Radiation Therapy in Combined Mesothelioma Treatment
Posted on: October 17, 2023 *Updated on: May 27, 2024The role of radiation therapy, in the context of mesothelioma treatment, varies depending on the surgical approach and overall treatment plan. Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive form of cancer primarily affecting the lining of the lungs (pleura), and it is most commonly caused by exposure to asbestos.
P/D (Pleurectomy/Decortication) and Radiation:
P/D is a less radical surgery than EPP (Extrapleural Pneumonectomy) and involves the removal of the pleura and all visible tumor mass. It aims to spare the lung, unlike EPP, which removes the entire lung. Radiation is often used after P/D to target remaining microscopic tumor cells. The hope is that the combined therapy will kill off remaining cancer cells, improving patient survival and quality of life.
EPP (Extrapleural Pneumonectomy) and Radiation:
In the case of EPP, pre-operative (neoadjuvant) radiation is sometimes employed to shrink the tumor and make the subsequent surgery more effective. Because EPP is a more radical surgery, pre-operative radiation can be a crucial part of the multimodal treatment approach.
Clinical Trials:
Various clinical trials have investigated the efficacy of different multimodal treatment approaches involving surgery and radiation therapy. Some have reported median survival times of 20 to 24 months for pleural mesothelioma patients who received P/D followed by radiation, but survival rates can differ widely based on a range of factors including stage at diagnosis, overall health, and the specifics of the treatment regimen.
It’s essential to consult healthcare professionals to determine the most appropriate treatment for any individual patient. Different approaches may be more or less effective based on the specific circumstances of the case. Furthermore, new treatments and clinical trials are continually emerging, and the most up-to