Clinical features and current treatment of diffuse malignant pleural mesothelioma

Malignant pleural mesothelioma is an uncommon cancer for which the major risk factor is prior asbestos exposure. During the past decade, there has been progress in the diagnosis, staging and biology of mesothelioma. Treatment remains controversial and ranges from supportive care alone to aggressive multimodality therapy. Prospective clinical trials in carefully staged patients are needed to determine what approaches to treatment may confer a survival benefit.