Malignant pleural mesothelioma: between pragmatism and hope

Although malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a rare tumor, it is among one the most discussed tumor in the industrial world. Mesothelioma represents 0.3% of all number of deaths for cancer in the recent GLOBOCAN study (1). The incidence is projected to increase in the next two decades, and the reported dismal 5-year survival rate of less than 5% makes MPM one of the deathliest worldwide tumor (2, 3). Some Scientists suggest that the asbestos promotes a chronic pleural inflammatory that after years stimulates the development of a malignant mesothelioma in up to 5% of exposed individuals (4). Patients but also physicians/surgeons are sometimes found lost in the numerous confusing articles on MPM which can be easily taken from internet.