Mesothelioma

Radiation

Radiation therapy treats cancer through beams of high energy or streams of particles known as radiation. In mesothelioma patients, radiation can be used in combination with surgery or by itself to manage symptoms.

External Beam Radiation Therapy

External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT) uses x-rays from a device outside the patient's body to destroy malignant cells. The most common form of radiation for mesothelioma patients, EBRT is similar to receiving an x-ray. However, the radiation is much more intense. Before the radiation begins, the medical staff will map out the correct angles for the radiation beams and determine the appropriate dosage. While treatment lasts only a few minutes, positioning the patient usually takes longer.

Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy

For mesothelioma patients who underwent surgery, radiation can be used to attack any remaining disease in the chest cavity. One form of radiation used on these patients is Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT). IMRT utilizes x-rays of different intensities in combination with computer generated images to send targeted radiation to the malignant cells, while doing little harm to the healthy tissue. Because of the precision of IMRT, tumors near vital organs can now be treated without considerable risk.

While IMRT has shown the best results in treating prostate, head and neck cancer, this form of radiation has room for improvement in local control of mesothelioma. In fact, research from the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center suggests that IMRT can reduce local recurrence by nearly 50%.

Another advancement in radiation therapy is helical tomotherapy, which delivers radiation with surgical precision. Helical tomotherapy can treat the cancer, while sparing healthy cells and minimizing side effects. Many radiation oncologists liken tomotherapy to a combination of spiral CT scanning and IMRT.

Radiation Side Effects

General side effects of radiation include skin changes and fatigue. However, additional side effects can occur, depending on the area of the body being treated. Radiation to the abdomen can cause vomiting, diarrhea and nausea, while radiotherapy to the chest can cause shortness of breath or difficulty breathing. Radiation can also make the side effects of chemotherapy worse.

If you are experiencing symptoms after radiation treatment, speak with your doctor. In most cases, there are ways to control these adverse effects.

In addition to medical choices, mesothelioma patients also have legal decisions to make. If you are interested in a mesothelioma lawsuit to hold your former asbestos company liable for their actions, fill out our free case evaluation form to speak with a mesothelioma lawyer.