Mesothelioma Support Treatment Options 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the standard first-line chemotherapy regimen for mesothelioma in the US?
- FOLFOX
- Cisplatin and pemetrexed (Correct answer)
- Tamoxifen and cyclophosphamide
- Carboplatin and paclitaxel
Correct answer: Cisplatin and pemetrexed
The combination of cisplatin and pemetrexed (Alimta) is the FDA-approved first-line chemotherapy for unresectable pleural mesothelioma.
Question 2: What surgical procedure involves removing the affected lung and surrounding tissue in pleural mesothelioma?
- Pleurectomy/decortication
- Pneumonectomy
- Extrapleural pneumonectomy (Correct answer)
- Lobectomy
Correct answer: Extrapleural pneumonectomy
Extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP) removes the entire lung, pleura, diaphragm, and pericardium on the affected side.
Question 3: What does 'pleurectomy/decortication' (P/D) surgery accomplish?
- Removes the entire lung
- Removes the pleura while preserving the lung (Correct answer)
- Drains fluid from the pleural cavity
- Places a port for chemotherapy
Correct answer: Removes the pleura while preserving the lung
P/D removes the pleural lining and visible tumors while sparing the lung, offering a less radical option than EPP.
Question 4: Which immunotherapy drug combination was FDA-approved for mesothelioma in 2020?
- Pembrolizumab + ipilimumab
- Nivolumab + ipilimumab (Correct answer)
- Atezolizumab + bevacizumab
- Durvalumab + tremelimumab
Correct answer: Nivolumab + ipilimumab
Nivolumab (Opdivo) plus ipilimumab (Yervoy) received FDA approval in 2020 as a first-line treatment for unresectable mesothelioma.
Question 5: What is the purpose of palliative treatment in mesothelioma?
- To cure the cancer
- To relieve symptoms and improve quality of life (Correct answer)
- To shrink tumors before surgery
- To prevent cancer recurrence
Correct answer: To relieve symptoms and improve quality of life
Palliative treatment focuses on relieving symptoms, managing pain, and improving quality of life rather than curing the disease.
Question 6: What is a 'clinical trial' in the context of mesothelioma treatment?
- A legal hearing about asbestos exposure
- A research study testing new treatments on patients (Correct answer)
- A review of a doctor's medical license
- A second opinion from another oncologist
Correct answer: A research study testing new treatments on patients
Clinical trials are research studies that evaluate new treatments, drug combinations, or procedures for safety and effectiveness.
Mesothelioma Support Treatment Options 1
What is the standard first-line chemotherapy regimen for mesothelioma in the US?