Changes in Survival According to Epidemiological and Histological Features of Pleural Mesothelioma Cases Followed in the Oncology Outpatient Clinic

INTRODUCTION: Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is an extremely aggressive malignant tumor of the pleura and its survival is poor. We aimed to determine possible epidemiological and histological features that may affect survival, and to form treatment models according to these features.
METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed of pathologically confirmed MPM cases followed up in the oncology outpatient clinic. The data of patient’s sociodemographic characteristics, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status, tumor cell type, lymph node involvement, disease stage, treatment modalities, chemotherapy and, response to treatment, metastasis site, comorbidities, used supportive treatments and their effects on survival were analyzed.
RESULTS: A total of 38 mesothelioma patients, 26.3% (n=10) female and 73.7% (n=28) male, with a mean age of 60.21±8.99 (38–76) years were included. Of the cases 31.6% (n=12) survived and 68.4% (n=26) died. A significant difference was found between TNM stages regarding mortality (p<0.05). When the significant findings were examined, while Stage 1A was high in the survived patients, mortality was higher in Stage IB, IIIB, and Stage IV cases. No significant correlation was found between T and N staging and mortality (p>0.05). M stage, on the other hand, showed a significant difference in terms of mortality, and mortality was high in M1. The survival of the patients who received surgery+KT+ radiation therapy (Trimodal Treatment) was longer than the others.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: According to our findings, the mean survival was longer compared to the literature, and survival was longer in the patients who received trimodal treatment. Having a family history of cancer in half of the cases was also interesting.