International Journal of Hematology and Oncology 2024, Vol 34, Num 2 Page(s): 153-158
Single Center Experience of Mesothelioma Patients in Southeast Region of Turkey

Timucin CIL1, Abdurrahman ISIKDOGAN1, Serdar ONAT2, Burhanettin ZINCIRCIOGLU3, Refik ULKU2, Selver OZEKINCI4, Gungor ATES5, Abdurrahman SENYIGIT5

1Dicle Üniversitesi Tıp Fakültesi, Tibbi Onkoloji Bilim Dalı, Diyarbakır, TURKEY
2Dicle Üniversitesi Tıp Fakültesi, Göğüs Cerrahisi Anabilim Dalı, Diyarbakır, TURKEY
3Dicle Üniversitesi Tıp Fakültesi, Radyasyon Onkolojisi Bilim Dalı, Diyarbakır, TURKEY
4Dicle Üniversitesi Tıp Fakültesi, Patoloji Anabilim Dalı, Diyarbakır, TURKEY
5Dicle Üniversitesi Tıp Fakültesi, Göğüs Hastalıkları Anabilim Dalı, Diyarbakır, TURKEY

Keywords: Cancer, Mesothelioma, Chemotherapy
Malignant mesothelioma (MM) is an aggressive tumor, which was originated from serous membranes. The most frequent malignant mesothelioma types are originated from pleura, peritoneum, tunica vaginalis of testis and pericard ium respectively. The most frequent etiologic factor is asbestosis but rarely radiation or fibrous zeolit have been etiologic factors. MM is endemically present in some regions of Turkey including several provinces in the southeast region of the country, as a result of exposure to environmental fibrous minerals. We were analysed demographic principals, treatment options, chemotherapy protocols and treatment responses of 45 MM patients retrospectively who presented at the medical oncology division of the Dicle University Hospital in Turkey between 2004 and 2007.

When we were retrospectively analysed our patients; 13 (28%) of them have been living in city center and 32 (72%) have been living in rural area. We saw any treatment responses; 6 (26%) in platin-gemcitabine and 5 (31.25%) in platin-pemetrexed were detected.

In southeast region of Turkey, prevalence of MM is more than other regions of Turkey and also it is an important disease for southeast region of Turkey. Chemotherapy have been used for paliative treatment in MM. Treatment responses are very low with new agents in the literature. However, treatment responses in our patients are worse than literature.