Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is an unusual cancer because it grows throughout the chest cavity as a diffuse process rather than a typical solid nodule or mass. Because of this unique characteristic, it has very specific treatment issues. MPM also is a rare tumor with less than 3,000 new cases annually, and therefore, most physicians, even pulmonologists and medical oncologists, typically only see these patients infrequently. Despite this, it is critical that all physicians involved in the care of MPM patients be familiar with the important issues in this disease and possess a thorough understanding regarding the tumor itself, its evaluation process, staging, treatment and the role of multidisciplinary management of these patients. This includes the role and extent of surgery as well as radiation, chemotherapy and newer targeted therapies and immunotherapy. Robert B. Cameron, MD, the course organizer and the Director of the UCLA Comprehensive Mesothelioma Program, has had over 30 years of experience with treating patients with MPM, including pleurectomy and decortication surgical procedures and a number of complementary adjuvant therapies with the goal of treating this deadly disease like a chronic illness, similar to hypertension and diabetes.
Target Audience
At the completion of this course, participants should be able to:
Late registration fee (starting September 6):