Table 1 Clinical data for the 48 patients with epithelioid malignant pleural mesothelioma involved in the study
MPM (n = 48)MalesFemalesAge (y) (range (mean))Survival (months) (range (mean))MIB1/Ki-67
Cases <30%
LTS (n = 26)111541–78 (63.7)36–116 (50.7)24/26 (92.3%)
Cases >30%
STS (n = 22)17530–71 (57.4)<1–31 (9.1)13/22 (40.9%)

  • 36 months was taken as the cut-off level for survival; 26 patients were identified as LTS and 22 as STS.

  • MIB-1/Ki-67 proliferation index (<30% or >30%) was associated with STS and LTS.

  • LTS, long term survivors; MPM, malignant pleural mesothelioma; STS, short term survivors.