Clinical characteristics, treatment and survival outcomes in malignant mesothelioma

Objective: We aimed to evaluate the clinical, radiological and survival features of patients with MM. Methods: The study included 228 patients who were followed up in our center between 1993 and 2010 with the diagnosis of MM. Results: The mean age was 59.1 years in men and 58.7 years in women (male/female=1.4). Environmental asbestos exposure was present in 86% of the patients for a mean duration of 40±20 years. Closed pleural needle biopsy was the most common diagnostic procedure (56.4%). One hundred-thirteen (66%) patients were treated with platinum-based combination chemotherapy (PBCT) plus supportive care (SC) and 67 (34%) patients received SC alone. ![Figure][1] The median follow-up time was 10.0 months. The median overall survival was significantly improved with PBCT plus SC compared to SC alone (11.4 vs. 5.1 months; p= 0.005). The 6, 12, 18, and 24-month survival rates were significantly improved with PBCT plus SC compared to SC alone (72%, 43%, 19%, and 2% vs. 49%, 31%, 11%, and 1%). ![Figure][1] Conclusion : The survival of patients with MM improved in patients treated with PBCT. The survival advantage continued 12- and 24-month after the initial time of combination chemotherapy. [1]: pending:yes