Radiotherapy for Pleural Mesothelioma
Abstract Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is an aggressive disease with a high mortality and poor long-term survival rates. Currently, the best treatment for MPM is not well defined. The most aggressive therapy includes a multimodality strategy (surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy). The aim of the combination of these three treatment options is to achieve the maximum local tumor control and hopefully an increase in survival. Radiotherapy plays a central role in the whole management of MPM including the radical setting. In the present chapter its role is reviewed.
Positive associations between leukaemia and radon concentrations have been observed in England, Scotland and Wales, and Canada. Results of a similar study for the populations of 41 French administrative areas («departements»)are reported for 1984-1986. The average indoor radon and gamma ray concentrations per «departement» range from 12 to 147 Bq.m -3 and from 28 to 142 nG.h -1 , respectively. Acute lymphoid leukaemia mortality rate is similar to the national level, whereas an excess of acute myeloid leukaemia deaths is observed. According to Poisson regression models and modified tests for partial correlation, acute myeloid leukaemia mortality is significantly and positively related to indoor radon concentration whether or not adjustment is made for indoor gamma ray dose, socioeconomic status and linear gradient