Abid Jameel, Shahid Jamil.
Malignant pleural mesothelioma in northern Pakistan and its response to treatment.
Pak J Med Res Jan ;45(2):59-61.

Background: Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a rare but extremely aggressive malignancy related to exposure to asbestos in over 80% cases. Despite surgery, radiation or chemotherapy, survival is extremely poor. Aims: To study the cases of MPM and evaluate their response to chemotherapy. Setting/ Duration of study: Retrospective study at an oncology unit of a major hospital where records were checked over 2 years. Results: From January 2001 to December 2002, twelve patients (08 male and 04 female) with histologically proven diffuse MPM were treated with combination of Gemcitabine (1000 mg/m2, IV, day 1 and 8) and Carboplatin (AUC-6, IV, day 1) repeated every 21 days. Age of patients ranged from 50-65 years.All except one patient belonged to the areas adjoining Mardan in NWFP (mesothelioma belt). Complete responses was seen in none while 4 patients showed partial response and 4 showed stable disease with disappearance of pleural effusion and appreciable improvement in quality life was seen in 8 (66%) patients. Median survival was 11 months (03 months to 17 months). Overall, chemotherapy was well tolerated. Conclusion: Gemcitabine and Carboplatin/ Cisplatin offer a chance of palliation with improvement in quality of life and symptoms.

PakMediNet -Pakistan's largest Database of Pakistani Medical Journals - http://www.pakmedinet.com