Thoracic Surgery Clinics

Our medical research library holds 15 studies published in Thoracic Surgery Clinics (2004–2020). 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. 15 have an abstract, the authors' own summary as PubMed records it: open "Abstract" to read it.

About the journal

• Publisher: Elsevier
• Published: 2004 to the present, United States
• Language: English
• ISSN: 1547-4127 (print), 1558-5069 (electronic)
• Continues: Chest Surgery Clinics of North America
• Its record in the NLM Catalog

2020s

• Extended Pleurectomy and Decortication for Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma. R.T. Ripley. 2020;30(4):451-460. Review PubMed · Publisher

  Abstract

  Extended pleurectomy and decortication (ePD) is a difficult operation performed for the surgical resection of malignant pleural mesothelioma that can achieve a macroscopic complete resection with preservation of the lung. With lower perioperative mortality, similar long-term survival, and better tolerance in patients with lower performance status, ePD has become the preferred operation rather than extrapleural pneumonectomy despite lack of a direct comparison. As ePD has become more popular, international collaboration is underway to create surgical guidelines based on collection of operative data. These efforts will improve the safety and standardization of this operation.

  Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

• Mesothelioma Biomarkers: Discovery in Search of Validation. H.I. Pass, M. Alimi, M. Carbone, et al. 2020;30(4):395-423. Review PubMed · Publisher

  Abstract

  Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is an asbestos-related neoplasm that can only be treated successfully when correctly diagnosed and treated early. The asbestos-exposed population is a high-risk group that could benefit from sensitive and specific blood- or tissue-based biomarkers. We review recent work with biomarker development in MPM and literature of the last 20 years on the most promising blood- and tissue-based biomarkers. Proteomic, genomic, and epigenomic platforms are covered. SMRP is the only validated blood-based biomarker with diagnostic, monitoring and prognostic value. To strengthen development and testing of MPM biomarkers, cohorts for validation must be established by enlisting worldwide collaborations.

  Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

• Preoperative Identification of Benefit from Surgery for Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma. I. Opitz, K. Furrer. 2020;30(4):435-449. Review PubMed · Publisher

  Abstract

  In the absence of standardized treatment algorithms for patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma, one of the main difficulties remains patient allocation to therapies with potential benefit. This article discusses clinical, radiologic, pathologic, and molecular prognostic factors as well as genetic background leading to preoperative identification of benefit from surgery, which have been investigated over the past years to simplify and at the same time specify patient selection for surgical treatment.

  Copyright © 2020 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

• Taken Together: Effective Multimodal Approaches for Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma. K.J. Song, R.M. Flores, A.S. Wolf. 2020;30(4):481-487. Review PubMed · Publisher

  Abstract

  Malignant pleural mesothelioma is an aggressive, deadly cancer often requiring input from multiple medical disciplines. Treatment has evolved over the last several decades with increasing evidence and ongoing advances in chemotherapy, radiation, and immunotherapy; however, no standard treatment regimen has yet been defined. Regardless of the overall strategy, surgery remains the foundation of treatment to remove macroscopic disease, and preservation of lung parenchyma via extended pleurectomy/decortication may be preferable to extrapleural pneumonectomy.

  Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

• The Molecular Basis of Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma. B. Wadowski, A. De Rienzo, R. Bueno. 2020;30(4):383-393. Review PubMed · Publisher · Free full text

  Abstract

  Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a rare, aggressive malignancy of the pleural lining associated with asbestos exposure in greater than 80% of cases. It is characterized by molecular heterogeneity both between patients and within individual tumors. Next-generation sequencing technology and novel computational techniques have resulted in a greater understanding of the epigenetic, genetic, and transcriptomic hallmarks of MPM. This article reviews these features and discusses the implications of advances in MPM molecular biology in clinical practice.

  Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

• The Role of Extrapleural Pneumonectomy in Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma. L.L. Donahoe, M. de Perrot. 2020;30(4):461-471. Review PubMed · Publisher

  Abstract

  Extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP) is the most extensive form of surgery for mesothelioma, involving en bloc resection of visceral and parietal pleura, lung, diaphragm and pericardium, with reconstruction of the pericardium and diaphragm. It can be performed safely in carefully selected patients. It should be performed in experienced centers as part of a multimodality treatment plan. The SMART approach, with a short course of induction hemithoracic radiation followed by EPP has demonstrated safety and value of hypofractionated hemithoracic radiation combined with complete macroscopic resection. We are conducting a clinical trial with oligofractionated hemithoracic radiation in early-stage mesothelioma.

  Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

2010s

• Current Treatment of Mesothelioma: Extrapleural Pneumonectomy Versus Pleurectomy/Decortication. A.S. Wolf, R.M. Flores. 2016;26(3):359-75. Review PubMed · Publisher

  Abstract

  The role of surgical resection in malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is based on the principle of macroscopic resection of a solid tumor with adjuvant therapy to treat micrometastatic disease. Extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP) and pleurectomy decortication (P/D) have been developed in this context. Cancer-directed surgery for MPM is associated with a 5-year survival rate of 15%. Evidence indicates that P/D is better tolerated by patients and suggests survival is no worse when compared with EPP. Although EPP is still performed in highly selected cases, the authors advocate radical P/D whenever possible for patients with MPM.

  Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

• Extrapleural pneumonectomy for pleural malignancies. A.S. Wolf, R.M. Flores. 2014;24(4):471-5. Review PubMed · Publisher

  Abstract

  Although originally performed on patients with refractory tuberculosis and malignant pleural mesothelioma, extrapleural pneumonectomy may be used to treat patients with pleural dissemination of other malignancies, including thymoma and NSCLC. Patients who present with stage IV NSCLC caused by malignant pleural effusion may be considered for EPP following induction chemotherapy if they demonstrate no mediastinal nodal or distant metastases and have adequate cardiopulmonary reserve. EPP for NSCLC should be performed by experienced teams at experienced centers to minimize the morbidity and mortality associated with this radical procedure. Additional prospective studies are needed to better characterize the role of EPP in the multimodality treatment of patients with pleural dissemination of malignancy, including NSCLC.

  Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

• Pleurectomy decortication in the treatment of the "trapped lung" in benign and malignant pleural effusions. S. Rathinam, D.A. Waller. 2013;23(1):51-61, vi. Review PubMed · Publisher

  Abstract

  Trapped lung is defined by the inability of the lung to expand and fill the thoracic cavity because of a restricting "peel." This restriction may be secondary to a benign inflammatory or fibrotic cortex or to a malignant visceral pleural tumor. This condition has a significant impact on the patient's quality of life by causing dyspnea. This article discusses the role of surgery in relieving the trapped lung, including decortication in benign disease and pleurectomy in malignant disease. The surgical approaches of video-assisted thoracoscopy and thoracotomy are contrasted and the future potential for surgical trials in this condition is outlined.

  Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

• Surgical management of malignant pleural mesothelioma. J. Yanagawa, V. Rusch. 2013;23(1):73-87, vi. Review PubMed · Publisher

  Abstract

  The uniquely diffuse nature of malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) makes it difficult to diagnose, stage, and treat. In addition, it is a relatively uncommon disease, making adequate prospective trials difficult to perform and leading to several controversies regarding the best management of MPM. Perhaps the greatest area of dispute is whether extrapleural pneumonectomy or pleurectomy/decortication is the most appropriate curative operation for patients who are physiologically candidates for both. Although median survival remains poor, important strides have been made in the treatment of MPM, mainly in the form of multimodality therapeutic regimens.

  Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

• Follow-up of patients with resected thoracic malignancies. P.M. Claiborne, C.S. Fowler, A.A. Vaporciyan. 2012;22(1):123-31, viii. Review PubMed · Publisher

  Abstract

  The authors have systematically performed a literature search using 8 databases identifying established guidelines for follow-up after resected thoracic malignancies. Seven different societies' (found to have published recommendations for non-small cell lung cancer, esophageal cancer, thymoma, or mesothelioma) guidelines are reviewed in this article. High-quality evidence leading to consistent, strong recommendations among societies has not been found. With the subsequent advancements in surgical treatment and other curative modalities, the ability to detect and intervene with curative therapy at earlier stages of disease in a growing portion of the current patient population will benefit from higher-quality evidence.

  Published by Elsevier Inc.

2000s

• Epidemiology, biologic behavior, and natural history of mesothelioma. L. Zellos, D.C. Christiani. 2004;14(4):469-77, viii. Review PubMed · Publisher

  Abstract

  Malignant pleural mesothelioma has a well described natural history but poorly defined pathogenesis. It is strongly associated with asbestos exposure. A predominantly locally invasive disease, the success of more aggressive life-prolonging therapies has increased the potential for the development of distant metastases in survivors. Recently described new risk factors may increase the incidence of this disease in future generations, underscoring the need for a more in-depth understanding of its pathobiology. This article reviews the current body of knowledge about the occurrence, distribution, presentation, and natural history of malignant pleural mesothelioma.

• Malignant pleural mesothelioma: overview of the North American and European experience. J. Kukreja, M.T. Jaklitsch, D.C. Wiener, et al. 2004;14(4):435-45. Review PubMed · Publisher

  Abstract

  MPM is an uncommon disease with limited treatment options. Early diagnosis, a standardized staging system, early referral to centers experienced in MPM, and efforts to develop collaborative multicenter trials are essential to improving treatment for patients with MPM. Efforts to manage this malignancy, which is projected to peak in the twenty-first century, constitute an important international health concern, particularly because the use of asbestos, despite successful regulatory efforts in many parts of the world, continues unabated in others.

• Preoperative assessment and therapeutic options for patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma. S. Paul, S. Neragi-Miandoab, M.T. Jaklitsch. 2004;14(4):505-16, ix. Review PubMed · Publisher

  Abstract

  Prompt medical evaluation and aggressive treatment can lead to prolonged survival or successful palliation of symptoms for patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma, but the window for implementing treatment is short. Clinical recognition of the cancer is confounded by numerous factors, including long latency between exposure to asbestos and expression of the disease, nonspecific nature of the presenting symptoms, rarity of the disease, a lack of experience in clinical diagnosis, and rapidly deteriorating clinical course after diagnosis. Heightened clinical suspicion and proper patient selection through accurate staging and pathologic identification are paramount to defining and delivering therapy for this rare, lethal cancer.

• Role of asbestos in etiology of malignant pleural mesothelioma. J.J. Godleski. 2004;14(4):479-87. Review PubMed · Publisher

  Abstract

  The evidence presented in this article demonstrates that asbestos fibers may be genotoxic to mesothelial cells through their distinctive structure and chemistry and through their interactions with complex cellular response mechanisms. Reactive oxygen and nitrogen species play a key role. Understanding the balance between these complex mechanisms that permit neoplastic transformation and facilitate the proliferation of tumor cells is the focus of current investigation in the development of mesothelial malignancy. In human disease, the persistence of asbestos fibers in the lung and pleural tumor is a critical feature that links the exposure to asbestos with the development of disease.

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