Variation in incidence trends of malignant pleural mesothelioma in Europe

Abstract

We read with interest the article by JI et al. [1] regarding the epidemiology of malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) in Sweden and familial clustering. The data in the study show the incidence of MPM in Sweden peaked in 2000 and has sharply declined since 2005. Data from other countries suggest a more delayed peak [2-4]. The highest annual incidence of MPM in the world has been reported to occur in the UK and Australia [5]. The incidence of MPM was predicted to peak in UK between 2011 and 2015; this was based on the known associated high latency period and the ban in using asbestos-containing products [6]. This variability in incidence trends across Europe can be explained by the different dates of asbestos bans in Europe, but Ireland migration trends also potentially play a role. Data from our institute indicates that the incidence of malignant mesothelioma has been increasing over the last decade (20 new cases diagnosed in 2002-2008 versus 26 cases in 2009-2013, an increase of 30% (95% CI 11.9-54.2%)). These findings are consistent with the statistics from the National Cancer Registry Ireland (figure 1) [7].

Epithelioid Mesothelioma Patients with Very Long Survival Display Defects in DNA Repair

“…Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is an aggressive tumor originating from the mesothelium [1]. Its incidence is still increasing in Europe due to the long latency time, ranging from 20 to 40 years, and persistent asbestos exposure [2]. Histologically, three subtypes can be recognized: the epithelioid, the most frequent; the sarcomatoid; and the biphasic histotype.…”