Malignant Peritoneal Mesothelioma: Treatment Options and Survival

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma (MPeM) is a rare type of cancer with a poor prognosis. Cytoreductive surgery (CRS) with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) have been shown to improve survival. Treatment and survival of patients with MPeM have not been previously studied in Finland. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The data consisted of all patients diagnosed with MPeM during years 2000-2012 in Finland, including cancer notifications, death certificates and information about asbestos exposure. RESULTS: Among 50/94 (53.2%) patients treated for MPeM, 44/50 (88.0%) were treated palliatively, 4/50 (8.0%) with radical surgery and chemotherapy, and 2/50 (4.0%) with CRS plus HIPEC. Five-year survival was 50.0% for those treated with CRS plus HIPEC and 75.0% for those treated with radical surgery and chemotherapy. Radical surgery with chemotherapy was associated with significantly longer survival compared to radiation (p=0.008), chemotherapy and radiation (p=0.043), surgery, chemotherapy and radiation (p=0.039), and palliative surgery (p=0.009). CONCLUSION: Treatment of MPeM is heterogenic in Finland. CRS plus HIPEC, and radical surgery with chemotherapy seem to increase the survival. Patients considered candidates for radical surgery should be sent to specialized centers for further assessment.