Malignant pleural mesothelioma in northern Pakistan and its response to treatment

ABSTRACT

Malignant pleural mesothelioma [MPM] is a rare but extremely aggressive malignancy related to exposure to asbestos in over 80% cases. Despite surgery, radiation or chemotherapy, survival is extremely poor. To study the cases of MPM and evaluate their response to chemotherapy Retrospective study at an oncology unit of a major hospital where records were checked over 2 years From January 2001 to December 2002, twelve patients [08 male and 04 female] with histologically proven diffuse MPM were treated with combination of Gemcitabine [1000 mg/m2, IV, day 1 and 8] and Carboplatin [AUC-6, IV, day 1] repeated every 21 days. Age of patients ranged from 50-65 years.All except one patient belonged to the areas adjoining Mardan in NWFP [mesothelioma belt]. Complete responses was seen in none while 4 patients showed partial response and 4 showed stable disease with disappearance of pleural effusion and appreciable improvement in quality life was seen in 8 [66%] patients. Median survival was II months [03 months to 17 months]. Overall, chemotherapy was well tolerated. Gemcitabine and Carboplatin/ Cisplatin offer a chance of palliation with improvement in quality of life and symotoms