Insight

Jan 25, 2025, 09:31

Prof. Cosimo Lequaglie at BGICC 17th: Insights from the MARS (Mesothelioma and Radical Surgery) Trial

At the BGICC 2025 (Breast-Gynecological & Immuno-oncology International Cancer Conference), Prof. Cosimo Lequaglie shared valuable insights into the management of malignant pleural mesothelioma, highlighting findings from the MARS (Mesothelioma and Radical Surgery) trial and its implications for future clinical practice.

Key Highlights of Prof. Lequaglie’s Talk:

1. MARS Trial Overview:

The MARS trial investigated the role of extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP) versus non-surgical management in patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma.
Results emphasized the challenges and limitations of EPP, with survival outcomes showing no significant benefit over non-surgical approaches in most cases.

2. Survival Outcomes and Prognostic Factors:

Median survival for patients undergoing aggressive surgical treatment was compared to those receiving less invasive modalities.
Factors like patient selection, tumor stage (N0 vs. N1), and post-treatment complications significantly influenced long-term survival.

3. Importance of Multimodality Treatment:

The discussion highlighted the need for combining surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy in selected cases, emphasizing individualized treatment plans based on patient profiles and tumor characteristics.

4. Complications and Long-Term Data:

Prof. Lequaglie discussed the importance of balancing aggressive treatment with quality of life, pointing to postoperative complications and the necessity for careful patient selection.
Data showed that long-term survival remains a challenge, with only a small subset of patients achieving five-year survival rates.

5. Future Directions:

The talk emphasized the need for larger-scale, multicenter trials to further evaluate the role of surgery in mesothelioma.
Emerging therapies, including targeted approaches and immunotherapy, were also highlighted as potential complements to surgical management.

Conclusion:

At the 17th BGICC Prof. Lequaglie underscored the complexity of managing malignant pleural mesothelioma, advocating for a multidisciplinary approach. The findings from the MARS trial serve as a critical reminder of the importance of evidence-based decision-making in this rare but aggressive cancer type. Continued research and international collaboration are essential to improve outcomes for mesothelioma patients.

This presentation at BGICC 17 provided valuable knowledge to clinicians, researchers, and oncologists, fostering discussions on optimizing treatment strategies for this challenging disease.