Mesothelioma and Radical Surgery 2

Mesothelioma is a cancer of the thin membrane that lines the chest and abdomen. Around 2500 people in the UK are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year and the median survival is approximately 8.5 months. Exposure to asbestos is the most common cause although the cancer does not usually become apparent until 40-60 years after exposure. Anti-cancer drugs (chemotherapy) are usually given to help treat mesothelioma and sometimes lung-sparing surgery (pleurectomy decortication) is undertaken. However, it is not known if this surgery, in addition to chemotherapy, can increase survival and improve the quality of life for patients. The aim of the MARS2 study is to compare surgery - (extended) pleurectomy decortication - with no surgery with respect to overall survival, cost-effectiveness and quality of life. Patients will be followed up by phone at regular intervals for 2 years. Patients will be asked to complete and return a Quality of Life Questionnaire at these time points.

MARS 2 also includes an optional 'Information study', where consenting patients may be interviewed or have their consultations audio-recorded. The aim of the Information study is to explore how a patient makes a decision to take part in research or not, with the overall aim of improving recruitment to clinical trials.