Current Oncology

Our medical research library holds 10 studies published in Current Oncology (2007–2026). Each entry links to the study's record on PubMed and, where there is one, to the publisher's page and a free full text. 10 have an abstract, the authors' own summary as PubMed records it: open "Abstract" to read it.

About the journal

• Publisher: MDPI
• Published: 1994 to the present, Switzerland
• Language: English
• ISSN: 1198-0052 (print), 1718-7729 (electronic)
• Its record in the NLM Catalog

2020s

• Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma: Efficacy, Real-World Outcomes, and the Search for Predictive Biomarkers. G. Bondì, S. Martella, D. Stylianakis, et al. 2026;33(2). Review PubMed · Publisher · Free full text

  Abstract

  Immunotherapy has significantly reshaped the management of malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM), offering new therapeutic opportunities after decades in which platinum-pemetrexed chemotherapy represented the only systemic option. However, clinical benefit remains markedly heterogeneous, with outcomes strongly influenced by histologic subtype, patient characteristics, and real-world treatment conditions. Evidence from monotherapy trials has been inconsistent, whereas combination approaches-particularly nivolumab plus ipilimumab-have demonstrated improved survival compared with chemotherapy, mainly in non-epithelioid tumors. Nevertheless, real-world data consistently show lower efficacy and higher toxicity than registrational studies, especially among elderly and unselected populations. Recent translational work has highlighted the relevance of the tumor microenvironment and recurrent genomic alterations such as BAP1, NF2, and CDKN2A in shaping immune activity and potentially modulating response to immune checkpoint inhibitors. Transcriptomic signatures and circulating biomarkers-including soluble mesothelin-related peptide-have shown prognostic associations but no validated predictive value. Overall, current evidence suggests that sensitivity to immunotherapy in MPM arises from a complex interplay of genomic, immunologic, and clinical factors, and that no biomarker is yet suitable for guiding treatment decisions. Prospective studies integrating molecular and immune profiling will be essential to refine patient selection and advance toward a more rationally personalized use of immunotherapy.

• Management of Peritoneal Metastasis in Patients with Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma. G. Wu, O.J. Standring, D.A. King, et al. 2025;32(2). Review PubMed · Publisher · Free full text

  Abstract

  The peritoneum is the second most common site of metastasis in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Up to half of all patients that undergo curative-intent resection eventually develop peritoneal metastasis (PM), which accounts for significant morbidity and drives mortality. Despite recent advances in management, PM is associated with very poor prognosis, which is often measured in weeks to months. Clinical manifestations including bowel obstruction, ascites, and urinary obstruction have profound impact on quality of life. Even with relatively advanced disease, PM often remains occult on imaging and thus tend to be underdiagnosed and understudied. Many patients with peritoneal-only PM are excluded from clinical trials because response cannot be measured by standard radiographic criteria. Furthermore, as patients with PM are not eligible for surgical resection and low-volume peritoneal disease is often not amenable to percutaneous biopsy, tissue samples for peritoneal-specific translational studies are limited. Intraperitoneal therapeutics have been proposed as an attractive option for PM, as better penetration of tumor tissue can be achieved with less systemic toxicity compared with intravenous chemotherapy. Heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC), typically combined with cytoreductive surgery (CRS), is an option for select patients with PM from gynecologic or gastrointestinal primary, and for patients with primary peritoneal mesothelioma. However, the incorporation of locoregional therapy for PM in patients with PDAC has been poorly studied given the aggressive nature of pancreatic cancer and overall poor prognosis. With recent advances in existing treatment options, there may be a subset of patients who may derive benefits from locoregional control with cytoreduction and/or intraperitoneal chemotherapy. Critically, additional work is needed to determine PM-favorable clinical and tumoral predictive biomarkers to identify patients who may benefit from a more aggressive approach. We describe the current state of management of patients with peritoneal metastasis from PDAC and review the available data exploring peritoneal-directed therapy with cytoreductive surgery and/or intraperitoneal chemotherapy.

• Diagnosis of Pleural Mesothelioma: Is Everything Solved at the Present Time?. E. Roca, A. Aujayeb, P. Astoul. 2024;31(9):4968-4983. Review PubMed · Publisher · Free full text

  Abstract

  Ranked high in worldwide growing health issues, pleural diseases affect approximately one million people globally per year and are often correlated with a poor prognosis. Among these pleural diseases, malignant pleural mesothelioma (PM), a neoplastic disease mainly due to asbestos exposure, still remains a diagnostic challenge. Timely diagnosis is imperative to define the most suitable therapeutic approach for the patient, but the choice of diagnostic modalities depends on operator experience and local facilities while bearing in mind the yield of each diagnostic procedure. Since the analysis of pleural fluid cytology is not sufficient in differentiating historical features in PM, histopathological and morphological features obtained via tissue biopsies are fundamental. The quality of biopsy samples is crucial and often requires highly qualified expertise. Since adequate tissue biopsy is essential, medical or video-assisted thoracoscopy (MT or VATS) is proposed as the most suitable approach, with the former being a physician-led procedure. Indeed, MT is the diagnostic gold standard for malignant pleural pathologies. Moreover, this medical or surgical approach can allow diagnostic and therapeutic procedures: it provides the possibility of video-assisted biopsies, the drainage of high volumes of pleural fluid and the administration of sterile calibrated talcum powder under visual control in order to achieve pleurodesis, placement of indwelling pleural catheters if required and in a near future potential intrapleural therapy. In this context, dedicated diagnostic pathways remain a crucial need, especially to quickly and properly diagnose PM. Lastly, the interdisciplinary approach and multidisciplinary collaboration should always be implemented in order to direct the patient to the best customised diagnostic and therapeutic pathway. At the present time, the diagnosis of PM remains an unsolved problem despite MDT (multidisciplinary team) meetings, mainly because of the lack of standardised diagnostic work-up. This review aims to provide an overview of diagnostic procedures in order to propose a clear strategy.

• Involvement of Palliative Care in Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma Patients and Associations with Survival and End-of-Life Outcomes. A. Baird, A. Nasser, P. Tanuseputro, et al. 2024;31(2):1028-1034. PubMed · Publisher · Free full text

  Abstract

  Malignant pleural mesothelioma is a rare, aggressive, and incurable cancer with a poor prognosis and high symptom burden. For these patients, little is known about the impact of palliative care consultation on outcomes such as mortality, hospital admissions, or emergency department visits. The aim of this study is to determine if referral to supportive and palliative care in patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma is associated with survival and decreased hospital admissions and emergency department visits. This is a retrospective chart review. Study participants include all malignant pleural mesothelioma patients seen at The Ottawa Hospital-an acute care tertiary center-between January 2002 and March 2019. In total, 223 patients were included in the study. The mean age at diagnosis was 72.4 years and 82.5% were male. Of the patients diagnosed between 2002 and 2010, only 11 (9.6%) were referred to palliative care. By comparison, of those diagnosed between 2011 and 2019, 49 (45.4%) were referred to palliative care. Median time from diagnosis to referral was 4.1 months. There was no significant difference in the median survival of patients referred for palliative care compared to those who did not receive palliative care (p = 0.46). We found no association between receiving palliative care and the mean number of hospital admissions (1.04 vs. 0.91) from diagnosis to death, and an increase in mean number of emergency department visits in the palliative care group (2.30 vs. 1.18). Although there was increased utilization of palliative care services, more than half of the MPM patients did not receive palliative care despite their limited survival. There was an increase in emergency department visits in the palliative care group; this may represent an increase in the symptom burden (i.e., indication bias) in those referred to palliative care.

• Rehabilitation for Functioning and Quality of Life in Patients with Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma: A Scoping Review. L. Lippi, A. de Sire, V. Aprile, et al. 2024;31(8):4318-4337. PubMed · Publisher · Free full text

  Abstract

  Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) represents a significant clinical challenge due to limited therapeutic options and poor prognosis. Beyond mere survivorship, setting up an effective framework to improve functioning and quality of life is an urgent need in the comprehensive management of MPM patients. Therefore, this study aims to review the current understanding of MPM sequelae and the effectiveness of rehabilitative interventions in the holistic approach to MPM. A narrative review was conducted to summarize MPM sequelae and their impact on functioning, disability, and quality of life, focusing on rehabilitation interventions in MPM management and highlighting gaps in knowledge and areas for further investigation. Our findings showed that MPM patients experience debilitating symptoms, including fatigue, dyspnea, pain, and reduced exercise tolerance, decreasing quality of life. Supportive and rehabilitative interventions, including pulmonary rehabilitation, physical exercise improvement, psychological support, pain management, and nutritional supplementation, seem promising approaches in relieving symptoms and improving quality of life but require further research. These programs emphasize the pivotal synergy among patient-tailored plans, multidisciplinary team involvement, and disease-specific focus. Despite advancements in therapeutic management, MPM remains a challenging disease with limited effective interventions that should be adapted to disease progressions. Rehabilitative strategies are essential to mitigate symptoms and improve the quality of life in MPM patients. Further research is needed to establish evidence-based guidelines for rehabilitative interventions tailored to the unique needs of MPM patients.

• Multi-Institutional Patterns of Use of Tumor-Treating Fields for Patients with Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma. T. Kutuk, J.M. Walker, M.T. Ballo, et al. 2023;30(6):5195-5200. PubMed · Publisher · Free full text

  Abstract

  (1) Background: The objective of this analysis was to evaluate the device usage rates and patterns of use regarding Tumor-Treating Fields (TTFields) for patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) throughout the US. (2) Methods: We evaluated de-identified data from 33 patients with MPM enrolled in FDA-required HDE protocols at 14 institutions across the US from September 2019 to March 2022. (3) Results: The median number of total TTFields usage days was 72 (range: 6-649 days), and the total treatment duration was 160 months for all patients. A low usage rate (defined as less than 6 h per day, 25%) was observed in 34 (21.2%) months. The median TTFields usage in the first 3 months was 12 h per day (range: 1.9-21.6 h), representing 50% (range: 8-90%) of the potential daily duration. The median TTFields usage after 3 months decreased to 9.1 h per day (range: 3.1-17 h), representing 38% (range: 13-71%) of the daily duration, and was lower than usage in the first 3 months (p = 0.01). (4) Conclusions: This study represents the first multicenter analysis of real-world TTFields usage based on usage patterns for MPM patients in clinical practice. The real-world usage level was lower than the suggested daily usage. Further initiatives and guidelines should be developed to evaluate the impact of this finding on tumor control.

• Extra-Pleural Pneumonectomy (EPP) in Children and Adults with Locally Advanced Sarcoma: A CanSaRCC Study. C. Rodrigues, H. Peretz Soroka, A. Pierro, et al. 2022;29(6):4260-4266. PubMed · Publisher · Free full text

  Abstract

  Sarcoma can present as locally advanced disease involving pleura for which extra-pleural pneumonectomy (EPP) may be the only surgical option to ensure adequate local control. Data were collected on patients who underwent EPP between January 2009 and August 2021 at Princess Margret Hospital and SickKids (Toronto) using the CanSaRCC (Canadian Sarcoma Research and Clinical Collaboration). Ten patients with locally advanced sarcoma involving the pleura, aged 4 to 59 years (median 19.5 years) underwent EPP. Nine (90%) received pre-operative chemotherapy and eight (80%) achieved an R0 resection. Hemithoracic radiation was administered preoperatively (n = 6, 60%) or postoperatively (n = 4, 40%). Five (50%) patients were alive without disease at last follow-up (median 34.2 months) and time from EPP to last FU was median 29.2 months (range 2.2-87.5). Two patients (20%) had local recurrence, 4.3 and 5.8 months from EPP, and both died from progressive disease, 13.1 and 8.2 months from EPP, respectively. One patient died from brain metastasis (17 months), one died from radiation associated osteosarcoma (66 months), and one died from surgical complications (heart failure from constrictive pericarditis). EPP offers a feasible and life-prolonging surgical consideration for patients with locally advanced sarcoma involving the pleura in combination with chemotherapy and radiation. Consequently, EPP should be considered during multi-disciplinary tumor board discussions at high-volume centers.

• The Role of Immunotherapy in the Treatment of Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma. S. Banerji, D.E. Meyers, C. Harlos, et al. 2021;28(6):4542-4551. Review PubMed · Publisher · Free full text

  Abstract

  Malignant pleural mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive malignancy arising from mesothelial cells that line the serous membranes of the body. Cytotoxic chemotherapy has been a mainstay of therapy, resulting in a modest improvement in overall survival, but toxicity limits the eligible patient population. Few targeted agents beyond bevacizumab have demonstrated superior efficacy compared to placebos. With an improved understanding of the relationship between the immune system and cancer progression, immunotherapies are playing a greater role in the treatment of many cancers. Several early- and late-phase trials in malignant pleural mesothelioma, including assessments of the first-line efficacy of combination ipilimumab/nivolumab treatment, have now demonstrated promising results for both immune checkpoint inhibition and cell-based therapies. These immune therapies are likely to play a central role in the treatment of this disease going forward.

• Indications for hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy with cytoreductive surgery: a clinical practice guideline. R.C. Auer, D. Sivajohanathan, J. Biagi, et al. 2020;27(3):146-154. PubMed · Publisher · Free full text

  Abstract

  Objective: The purpose of the present review was to provide evidence-based guidance about the provision of cytoreductive surgery (crs) with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (hipec) in the treatment of peritoneal cancers.

  Methods: The guideline was developed by the Program in Evidence-Based Care together with the Surgical Oncology Program at Ontario Health (Cancer Care Ontario) through a systematic review of relevant literature, patient- and caregiver-specific consultation, and internal and external reviews.

  Results: Recommendation 1a: For patients with newly diagnosed stage iii primary epithelial ovarian or fallopian tube carcinoma, or primary peritoneal carcinoma, hipec should be considered for those with at least stable disease after neoadjuvant chemotherapy at the time that interval crs (if complete) or optimal cytoreduction is achieved. Recommendation 1b: There is insufficient evidence to recommend the addition of hipec when primary crs is performed for patients with newly diagnosed advanced primary epithelial ovarian or fallopian tube carcinoma, or primary peritoneal carcinoma, outside of a clinical trial. Recommendation 2: There is insufficient evidence to recommend hipec with crs in patients with recurrent ovarian cancer outside the context of a clinical trial. Recommendation 3: There is insufficient evidence to recommend hipec with crs in patients with peritoneal colorectal carcinomatosis outside the context of a clinical trial. Recommendation 4: There is insufficient evidence to recommend hipec with crs for the prevention of peritoneal carcinomatosis in colorectal cancer outside the context of a clinical trial; however, hipec using oxaliplatin is not recommended. Recommendation 5: There is insufficient evidence to recommend hipec with crs for the treatment of gastric peritoneal carcinomatosis outside the context of a clinical trial. Recommendation 6: There is insufficient evidence to recommend hipec with crs for the prevention of gastric peritoneal carcinomatosis outside the context of a clinical trial. Recommendation 7: There is insufficient evidence to recommend hipec with crs as a standard of care in patients with malignant peritoneal mesothelioma; however, patients should be referred to hipec specialty centres for assessment for treatment as part of an ongoing research protocol. Recommendation 8: There is insufficient evidence to recommend hipec with crs as a standard of care in patients with disseminated mucinous neoplasm in the appendix; however, patients should be referred to hipec specialty centres for assessment for treatment as part of an ongoing research protocol.

  2020 Multimed Inc.

2000s

• Phase II testing of sunitinib: the National Cancer Institute of Canada Clinical Trials Group IND Program Trials IND.182-185. R. Buckstein, R.M. Meyer, L. Seymour, et al. 2007;14(4):154-61. PubMed · Publisher · Free full text

  Abstract

  Sunitinib (SU11248) is an orally bioavailable inhibitor that affects the receptor tyrosine kinases involved in tumour proliferation and angiogenesis, including vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptors 1, 2, 3, and platelet-derived growth factor receptors alpha (PDGFRA) and beta (PDGFRB). Because angiogenesis is necessary for the growth and metastasis of solid tumours, and VEGF is believed to have a pivotal role in that process, SUNITINIB treatment may have broad-spectrum clinical utility. In the present article, we discuss the biologic and clinical rationales that have recently led the Investigational New Drug Program of the National Cancer Institute of Canada Clinical Trials Group to initiate four phase ii trials testing this agent in the following four different tumour types: relapsed diffuse large cell lymphoma, malignant pleural mesothelioma, locally advanced or metastatic cervical cancer and recurrent epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube, or primary peritoneal carcinoma.

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