Diffuse malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is an aggressive tumor with dismal prognosis that has largely been associated with exposure to asbestos. As a disease of industrialized nations predominantly, it is expected to have its peak incidence around year 2020. In the United States alone, 2500 to 3000 new cases of MPM are diagnosed annually and its incidence is increasing. Based on a 20- to 50-year latency period between exposure and disease manifestation, there might still be another surge in incidence in the mid 21st century associated with asbestos exposure from the unfortunate events of September 11, 2001, at the World Trade Center in New York City. Despite important advances in our understanding of this disease, long-term survivors are rare due to delay in diagnosis and rapid disease progression. Malignant pleural mesothelioma poses a significant healthcare problem not only for patients and their caregivers, but also for industry and government in terms of the enormous cost of compensation.