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Updated: Jun 28, 2026
Generation and Expansion of Primary, Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma Tumor Lines
Published on: April 21, 2022
Diffuse malignant pleural mesothelioma: a multi-institutional clinicopathological study
Akira Iyoda1, Toshikazu Yusa, Chikabumi Kadoyama
1Department of Thoracic Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba, 260-8670, Japan.
Purpose:
The relative rarity of malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) in Japan makes it difficult to perform a large-scale clinicopathological study of this tumor at a single institute. Thus, we performed a multiinstitutional study to evaluate the current status of diagnosis and treatment in Japan.
Methods:
We analyzed the records of 65 patients with MPM, obtained from the 13 institutions comprising the Japanese Chiba Multicenter Study Group.
Results:
In 56 patients, the tumor was detected after a visit to a medical facility for subjective symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, and cough. It took a median period of 2 months from the initial visit to establish the diagnosis. The overall survival rates of 33 patients with unresectable MPM 1, 2, and 3 years after the diagnosis were 40.5%, 10.8%, and 0%, respectively, whereas those of 32 patients who underwent surgery were 67.9%, 35.0% and 10.9%, respectively (P=0.0035). According to multivariate analysis, histological type, International Mesothelioma Interest Group clinical stage, sex, and the presenting symptom of shortness of breath were significant prognostic factors.
Conclusions:
The definitive diagnosis of early MPM is difficult, but establishing the best diagnostic modality would improve survival rates, since radical surgery is likely to be effective for resectable disease.
Insights
Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) diagnosis and treatment in Japan are challenging due to rarity. Early diagnosis and radical surgery for resectable MPM significantly improve patient survival rates.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Thoracic Surgery
- Diagnostic Imaging
Background:
- Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a rare cancer.
- Its rarity in Japan complicates single-institution clinicopathological studies.
- Multi-institutional collaboration is essential for understanding MPM.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the current diagnostic and treatment status of MPM in Japan.
- To assess prognostic factors influencing survival in MPM patients.
Main Methods:
- A multi-institutional retrospective study.
- Analysis of medical records from 65 MPM patients across 13 Japanese institutions.
- Statistical analysis including multivariate analysis for prognostic factors.
Main Results:
- Diagnosis took a median of 2 months from initial visit for 56 symptomatic patients.
- Survival rates were significantly higher for surgically treated patients (67.9% at 1 year) compared to unresectable cases (40.5% at 1 year).
- Histological type, clinical stage, sex, and shortness of breath were significant prognostic factors.
Conclusions:
- Early diagnosis of MPM remains difficult.
- Improved diagnostic modalities are crucial for better patient outcomes.
- Radical surgery offers improved survival for resectable MPM.
