Abstract
Radical multimodality treatment for malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is controversial, with intense debate (but lack of data) about which surgical procedure to perform [extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP) or pleurectomy/decortication (PD)], if any. In order to perform a randomized comparison, the most optimal sequence of surgery and chemotherapy should be determined. EORTC 1205 is a clinical trial randomizing between upfront surgery, followed by chemotherapy (cisplatin plus pemetrexed) and deferred surgery, following neoadjuvant chemotherapy in early stage (T1-3 N0-2 M0) MPM (irrespective of histological subtype). The surgical procedure performed is (extended) pleurectomy/decortication (e-PD), which is promoted as an alternative for EPP, but lacks standardization. Primary outcome parameter is successful completion of multimodality treatment; secondary outcome parameters are surgical quality parameters (in order to standardize the procedure), progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS), treatment-failure free survival, operative morbidity and mortality, toxicity and safety.