Back in 2009, the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer presented a model they’d developed to help stage malignant mesothelioma cases. Since then, additional data has been added to the model’s database to continue enhancing its accuracy. This week, the group’s members attending its annual conference in Singapore learned that the model is continuing to work well, and that since its development it has identified additional prognostic factors.
Independent Analysis Confirms Performance of Mesothelioma Staging Model
Nearly 15 years after members of the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer first established an international pleural mesothelioma database aimed at enhancing staging accuracy, researchers from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, in New York City, evaluated its data.
Dr. Andrea Wolf of the Icahn School presented the group’s findings on the mesothelioma study at the IASLC 2023 Conference, which took place in Singapore. She said that her group had evaluated data from patients entered into the database between 2009 and 2019, a cohort of 1,733 individuals.
Study Introduces New Variables for Analysis of Mesothelioma Staging Model
Correctly staging mesothelioma impacts patients’ individual treatment plans.The researchers added new variables for analysis of the malignant mesothelioma model, comparing it to a model that incorporated clinicopathological features and treatment and the other including parameters available at patient presentation.
Looking at the total training dataset of 3,101 mesothelioma patients, the group found a significant optimal cut-point for mesothelioma of 6.7 nmol/L using the running log-rank method, with anemia and elevated mesothelin levels both being predictors of poorer survival for patients.
Researcher Comments on Mesothelioma Model Findings
Speaking of their findings, Dr. Wolf said, “Our study highlights the significant strides made in pleural mesothelioma staging. By refining and validating prognostic models, we are advancing our ability to tailor treatment strategies and improve patient outcomes. Continued efforts to gather and analyze data will improve prognostication and individualized patient care.”
If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma, staging is one of the most important factors in creating a treatment plan. For more information to help you on your journey, contact the Patient Advocates at Mesothelioma.net at 1-800-692-8608.
