Future Oncology

Our medical research library holds 23 studies published in Future Oncology (2012–2025). 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. 20 have an abstract, the authors' own summary as PubMed records it: open "Abstract" to read it. For 1 study PubMed has no abstract for, we give the abstract printed in the article or, where there is none, a summary we wrote from it, each labeled as such.

About the journal

• Publisher: Taylor & Francis
• Published: 2005 to the present, England
• Language: English
• ISSN: 1479-6694 (print), 1744-8301 (electronic)
• Its record in the NLM Catalog

2020s

• Advancing real-world research in thoracic malignancies: learnings from the international I-O Optimise initiative. S.P. Johnsen, P. Baas, J.B. Sørensen, et al. 2025;21(7):867-878. Review PubMed · Publisher · Free full text

  Abstract

  In recent years, the thoracic malignancies treatment landscape has become more complex with the emergence of novel targeted and immunotherapy-based treatments. Although beneficial to patients and physicians, this fast-paced therapeutic evolution has increased the complexity of clinical decision-making and amplified the importance of real-world evidence to support data from randomized controlled trials. The international I-O Optimise initiative was established in 2016 to provide real-world insights into the thoracic malignancies treatment landscape, and has since collaborated with 14 data sources across Europe and Canada, allowing access to data from ~ 500,000 patients with non-small-cell lung cancer, small-cell lung cancer, and malignant pleural mesothelioma. This article reviews pertinent I-O Optimise research, with discussion of the methodological/data-related learnings and expectations for future insights.

• Addressing environmental pollution and cancer: the imperative of the 2030 agenda. R. Bonfiglio, M. Scimeca, A. Mauriello. 2023;19(34):2273-2276. Editorial PubMed · Publisher

2010s

• I-O Optimise: a novel multinational real-world research platform in thoracic malignancies. S. Ekman, F. Griesinger, P. Baas, et al. 2019;15(14):1551-1563. PubMed · Publisher

  Abstract

  Aim: To describe I-O Optimise, a multinational program providing real-world insights into lung cancer management. Materials & methods: Real-world data source selection for I-O Optimise followed a structured approach focused on population coverage, key variable capture, continuous/consistent data availability, record duration and data latency, and database expertise. Results: As of 31 October 2018, seven real-world data sources were included in I-O Optimise, providing data on characteristics, treatment patterns and clinical outcomes from more than 45,000 patients/year with non-small-cell lung cancer, small-cell lung cancer and mesothelioma across Denmark, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and the UK. Conclusion: The ongoing I-O Optimise initiative has the potential to provide a broad, robust and dynamic research platform to continually address numerous research objectives in the lung cancer arena.

• Fibulin-3 immunoexpression in malignant mesothelioma due to fluoro-edenite: a preliminary report. R. Caltabiano, C. Loreto, E. Vitale, et al. 2018;14(6s):53-57. PubMed · Publisher

  Abstract

  An increased standardized incidence and mortality rate were reported due to malignant mesothelioma (MM) in Biancavilla. Environmental investigations showed the presence of an asbestiform fiber: fluoro-edenite (FE). MM develops with a latency of 20-60 years from exposure and specific and sensitive biomarkers are urgently needed. For this purpose, we evaluated Fibulin-3 (Fb-3) immunoexpression in human cases of MM related to FE exposure and its prognostic role. Immunohistochemical analysis of Fb-3 was carried out in eight MM patients resident in Biancavilla and the analysis showed evidence of environmental exposure to FE fibers. Six MM cases (3 epithelioid and 3 biphasic) showed a high immunoexpression of Fb-3 in neoplastic cells with nuclear and cytoplasmic localization. One epithelioid and one biphasic subtype did not show Fb-3 immunostaining. The results demonstrate the implication of Fb-3 in MM due to FE exposure and may possibly suggest its potential role as a diagnostic and prognostic marker.

• Occupational exposure to fluoro-edenite and prevalence of anti-nuclear autoantibodies. V. Rapisarda, C. Loreto, S. Castorina, et al. 2018;14(6s):59-62. PubMed · Publisher

  Abstract

  An environmental contamination due to an asbestiform mineral fiber, fluoro-edenite (FE), caused a significantly increased mortality rate for malignant mesothelioma in Biancavilla, Italy. Exposure to fluoro-edenite has been associated with inflammatory processes as an early response to inhaled fibers. The aim was to explore prevalence of anti-nuclear autoantibodies (ANA) in a group of construction workers residing and working in the contaminated area. Prevalences for samples positive to ANA were 60% (n = 9) and 13% (n = 2), for exposed and nonexposed, respectively (p-value <0.05), the odds ratio was 9.75 (95% CI: 1.59-59.69). The significance of elevated ANAs in subjects exposed to fibers is unknown; additional studies may provide a better opportunity to establish a correlation between autoimmunity and environmental exposure.

• Single-institution experience of intensity-modulated radiotherapy for malignant pleural mesothelioma at University of Catania. C. Spatola, C. Militello, A. Tocco, et al. 2018;14(6s):17-21. PubMed · Publisher

  Abstract

  The multimodal approach to malignant pleural mesothelioma is gradually becoming the standard of care for this disease in patients with good performance status. Materials & methods: We report our experience concerning eight cases treated with the use of static step-and-shoot intensity-modulated radiotherapy to the whole pleural cavity, in patients already undergoing surgical and/or antiblastic therapy. Results & conclusion: Results at a median follow-up of 16 months showed a median survival from the initial treatment of 29 months, with lung toxicity of grade II reported only in two patients.

• A review of bevacizumab in the treatment of malignant pleural mesothelioma. S. Brosseau, S. Assoun, C. Naltet, et al. 2017;13(28):2537-2546. Review PubMed · Publisher

  Abstract

  Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is an aggressive cancer with poor prognosis. Systemic chemotherapy is the primary treatment modality for the majority of patients. VEGF plays a key mitogen for MPM cells physiopathology. Bevacizumab, a monoclonal anti-VEGF antibody, was a rational approach to be tested in MPM. Based on the results of the Phase III IFCT-0701 mesothelioma avastin cisplatin pemetrexed study, cisplatin-pemetrexed-bevacizumab is now the accepted standard in France. The National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines have also included this combination as an option for standard front-line therapy. This review summarized the efficacy and safety data of bevacizumab in the treatment of patients with MPM.

• Advances in systemic therapy for malignant mesothelioma: future perspectives. N. Sobhani, S.P. Corona, D. Bonazza, et al. 2017;13(23):2083-2101. Review PubMed · Publisher

  Abstract

  Malignant mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive form of cancer affecting the mesothelium. This mainly occupational disease is becoming more common in those countries where asbestos has been used for industrial applications. Notwithstanding the progress made in the field, patients do not survive more than 12 months on average with standard treatment. With the advent of next generation sequencing, it is now possible to study the mutational landscape of each tumor with the aim of identifying the genetic aberrations driving tumorigenesis. This review encompasses the latest research in the field, with particular attention to new chemotherapy combinatorial regimens, molecular targets and immunotherapies, providing a comprehensive picture of the current and future treatment options for malignant mesothelioma patients.

• Is immunotherapy a viable option in treating mesothelioma?. D.W. Dumoulin, J.G. Aerts, R. Cornelissen. 2017;13(20):1747-1750. Editorial PubMed · Publisher

  Summary

  This editorial, by authors at the Erasmus MC Cancer Institute in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, asked whether immunotherapy could be a viable option in mesothelioma. The authors analysed the steps of the immune response needed for effective tumor killing and reviewed published and ongoing trials at each step. They noted that cisplatinum/pemetrexed gave a survival benefit of 3 months in malignant pleural mesothelioma, and that adding bevacizumab gave nearly 3 more months. They described features that may limit immunotherapy in mesothelioma, including lower mutational load than non-small-cell lung cancer and an immune-suppressive tumor microenvironment. In a first dendritic cell vaccination trial in ten patients, nine showed a significant increase in peripheral blood mononuclear cells and four showed increased cytotoxic activity. A Phase III dendritic cell study (DENIM) with a planned enrollment of 230 patients was about to start. In the DETERMINE trial of 571 patients, tremelimumab gave no survival benefit. Keynote 28 (pembrolizumab) showed a disease control rate of 72%, an objective response rate of 20% and median overall survival of 18 months. NivoMes and JAVELIN showed disease control rates of about 50% and response rates of 28% and 9.4%. The authors also discussed CAR T cells, Listeria-based vaccines, macrophage inhibition and low-dose cyclophosphamide. They concluded that treatment should be tuned to the missing steps in the cancer immunity cycle, that combination treatment can be of added value, and that immunotherapy may prove viable for mesothelioma patients.

  PubMed has no abstract for this study, and the article doesn't print one. We wrote this summary from the full article with the help of AI. It is not the authors' wording.

• Early effects of fluoro-edenite: correlation between IL-18 serum levels and pleural and parenchymal abnormalities. C. Ledda, C. Loreto, S. Matera, et al. 2016;12(23s):59-62. PubMed · Publisher

  Abstract

  Fluoro-edenite (FE) is a natural mineral asbestos-like fibrous species first isolated in Biancavilla, Sicily. In order to clarify potential involvement of IL-18 in the pathogenesis of FE-induced chest abnormalities, we analyzed IL-18 serum levels in FE-exposed workers (FEEW) and correlated them with pleural and parenchymal abnormalities. A total of 21 FEEWs, residing in Biancavilla for >30 years, with a working seniority of 17 ± 6.1 years were examined. High-resolution computed tomography scans revealed low grade of fibrosis in 8 (38%) FEEWs, and pleural plaques (PPs) in 13 (62%) FEEWs. The mean IL-18 level was 203.13 ± 90.43 pg/ml. Pearson correlation showed a significant association (p < 0.0001) between IL-18 and PPs and parenchymal abnormality scores. Data suggest a potential role of IL-18 in the pathogenesis of these diseases.

• High risk of pleural plaques and parenchymal abnormalities in women living in Biancavilla (Italy). C. Ledda, C. Loreto, M. Bracci, et al. 2016;12(23s):63-65. PubMed · Publisher

  Abstract

  Fluoro-edenite is a natural mineral species first isolated in Biancavilla, Sicily, used for construction of houses and roads, with health effects allegedly the same as those of asbestos. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the risks of pleural plaques and parenchymal abnormalities in women living in Biancavilla through a retrospective cross-sectional study. The evaluation pointed out a relative risk of pleural plaques of 39.67 (95% CI: 11.33-138.82) and 27.67 (95% CI: 5.43-141.00) for parenchymal abnormalities as well. These findings have prompted urge to extend the screening on the possible abnormalities of the respiratory tract to all Biancavilla's population, particularly in those aged more than 30 years.

• Intensity-modulated radiotherapy for relapsed malignant pleural mesothelioma. C. Spatola, C. Militello, A. Tocco, et al. 2016;12(23s):67-71. Case report PubMed · Publisher

  Abstract

  The use of novel radiotherapy techniques is widely increasing, allowing clinicians to treat diseases that were previously difficult to treat with radiation therapy. Malignant pleural mesothelioma is a clear example of this clinical challenge. We describe our first experience with intensity-modulated radiotherapy technique which was used to treat a 73-year-old patient with multiple relapsing malignant pleural mesothelioma. Intensity-modulated radiation therapy has allowed to respect the QUANTEC (quantitative analyses of normal tissue effects in the clinic) dose constraints, patient has experienced a 14 months progression-free time, without relevant subacute or late lung toxicity.

• Biomarkers and prognostic factors for malignant pleural mesothelioma. P. Vigneri, F. Martorana, L. Manzella, et al. 2015;11(24 Suppl):29-33. Review PubMed · Publisher

  Abstract

  The increasing incidence and the dismal prognosis of malignant pleural mesothelioma calls for the identification of biomarkers that will allow a timely diagnosis; display prognostic value; and, predict the response to pharmacological agents employed for the treatment of the disease. Biomarkers associated with early diagnosis currently include mesothelin in combination with miRNA miR-103a-3p. As for prognostic biomarkers, the Cancer and Leukemia Group B (CALGB) and the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) scores take into account different hematological and clinical parameters that distinguish patients with good prognosis from those with inferior outcomes. Fluorodeoxyglucose-PET, microarray expression data, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratios, c-MET expression, Ki-67 ratios and fibulin-3 levels have also been associated with disease outcome. Finally, thymidylate synthase protein cutoffs may predict mesothelioma response to the association of pemetrexed with a platinum derivative.

• Cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intrapleural chemotherapy for malignant pleural diseases: preliminary experience. M. Migliore, D. Calvo, A. Criscione, et al. 2015;11(2 Suppl):47-52. PubMed · Publisher

  Abstract

  Cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic-intraoperative-intrapleural-chemotherapy (HITHOC) is a known approach for malignant pleural diseases (MPD). This study was started to clarify the role of cytoreductive surgery and HITHOC in MPD. Criteria of inclusion were early-stage disease in malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM), young age, good condition and selected stage-M1a lung cancer. Six patients with MPM and two patients with lung cancer were enrolled. After surgical debulking, intrapleural cisplatin was administered for 60 min at 42.5°C. Wedge, rib resection and repaired diaphragm were added in three, one and one patient, respectively. Morbidity, toxicity and mortality was nil. Hospital stay was 8 days. Mean survival is 13.6 months. This experience confirms that cytoreductive surgery and HITHOC is a good option in the treatment of MPD. A randomized controlled trial is necessary.

• Extrapleural pneumonectomy for malignant pleural mesothelioma: is this an operation that should now be consigned to history?. T. Treasure. 2015;11(24 Suppl):7-10. PubMed · Publisher

  Abstract

  In this paper, presented at the Second Mediterranean Conference in Thoracic Oncology, I argue that we can now set aside extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP) as a treatment for malignant pleural mesothelioma and consign it to the history of surgery. There is sufficient evidence to conclude that EPP offers neither survival benefit nor net gain in quality of life. Individual surgeons may believe that for individual patients they have something to offer with EPP, but the onus is on them to fully inform the patient of their reasons for advising them contrary to the evidence that applies in general for this operation in this disease.

• FBLN-3 as a biomarker of pleural plaques in workers occupationally exposed to carcinogenic fibers: a pilot study. V. Rapisarda, C. Ledda, M. Migliore, et al. 2015;11(24 Suppl):35-7. PubMed · Publisher

  Abstract

  FBLN-3 has recently been proposed as a biomarker for malignant mesothelioma. A significantly increased standardized mortality rate from malignant mesothelioma has been reported in Biancavilla, Italy. Its cause has been identified in environmental exposure to fluoro-edenite. The aim of this study was to seek a correlation between plasma FBLN-3 concentration and pleural plaques in subjects exposed to fluoro-edenite and in a nonexposed control group. Pleural plaques was never detected in the control group, whereas it was found in 52% of exposed subjects. Median FBLN-3 concentrations were 12.96 and 5.29 ng/ml in the exposed and the control group, respectively (p < 0.001). FBLN-3 plasma levels exhibited a high predictive value for the presence of pleural plaques.

• Is the patient with mesothelioma without hope?. A.P. Maat, R. Cornelissen, A.J. Bogers, et al. 2015;11(24 Suppl):11-4. PubMed · Publisher

  Abstract

  Hope is a very important mindset for malignant pleural mesothelioma patients as their cancer has a grim prognosis and limited therapeutic options. In this paper, we briefly discuss what hope means for a patient and how hope can help to cope with this disease. In addition, we discuss false hope. We also briefly touch on a few of the new therapies currently under development.

• Management of recurrence after initial surgery for malignant pleural mesothelioma: a mini-review. S. Halezeroğlu, M. Migliore. 2015;11(24 Suppl):23-7. Review PubMed · Publisher

  Abstract

  Recurrence after surgery in the multimodality therapy for malignant pleural mesothelioma is a common problem. As the majority of patients experience not only local but also distant metastases, a systemic treatment strategy in addition to local control measures remains necessary. Nevertheless, none of the chemotherapy regimens have achieved clinical success. Local management modalities such as stereotaxic treatments, cryoablation and redo surgery on the other hand have promising results, but provide palliative outcomes.

• Pleurectomy/decortication and hyperthermic intrapleural chemotherapy for malignant pleural mesothelioma: initial experience. M. Migliore, D. Calvo, A. Criscione, et al. 2015;11(24 Suppl):19-22. PubMed · Publisher

  Abstract

  Cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraoperative intrapleural chemotherapy (HITHOC) are a known option for malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM). This prospective study was started to prove that pleurectomy/decortication and HITHOC could be successfully performed in a low volume center. Criteria of inclusion were a proven diagnosis of MPM, early-stage disease and good performance status. Six consecutive patients were enrolled. After pleurectomy/decortication, intrapleural cisplatin was administered for 60 min at 42.5 °C. Wedge resections and diaphragmatic reconstruction were added in two and one patient, respectively. Morbidity was 16.6%. Mortality was nil. Hospital stay was 7.8 days. Mean survival was 21.5 months (range: 6-30). This small experience confirms that pleurectomy/decortication and HITHOC are a good therapeutic option in the multimodality treatment of MPM. A randomized controlled trial is necessary.

• The MesoVATS trial: is there a future for video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery partial pleurectomy?. R.C. Rintoul. 2015;11(24 Suppl):15-7. PubMed · Publisher

  Abstract

  Malignant pleural mesothelioma, a uniformly fatal cancer caused by prior asbestos exposure, places a major burden on society. The MesoVATS trial was a multicenter randomized controlled trial that examined the role of video-assisted thoracoscopic partial pleurectomy (VAT-PP) versus talc pleurodesis in patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma. Overall there was no difference in survival between VAT-PP and talc pleurodesis. VAT-PP resulted in more complications, longer hospital stay and was more expensive. However, there was some evidence that VAT-PP improved EQ5D measured quality of life after 6 months particularly in the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer low-risk subgroup. At present the future role of VAT-PP is uncertain and may merit further investigation but this should be within the context of clinical trials. VAT-PP may also have a role to play in the specific situation of trapped lung.

• The Second Mediterranean Symposium: considering mesothelioma from a local and international perspective. T. Treasure. 2015;11(24 Suppl):5-6. Editorial PubMed · Publisher

• Mdm2 protein expression is strongly associated with survival in malignant pleural mesothelioma. F.D. Mairinger, R.F. Walter, S. Ting, et al. 2014;10(6):995-1005. PubMed · Publisher

  Abstract

  Aims: TP53 mutations are extremely rare in malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM). In TP53 wild-type tumors, the functional p53 protein can be inactivated by MDM2.

  Materials & Methods: A total of 61 patient samples were tested for their Mdm2 and p53 protein expression levels via immunohistochemistry.

  Results: This study demonstrates nuclear Mdm2 expression in three out of four mesothelioma cell lines and 21.3% of the MPM specimens investigated. After silencing of the MDM2 gene by siRNA in MPM cell lines, Mdm2 immunoexpression is lost and cells show changes indicative of severe damage. Mdm2 protein expression in MPM is detected in epithelioid and biphasic subtypes only and is significantly associated with poor survival compared with Mdm2-negative tumors. This may be explained by increased Mdm2 levels possibly leading to an increased ubiquitilation and proteasomal degradation of functional p53 protein.

  Conclusion: Expression of Mdm2 is a strong prognostic factor associated with shortened overall survival in MPM.

• Systemic treatment of malignant pleural mesothelioma. F. Grosso, G.V. Scagliotti. 2012;8(3):293-305. Review PubMed · Publisher

  Abstract

  Malignant pleural mesothelioma is a rare malignancy with a dismal prognosis. The clinical management of most of the patients with this disease is quite challenging, and, overall, the therapeutic strategy has not yet benefited from the recent advances in molecular biology. Randomized evidence supports the use of cisplatin in combination with pemetrexed or raltitrexed as first-line treatments. In elderly patients with comorbidities cisplatin may be replaced by carboplatin because of a lesser burden of toxicities. The role of second-line chemotherapy is unproven, although pemetrexed can be regarded as the standard option in pemetrexed-naive patients and therapeutic rechallenge with pemetrexed may be considered in selected patients with prolonged disease control after first-line therapy. Targeted therapies failed to demonstrate any substantial activity; however, immunotherapies may complement other treatment strategies. In summary, there is an unmet clinical need and innovative approaches to select new potentially active drugs are highly warranted.

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