Switch-Maintenance Gemcitabine After First-Line Chemotherapy In Patients With Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is an aggressive form of cancer. Treatments are available, but for many people, a cure isn't possible.This thesis is to assess the efficacy and safety of switch-maintenance Gemcitabine in Mesothelioma patients after first line chemotherapy (Pemetrexed-Platinum)

Inclusion Criteria:Being at least 18 years oldHistologically or cytologically confirmed unresectable malignant pleural mesotheliomaECOG Performance status 0-2Completed at least four cycles of first line platinum (cisplatin or carboplatin) and pemetrexed combination chemotherapy before study entryNo evidence of disease progression following first-line treatment based on radiological criteria.Adequate organ function is mandatory, defined as haemoglobin of at least 8.5 mg/dl, platelets of at least 100×10⁹ per L, and neutrophils of at least 1×10⁹/L.Exclusion Criteria:Progression of disease after first linePregnant femalesECOG Performance 3-4Patients with sarcomatoid mesotheliomaPatients who are candidates for curative surgery