Epidemiology and Clinical Aspects of Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma

Simple Summary Mesothelioma is a cancer of the lining of the lungs caused by breathing in asbestos fibres. Asbestos was widely used in industry in the last century in most developed countries and is still present in many older buildings to this day. There is no known safe level of asbestos exposure. Symptoms of mesothelioma can include worsening breathlessness, chest pain and loss of weight. There is no cure, and the treatment of mesothelioma is limited, although there have been some recent improvements in therapy. Survival is very variable although most people live for around one year after diagnosis. Efforts to improve and maintain the quality of life for patients with mesothelioma remain a priority. Mesothelioma is a cancer predominantly of the pleural cavity. There is a clear association of exposure to asbestos with a dose dependent risk of mesothelioma. The incidence of mesothelioma in different countries reflect the historical patterns of commercial asbestos utilisation in the last century and predominant occupational exposures mean that mesothelioma is mostly seen in males. Modern imaging techniques and advances in immunohistochemical staining have contributed to an improved diagnosis of mesothelioma. There have also been recent advances in immune checkpoint inhibition, however, mesothelioma remains very challenging to manage, especially considering its limited response to conventional systemic anticancer therapy and that no cure exists. Palliative interventions and support remain paramount with a median survival of 9-12 months after diagnosis. The epidemiology and diagnosis of mesothelioma has been debated over previous decades, due to a number of factors, such as the long latent period following asbestos exposure and disease occurrence, the different potencies of the various forms of asbestos used commercially, the occurrence of mesothelioma in the peritoneal cavity and its heterogeneous pathological and cytological appearances. This review will describe the contemporary knowledge on the epidemiology of mesothelioma and provide an overview of the best clinical practice including diagnostic approaches and management.

Automated summary

Mesothelioma is a cancer of the lining of the lungs caused by breathing in asbestos fibres, which remains a challenge in terms of treatment and has an uncertain survival time. The disease mainly occurs in males, with a clear risk associated with exposure to asbestos. There have been significant advances in diagnosis, but further research and treatment are still needed.