Radiation Treatment Types

External Beam Radiation (EBR)

External beam radiation is effective in treating all stages of mesothelioma. This technique involves using a radiation machine (X-ray, CT) to deliver high-energy beams to the location of the mesothelioma.

Doctors take precise measurements of the tumor. This is to ensure that radiation beams directly target the tumor without damaging healthy cells. The radiation dosage varies depending on the size of the tumor. Radiation treatment only lasts 5-10 minutes depending on the size of the affected area and office visits (from start to finish) are usually no longer than 30 minutes.

Treatment is usually performed at an outpatient center, 5 days a week, for 3-10 weeks. Following treatment, patients follow up with their oncologist about the next steps in treatment and/or recovery.

Three-dimensional Conformal Radiation Therapy (3D-CRT)

3D – CRT, a type of external beam radiation, uses special imaging scanners and computers to target the radiation. Computers have become a critical tool in radiation therapy. These specialized computers manage everything from calibration of the radiation machine to taking digital images of the affected area.

3D-CRT uses advanced software and machines to deliver radiation to very precisely shaped target areas. This confines the radiation to the tumor itself, protecting nearby healthy tissue. Less radiation to the surrounding organs results in a faster recovery for patients.

Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT)

IMRT is one of the most advanced types of external beam radiation for non-invasive cancer treatment. Similar to 3D-CRT, IMRT delivers a strong dose of radiation to the tumor. However, IMRT can produce different levels of radiation at the same time.

The beam strength can be increased on larger parts of the tumor resulting in more damage to malignant tissue. Nearby tissue is damaged much less because lower amounts of radiation are used along the margins of the tumor.

Patients experience faster recovery because less healthy tissue repair is required. However, there is an increased risk of toxicity (radiation sickness) with IMRT. Toxicity can include long-term health complications like pneumonia, cardiomyopathy, or coronary disease.

Intraoperative Radiation Therapy (IORT)

IORT introduces radiation therapy during surgical procedures. IORT allows the radiation to directly affect the tumor without passing through the skin and other tissue. IORT has shown to dramatically decrease the chances of tumor growth at surgical incision points.

Many patients who have a combination of IORT and post surgery radiation treatment options have fewer complications, including side effects. Ideal candidates for IORT are usually over the age of fifty and have small tumors.

Brachytherapy

Brachytherapy is a type of Intraoperative Radiation Therapy. This procedure involves implanting a small radioactive pellet into the tumor. They can be inserted at the exact location of the tumor to provide a continuous dose of radiation after surgery.

Side Effects of Radiation Treatments

Patients who undergo radiation treatment may experience side effects. The side effects come in one of two forms, acute (short-term) and chronic (long-term).

Acute side effects of radiation therapy are general fatigue and skin reactions. Patients can feel lethargic and tired because of the energy required to heal the body after treatment. Skin reactions to the radiation are similar to sunburn. A patient may also experience stomachaches, vomiting or slight pain while breathing.

Occasional chronic side effects of radiation are: hearing loss, numbness in the hands and feet, and cardiac issues. There have also been rare cases of respiratory ailments and secondary cancers.

Radiation oncologists can discuss any likely chronic complications, but they are uncommon in most mesothelioma patients. Learn more about radiation treatment in our free Mesothelioma Guide.

Improve Your Prognosis With Radiation Therapy

The type of radiation therapy that is most beneficial for you depend on your specific diagnosis. Clinical trials may provide options not offered by your doctor; therefore, patients are encouraged to enroll in recruiting trials. Finding a mesothelioma specialist is the most important thing a patient should do.

Only a specialist can prescribe appropriate radiation therapy that can produce the best results for the patient. Use our free Doctor Match program to find a specialist who can help you improve your prognosis.