Mesothelioma Radiation Therapy: Treatment Process

Types of Radiation for Mesothelioma

Radiation treatments for mesothelioma include two primary approaches: external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) and internal radiation therapy.

For malignant pleural mesothelioma, these treatments can effectively target and shrink tumors while helping to prevent cancer spread and recurrence.

The specific type of radiation therapy selected depends on factors like tumor location, cancer stage, and overall patient health.

External Beam Radiation

External beam radiation therapy is the most common treatment method for pleural mesothelioma patients, delivering high-energy rays directly to tumors from outside the body.

This non-invasive approach allows doctors to target specific areas while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue.

Advanced EBRT techniques include:

• 3D Conformal Radiation: Uses detailed imaging to create precise 3D maps of tumors for targeted treatment
• Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy: Varies radiation beam strength to deliver higher doses to tumors while protecting healthy tissue
• Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy: Combines imaging and radiation delivery for continuous monitoring during treatment
• Image-Guided Radiation: Takes regular scans to adjust treatment as tumor position changes

These specialized techniques help mesothelioma radiation patients receive precise treatment while minimizing side effects.

Each method offers unique advantages, with newer technologies providing increasingly accurate tumor targeting and improved outcomes.

Internal Radiation Therapy

Internal radiation therapy, though less commonly used for pleural mesothelioma, involves placing radioactive material either directly into or near tumor sites.

This method can deliver concentrated doses of radiation to specific areas while limiting exposure to surrounding tissues.

Internal radiation approaches include:

• Brachytherapy: Places radioactive implants directly into the tumor site
• Systemic Radiation: Delivers radioactive substances through IV treatment
• Intraoperative Radiation: Applies radiation during surgical procedures
• Targeted Radiotherapy: Uses specialized delivery methods to focus radiation on specific tumor locations

When appropriate for individual cases, internal radiation therapy can provide effective treatment options for mesothelioma patients.

These methods may be particularly beneficial when combined with other treatments as part of a comprehensive care plan.

Brachytherapy

Brachytherapy, an internal radiation therapy option, involves placing radioactive materials directly into or near mesothelioma tumors to deliver concentrated doses of radiation.

While less common than external beam methods, this approach can provide targeted treatment in specific cases.

Key aspects of brachytherapy treatment include:

• Direct Delivery: Placement of radioactive seeds or materials directly at tumor sites
• Precise Targeting: Concentrated radiation exposure to cancer cells while limiting healthy tissue damage
• Treatment Duration: Can be temporary or permanent depending on the specific approach
• Dose Control: Allows for higher radiation doses due to precise placement

This internal radiation method may be recommended as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, particularly when combined with other therapies to enhance overall effectiveness for pleural mesothelioma treatment.

Radiation in Multimodal Therapy

Radiation therapy plays a vital role in multimodal treatment approaches for patients with mesothelioma.

When combined with surgery and chemotherapy, radiotherapy treatment can improve patient outcomes by targeting mesothelioma cancer cells more effectively, reducing recurrence risks, and potentially extending survival rates.

Recent studies, including research from the National Cancer Institute, demonstrate the benefits of combining radiation with other therapies for enhanced treatment results.

Intraoperative Radiation Therapy

Intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT) delivers concentrated radiation doses directly to tumor sites during surgery, offering precise targeting while protecting surrounding healthy tissues.

While less commonly used for peritoneal mesothelioma, IORT can provide significant advantages in specific cases where tumors are accessible during surgical procedures.

Key benefits of IORT include:

• Single-Session Delivery: Provides high-dose radiation treatment in one surgical session
• Precise Targeting: Direct application to tumor sites minimizes exposure to healthy tissue
• Immediate Treatment: Addresses potential remaining cancer cells right after tumor removal
• Reduced Side Effects: Lower risk of radiation damage to surrounding organs

The immediate application of radiation during surgery can enhance treatment effectiveness by targeting cancer cells that might remain after tumor removal, potentially reducing the risk of cancer recurrence in the treated area.

Radiation Therapy After Surgery

Post-surgical radiation therapy serves as a critical follow-up treatment for patients who receive radiation therapy as part of their care plan.

This approach targets any remaining cancer cells that surgery may have missed and helps prevent recurrence in patients with lung cancer and other forms of mesothelioma.

The post-surgical radiation process includes:

• Treatment Planning: Detailed imaging to map remaining tumor locations
• Targeted Approach: Customized radiation delivery to specific areas
• Regular Sessions: Weekly treatments over several weeks
• Progress Monitoring: Ongoing assessment of treatment effectiveness

Following surgery, radiation therapy typically occurs on an outpatient basis, with sessions scheduled multiple times per week.

Medical professionals carefully monitor patient response and adjust treatment plans as needed to ensure optimal outcomes while managing potential side effects.

Surgery for Mesothelioma After Radiation Therapy

The SMART protocol (Surgery for Mesothelioma After Radiation Therapy) represents an innovative treatment approach where high-dose intensity-modulated radiation precedes surgical removal of the affected lung and lung lining through extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP).

Key findings from SMART protocol research include:

• Survival Rates: Median survival reached 51 months for patients receiving SMART treatment
• Short-term Success: 4 out of 5 patients survived beyond one year in a 2020 study
• Cancer Recurrence: One patient showed no cancer return after 2.7 years
• Risk Factors: High radiation levels require immediate surgery following treatment
• Patient Selection: Careful evaluation needed due to EPP’s significant mortality rate

The success of this treatment sequence demonstrates promising results, though medical teams must carefully evaluate each case due to the procedure’s inherent risks and the necessity of surgery following targeted radiation therapy.

Benefits of Radiation Therapy for Mesothelioma

Radiation therapy offers significant advantages for mesothelioma patients by extending survival rates, providing pain relief, and preventing cancer spread.

When combined with surgery and chemotherapy as part of a multimodal approach, targeted radiation therapy can help some patients live 3-5 years longer while improving their overall quality of life.

Side Effects of Mesothelioma Radiation Therapy

While radiation therapy side effects are typically more contained than chemotherapy effects, patients should be aware of potential temporary and long-term complications that may arise during treatment.

Common side effects of radiation therapy include:

• Respiratory Issues: Coughing, fever, and chest fullness (radiation pneumonitis) may develop
• Breathing Difficulties: Shortness of breath and potential scarring of the lungs (radiation fibrosis)
• Physical Discomfort: Difficulty swallowing and fatigue are common experiences
• External Changes: Hair loss near the treated area and skin reactions may occur

Early recognition and proper management of these side effects can help prevent long-term complications.

Research indicates that radiation treatment in the chest area may cause pleural effusions in up to 67% of cancer patients, resulting in chest pain and breathing difficulties due to fluid buildup.

What to Expect from Mesothelioma Radiation

The radiation therapy process involves several key steps, beginning with an initial consultation with a radiation oncologist who will determine the most effective approach for each patient’s specific case.

The treatment journey typically includes:

• Initial Consultation: Meeting with specialists to discuss treatment options and sign necessary consent forms
• Imaging Studies: CT or MRI scans to precisely map tumor locations
• Treatment Sessions: Weekly outpatient visits over several weeks
• Follow-up Care: Regular monitoring appointments to assess treatment effectiveness

Patients receive treatment on an outpatient basis, with sessions scheduled one or more times per week.

Medical professionals guide patients through proper positioning and protective measures to ensure radiation targets cancer cells while minimizing exposure to healthy tissue.

TruLaw: Your Mesothelioma Law Firm

Mesothelioma lawsuits are being filed by individuals across the country who need help with their mesothelioma treatment costs after they were exposed to asbestos and later diagnosed with this aggressive cancer.

TruLaw is currently accepting clients who have mesothelioma lawsuit claims they are eligible to file.

A few reasons to choose TruLaw for your mesothelioma lawsuit include:

• If We Don’t Win, You Don’t Pay: The mesothelioma attorneys at TruLaw and our partner firms operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning we only get paid if you win.
• Expertise: We have years of experience handling toxic tort cases similar to asbestos exposure lawsuits, which helps us anticipate what we can expect to see in your case and the regulations we will be required to meet.
• Successful Track Record: TruLaw and our partner law firms have helped our clients recover billions of dollars in compensation through verdicts and negotiated settlements.

If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with mesothelioma after being exposed to asbestos, you may be eligible to seek compensation.

Contact TruLaw using the chat on this page to receive an instant case evaluation that can determine if you qualify for a mesothelioma lawsuit today.