A feasibility study of induction pemetrexed plus cisplatin followed by extrapleural pneumonectomy and postoperative hemithoracic radiation for malignant pleural mesothelioma.

A prospective multi-institutional study has been commenced in Japan to evaluate the feasibility of induction chemotherapy using pemetrexed plus cisplatin, followed by extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP) and postoperative hemithoracic radiation in patients with resectable malignant pleural mesothelioma. The study was initiated on May 2008 and 40 patients will be recruited over 3 years. Primary endpoints are macroscopic complete resection rate by EPP and treatment-related mortality for trimodality therapy. Secondary endpoints include treatment completion rate, adverse events, response rate by chemotherapy and 2-year overall and relapse-free survival.