Malignant Pleural Effusion in Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma

Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a disease that portends a poor prognosis with a median survival that ranges from 8 to 14 months after diagnosis (5-year survival rate: 5.5%).1 Malignant pleural effusion (MPE) is the most common first presentation of MPM; >95% of individuals with MPM will experience a pleural effusion during their lifetime.2 At present, there is no cure for MPM; numerous therapeutic approaches have been attempted with modest results.1 Like other forms of malignant pleural disease, management of MPE related to MPM is directed towards palliation of symptoms.