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Updated: Feb 3, 2026

Generation and Expansion of Primary, Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma Tumor Lines
Published on: April 21, 2022
Malignant pleural mesothelioma in Finland: regional and gender variation
Sanna Laaksonen1,2, Ilkka Ilonen1,3, Eeva Kuosma1
1a Faculty of Medicine , University of Helsinki , Helsinki , Finland.
Background:
Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a rare occupational cancer with a poor prognosis. Even with a multimodality treatment approach, the treatment outcomes remain unsatisfactory. The use of asbestos has been banned in most developed countries, but MPM continues to be a significant occupational disease also in these countries. Aim of this study is to identify modern epidemiology and assess equality in care.
Methods:
Our study cohort consists of 1010 patients diagnosed with MPM in Finland during 2000-2012. The data were collected from the Finnish Cancer Registry, the National Workers' Compensation Center Registry and the National Registry of Causes of Death, Statistics Finland.
Results:
Women were diagnosed a mean of 4.5 years later than males (p = .001), but survival did not differ (overall median survival 9.7 months). A workers' compensation claim was more common in males (OR 11.0 [95% CI 7.5-16.2]) and in regions with a major asbestos industry (OR 1.7 [95% CI 1.3-2.2]). One-year and three-year survivals did not differ regionally. Patients without chemotherapy treatment had an inferior survival (RR 1.8 [95% CI 1.5-2.0]). The initial survival benefit gained with pemetrexed was diluted at 51 months.
Conclusions:
MPM is a disease with a poor prognosis, although chemotherapy appears to improve survival time. Significant gender and regional variation exists among patients, with notable differences in diagnostic and treatment practices. Long-term outcomes with pemetrexed remain indeterminate.
Impact:
Emphasize centralized consult services for the diagnosis, treatment and support that patients receive for MPM, facilitating equal outcomes and compensation.
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