Radiation Therapy Mesothelioma Treatment

Radiation therapy is a form of malignant mesothelioma treatment typically used in conjunction with surgery or chemotherapy. It may also be referred to as X-Ray Therapy, Cobalt Therapy, or Irradiation. Approximately half of all cancer patients are treated with radiation and it has been found to be effective in increasing survival rates in malignant mesothelioma patients when used in combination with other aggressive treatments.

Radiation therapy mesothelioma treatment kills cancerous cells that are growing and dividing in an uncontrolled manner - it will destroy normal as well as abnormal cells. Therefore, careful planning is necessary to limit the amount of normal tissue that is destroyed.

Radiation is given either externally or internally:

• External radiation can be delivered via a linear accelerator, which uses electricity to create radiation, or by a machine that uses a radioactive substance as its radiation source.
• Internal radiation is either "sealed" or "unsealed." Unsealed radiation is given orally or through an injection. Sealed radiation is delivered through an implant in the form of seeds, capsules, needles, or wires.

External radiation therapy for malignant mesothelioma, which is performed at least five days per week for several weeks, is usually an outpatient procedure, while internal radiation is usually an inpatient procedure. Internal radiation therapy usually requires a hospital stay of three to seven days.

Mesothelioma Treatment Side Effects from Radiation

Most patients undergoing radiation therapy for mesothelioma treatment will suffer from side effects. Side effects can be either acute or chronic and vary from patient to patient.

Acute Side Effects

Acute side effects occur during this form of mesothelioma treatment and can include: fatigue, skin reactions, constipation, diarrhea, nausea, shortness of breath, and area-specific side effects:

• Head and Neck Cancers - hair loss and mouth sores
• Gastrointestinal Cancers - nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation
• Lung Cancers - shortness of breath (dyspnea)

Chronic Side Effects

Chronic side effects occur months to years after the radiation therapy is administered. These side effects vary and should be explained fully by your physician before treatment begins. Blood count levels will also be closely monitored after treatment of malignant mesothelioma with radiation. A low white blood cell count decreases a patient's ability to fight off infection, while a low red blood cell count can result in anemia. Additionally, a low platelet count increases the chance of excessive bleeding.

• Low White Blood Count - If a patient has a low white blood cell count they are urged to check their temperature at least four times per day to make sure they are not running a fever. In addition, patients should eliminate uncooked foods from their diet, avoid fresh flowers and plants, and avoid dental work.
• Low Red Blood Count - If a patient has a low red blood cell count they are urged to get a lot of sleep and avoid strenuous activity. In addition, patients should eat a diet high in iron, drink a lot of water, and avoid caffeine.
• Low Platelet Count - If a patient has a low platelet count they are urged to avoid activity that could result in injury. In addition, patients should avoid aspirin and other over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications.

This information is meant to provide a brief overview of radiation therapy and its side effects. It is important that you consult a physician to discuss malignant mesothelioma treatment specific to your case.