Metallo-drugs in the treatment of malignant pleural mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that affects the membranous lining of the chest (pleura) and, less commonly, the lining of the abdomen and heart. The disease carries a poor prognosis and is typically associated with exposure to asbestos, a mineral that has been widely used due to its fire resistance and insulating properties. The standard non-surgical treatment for malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is polychemotherapy combining cisplatin/carboplatin and a second agent with a different mechanism of action. This review outlines the use of clinically approved platinum-drugs and the design of metal-drug candidates for the treatment of MPM.