Future oncology
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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. ⋯ 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.
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Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare but aggressive form of skin cancer that occurs in the elderly, is associated with UV radiation and immunosuppression. Initial treatment consists of wide excision with adjuvant radiation. ⋯ A study of an anti-PD-L1 antibody, avelumab, in chemotherapy-refractory MCC demonstrated a response rate of 31.8% resulting in FDA approval in March 2017 and EMA in September 2017. This review will discuss the disease, role of avelumab and other emerging treatment strategies for MCC.