Pilot Study Evaluating the Effects of Intrapleural Cryotherapy on Tumor Infiltrating Lymphocytes in Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma Using Cryospray Therapy

Patients that have been diagnosed, or are suspected of having malignant pleural mesothelioma, a cancer of the pleura, surgery may be considered as an attempt to treat the cancer. As part of the testing needed before surgery, a pleuroscopy or video camera examination of the pleura is necessary to establish the diagnosis and/or to evaluate the extent of the cancer. This study evaluates the effects of cryotherapy (freezing spray) on the ability of a patient's immune system to attack the cancer, as has been reported in other types of cancers. The purpose of this research is to gather information on the safety and effectiveness of cryotherapy in patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma. If successful, this study could provide support for future studies evaluating this new treatment for mesothelioma.