Radiation therapy is a widespread mesothelioma treatment that is also used for cancers of many varieties. It has been used since the days of WWI as a way to slow or eliminate cancer cell growth. Radiation therapy’s use is extremely extensive. In fact, the American Cancer Society reports that nearly 60% of all cancer incidences are treated through some variety of radiation therapy. Part of what makes its so popular are its relatively few side effects and recovery time, as opposed to other traditional cancer treatments, such as surgery and chemotherapy. In cases of malignant mesothelioma, which has no cure, it is generally prescribed as either a way to eliminate symptomatic discomfort or in augmentation with another treatment to increase its efficacy.
How does radiation therapy treat cancer? Simply said, radiation in high doses will kill cancer cells. However, the mechanics behind the therapy are somewhat more complicated. Radiation will be administered to a localized region on the body. Tiny radioactive particles then penetrate the body and act upon its cells. These particles disable the cancer cells to the point where they are no longer genetically inclined to divide, while killing other cells completely. The tumor will then become smaller and the remaining cancer cells will no longer spread in a specific region.
There are essentially two varieties of radiation therapy, external and internal. External radiation involves an outpatient procedure in which radiation will be administered on a localized area in cycles, which will be dependant on both the patient’s and the tumor’s response. Internal radiation, also known as brachytherapy, requires that a patient be admitted to the hospital. Radioactive implants will then be placed in the area surrounding the cancer for a sustained period of therapy. Internal radiation allows for a higher concentration of radiation to be administered. Because of this, patient’s activity will be somewhat limited for a few days following a treatment. Implants can be both temporary or permanent.
In all likelihood, a patient’s treatment with radiation therapy will be administered in conjunction with another treatment, such as surgery or chemotherapy. When administered before surgery, radiation can dramatically reduce the size and area of resection, making surgery more realistic for some patients. Radiation therapy is not right for every patient of malignant mesothelioma and common side effects include fatigue, loss of appetite, and minor irritation in the localized area. Only the patient’s physician can determine if radiation is right for them. Patients of malignant mesothelioma are urged to seek more information on any therapy that they believe can help them battle this difficult disease.