Does Surgery Improve Survival of Patients with Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma?: A Multicenter Retrospective Analysis of 1365 Consecutive Patients

A group of 1365 pts from 6 institutions was retrospectively reviewed for outcomes after palliative treatment, chemotherapy alone, pleurectomy/decortication (P/D), or extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP). Multivariable analysis identified age <70, epithelial histology, and chemotherapy as independent predictors of improved survival. In patients with all 3 favorable characteristics, median survival with or without P/D or EPP was similar.