Role of CT and modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST criteria) in response evaluation of malignant pleural mesothelioma

Abstract

alignant pleural mesothelioma is considered to be the commonest pleural malignancy. It is related to asbestos exposure. Although MPM is not a very common disease yet it is known for its aggressiveness since it is treatment resistant with a median survival rate of 12-18 months even when treated. This study was done on 20 pathologically proven malignant pleural mesothelioma patients. It included 10 males and 10 female cases. CT chest with contrast and modified RECIST criteria were used to follow up and evaluation of malignant pleural mesothelioma patients during treatment with chemotherapy. This study showed that there was no prevalence between both genders. MPM was evidently more common in the 5th-7th decades. Most cases came from industrial areas mainly Shobra elkheima and Helwan. The right pleura was more commonly affected than the left with the circumferential pattern of the disease being much more evident than the focal type.