Objective To compare the survival rates from two conservative strategies in the treatment of malignant pleural mesothelioma (pemetrexed plus cisplatin or pemetrexed plus carboplatin ).Methods Seventeen cases diagnosed of malignant pleural mesothelioma at clinical stages of or over Butchart Ⅲ in our hospital during 2005 -2009 were treated with pemetrexed plus cisplatin (10 cases,Group A)or pemetrexed plus carboplatin (7 cases,Group B ).The difference in the survival rates between these two groups was compared.Results The early survival rate (0 -3 months)in pemetrexed plus cisplatin (group A)-treated group was more than that of pemetrexed plus carboplatin group (group B),but the difference was not statistically significant (x2 =0,1.52,1.52,respectively,P ＞ 0.05 ).For the medium-term survival rate (4 - 9 months),group A was better than group B,and the difference was statistically significant( x2 =5.21,4.41,4.41,4.50,4.50,4.55,respectively,P ＜ 0.05 ).The two groups produced comparable long-term survival rate s (10 -12months) ( x2 =1.31,0.09,0.09,respectively,P ＞ 0.05 ).Conclusion To increase the medium-term survival rate (4 -9 months)of patients with MPM,we prefer to using pemetrexed plus cisplatin regime.For the patients with more severe side effects which can be relieved by folic acid and VitB12,this regime is also recommended.Otherwise,for the patients with unrelievable side effects,especially for those with poor physical condition or a short survival expectation,pemetrexed plus carboplatin is suggested.