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Updated: Jun 6, 2026
Generation and Expansion of Primary, Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma Tumor Lines
Published on: April 21, 2022
Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma
Stine Munkholm-Larsen1, Christopher Q Cao, Tristan D Yan
1Stine Munkholm-Larsen, Christopher Q Cao, Tristan D Yan, University of Sydney, Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney 2050, Australia.
Abstract:
Malignant mesothelioma is a highly aggressive neoplasm. The incidence of malignant mesothelioma is increasing worldwide. Diffuse malignant peritoneal mesothelioma (DMPM) represents one-fourth of all mesotheliomas. Association of asbestos exposure with DMPM has been observed, especially in males. The great majority of patients present with abdominal pain and distension, caused by accumulation of tumors and ascitic fluid. In the past, DMPM was considered a pre-terminal condition; therefore attracted little attention. Patients invariably died from their disease within a year. Recently, several prospective trials have demonstrated a median survival of 40 to 90 mo and 5-year survival of 30% to 60% after combined treatment using cytoreductive surgery and perioperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy. This remarkable improvement in survival has prompted new search into the medical science related to DMPM, a disease previously ignored as uninteresting. This review article focuses on the key advances in the epidemiology, diagnosis, staging, treatments and prognosis of DMPM that have occurred in the past decade.
Insights
Diffuse malignant peritoneal mesothelioma (DMPM) survival has significantly improved with combined surgery and chemotherapy. This review highlights recent advances in DMPM epidemiology, diagnosis, staging, treatment, and prognosis.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Medical Science
Background:
- Malignant mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer with increasing incidence globally.
- Diffuse malignant peritoneal mesothelioma (DMPM) accounts for 25% of mesotheliomas, often linked to asbestos exposure.
- Historically considered terminal, DMPM outcomes have changed due to modern treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review key advances in DMPM over the last decade.
- To focus on epidemiology, diagnosis, staging, treatments, and prognosis.
- To provide an updated perspective on this previously overlooked disease.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent prospective trials and medical literature.
- Analysis of epidemiological data and diagnostic advancements.
- Evaluation of current treatment strategies and prognostic factors.
Main Results:
- Combined cytoreductive surgery and perioperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy significantly improve survival.
- Median survival ranges from 40-90 months; 5-year survival rates are 30-60%.
- Recent research has revitalized interest in DMPM due to improved outcomes.
Conclusions:
- DMPM is no longer considered a pre-terminal condition.
- Advances in multimodal therapy have dramatically improved patient prognosis.
- Further research into DMPM is warranted given its improved survival rates.
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