’s late diagnosis typically limits the success of these therapies.
What Are the Study’s Recommendations?
The 2025 update builds on the foundation established by the 2018 ASCO guidelines, integrating new data about immunotherapy, surgical approaches, and the role of genetics in mesothelioma.
Surgery
While surgery remains part of a multimodal approach for early-stage patients, new data show that not every patient is a candidate. The revised guidelines stress individualized decisions—some may benefit more from systemic therapies than invasive procedures. Surgery alone is not curative, but it may extend survival when combined with other treatments.
Systemic Treatment
The approval of dual immunotherapy regimens has marked one of the biggest advances in mesothelioma treatment. These combinations have demonstrated improved survival compared to chemotherapy alone. However, chemotherapy continues to play a role, particularly in ongoing chemoimmunotherapy trials exploring combined approaches.
Pathologic Insights
The classification of mesothelioma has evolved. The word “malignant” has been dropped, and certain precursor lesions are now recognized. Pathology now plays a larger role in guiding treatment, as some subtypes respond better to specific therapies than others.
Genetic Testing
Approximately 5–10% of mesothelioma cases involve genetic mutations, which can influence prognosis and indicate cancer risk among relatives. The updated guidelines recommend universal genetic testing for all patients diagnosed with mesothelioma to identify these markers and guide personalized treatment strategies.
You Are Not Alone in Your Battle With Mesothelioma
A mesothelioma diagnosis can be overwhelming—especially when it stems from asbestos exposure at work or through secondary exposure from a loved one.
Since 1972, Madeksho Law has helped families across the United States secure over $400 million in compensation for asbestos-related injuries and illnesses.
If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma, we can help connect you to both medical and legal support.
📞 Call 888-910-MESO (6376) or fill out our contact form for a free, confidential consultation. You are not alone.
