Extended pleurectomy decortication and chemotherapy versus chemotherapy alone for pleural mesothelioma (MARS 2): a phase 3 randomised controlled trial.

Background: Extended pleurectomy decortication for complete macroscopic resection for pleural mesothelioma has never been evaluated in a randomised trial. The aim of this study was to compare outcomes after extended pleurectomy decortication plus chemotherapy versus chemotherapy alone.

Methods: MARS 2 was a phase 3, national, multicentre, open-label, parallel two-group, pragmatic, superiority randomised controlled trial conducted in the UK.

Inflammatory appearance of the parietal pleura at thoracoscopy - What does it hide?

Background: Medical thoracoscopy (MT) is a well-established diagnostic procedure in cases of unexplained exudative pleural effusions. Despite the advantages of MT, challenges remain since occasionally malignancies mimic pleural inflammation.

Objectives: To assess the relationship between the macroscopic appearance of the pleura at MT, the histology of the pleural biopsy and the final diagnosis after follow up.

Does "patient-reported discomfort" from bronchoscopy differ over time?

Background: The optimal time to assess patient satisfaction with bronchoscopy has not been established. This study aimed to compare patient comfort scores recorded immediately after bronchoscopy with those obtained at follow-up, 7 to 14 days later.

Methods: A total of 240 patients undergoing bronchoscopy were recruited.