Mesothelioma Radiationtherapy

Radiation therapy uses high-energy x-rays to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. Radiation can be received from a machine (external radiation) or from putting materials that produce radiation through thin plastic tubes in the area where the cancer cells are found (internal radiation therapy).

In pleural mesothelioma, it is difficult to irradiate tumor tissue successfully without injuring nearby organs like the lungs, heart, and liver. Radiation therapy, however, can be very effective in relieving pain in certain situations.

Radiation therapy is a treatment method that uses high-energy x-rays to destroy cancer cells and shrink tumors. It is also used to improve disease-related symptoms. Immunotherapy is a treatment that stimulates or restores the ability of the immune system to fight infection and disease. It is also used to lessen side effects that may be caused by some cancer treatments. Other terms used to describe this or similar therapies are biotherapy
(biological therapy) or biological response modifier (BRM) therapy.

There are many people researching other possible treatments for mesothelioma. Your health care team is your best source for gaining and understanding information regarding the treatment of your mesothelioma.

Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy uses high energy x-rays to kill or shrink cancerous cells. When used in combination with the other traditional mesothelioma treatments, radiation therapy has been effective in increasing survival rates for malignant mesothelioma patients. However, because radiation therapy will destroy normal cells as well as abnormal cells, doctors must carefully plan how to carry out this type of treatment.

Radiation therapy can be administered in one of two ways: External radiation refers to radiation that comes from a machine outside the body Internal radiation is delivered by inserting radioisotopes into the body at the location of the cancerous cells.

Side Effects
Side effects from radiation therapy vary from patient to patient. The most common adverse responses to the treatment include: fatigue, skin reactions, shortness of breath, and low blood count levels. These issues should be discussed with your doctor before radiation therapy begins.