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Mesothelioma in Australia: a review

Arthur (Bill) W Musk, Nicholas de Klerk and Fraser J Brims
Med J Aust 2017; 207 (10): . || doi: 10.5694/mja17.00397
Published online: 13 November 2017

Abstract

 

  • The incidence of malignant mesothelioma in Australia is among the highest in the world as a result of widespread use of asbestos by industry and in construction throughout the 20th century.
  • The risk of developing malignant mesothelioma after asbestos exposure is dose-related; a transient, low dose exposure confers a correspondingly very low risk of disease.
  • Malignant mesothelioma is a heterogeneous disease, partly explaining the limited role of biomarkers in screening and diagnosis.
  • The prognosis remains poor, and early advice on medico-legal compensation and a collaborative team approach to managing malignant mesothelioma are both essential.
  • Chemotherapy can have a modest treatment effect in some people. New therapies, such as immunotherapy, do not yet have a defined role in the treatment of malignant mesothelioma.
  • As treatment options for malignant mesothelioma are limited and no cure is available, there is no established role for early detection or screening of at risk populations.
  • A multidisciplinary approach to caring for patients with malignant mesothelioma and their carers is vital.

 


  • 1 Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Perth, WA
  • 2 Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA
  • 3 University of Western Australia, Perth, WA


Correspondence: billmusk@iinet.net.au

Competing interests:

No relevant disclosures.

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