Improved Outcomes with Modern Lung-Sparing Trimodality Therapy in Patients with Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma.

Journal of Thoracic Oncology 2017 March [Epub ahead of print] [Link]

Shaikh F, Zauderer MG, von Reibnitz D, Wu AJ, Yorke ED, Foster A, Shi W, Zhang Z, Adusumilli PS, Rosenzweig KE, Krug LM, Rusch VW, Rimner A

Abstract

INTRODUCTION:
Higher target conformity and better sparing of organs at risk with modern radiotherapy (RT) may result in higher tumor control and less toxicities. In this study, we compare our institutional multimodality therapy experience of adjuvant chemotherapy and hemithoracic intensity-modulated pleural RT (IMPRINT) to previously used adjuvant conventional RT (CONV) in patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) treated with lung-sparing pleurectomy/decortication (P/D).
METHODS:
We analyzed 209 patients who underwent P/D and adjuvant RT (n[CONV]=131, n[IMPRINT]=78) for MPM between 1974 and 2015. The primary endpoint was overall survival (OS). The Kaplan-Meier method and Cox proportional hazards model were used to calculate OS; competing risks analysis was performed for local failure-free (LFFS) and progression-free survival (PFS). Univariate (UVA) and multivariate analysis (MVA) was performed with relevant clinical and treatment factors.
RESULTS:
The median age was 64 years, 80% were male. Patients receiving IMPRINT had significantly higher rates of epithelial histology, advanced pStage and chemotherapy treatment. OS was significantly higher after IMPRINT (median 20.2 vs 12.3 months, p=0.001). Higher Karnofsky performance score (KPS), epithelioid histology, macroscopically complete resection (MCR), and use of chemotherapy/IMPRINT were found to be significant factors for longer OS upon MVA. No significant predictive factors were identified for local failure or progression. Fewer patients developed grade ≥2 esophagitis after IMPRINT compared to CONV (23% vs 47%).
CONCLUSIONS:
Trimodality therapy including adjuvant hemithoracic IMPRINT, chemotherapy, and P/D is associated with promising OS rates and decreased toxicities in patients with MPM. Dose constraints should be applied vigilantly to minimize serious adverse events.