Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy is one of the oldest forms of treatment for cancer.  Each year, millions of cancer patients are treated with radiation therapy, a treatment that carries few side effects and allows patients to maintain a fairly normal lifestyle.  As a matter of fact, statistics from the American Cancer Society note that some 50% - 60% of all cancer patients – including mesothelioma sufferers - are prescribed radiation therapy for the treatment of their disease or its symptoms.

Understanding Radiation Therapy

Quite simply, radiation therapy is exactly what the name implies.  It employs the use of high-energy rays to damage cancer cells, stopping them from growing and dividing.  Unlike chemotherapy, it’s a localized therapy that affects only the cells in the area to which the rays are applied.

Radiation therapy can be utilized in two ways.  The rays may originate from a machine, known as external radiation, or radio-active material may be implanted inside the body at the site of the tumor, which is referred to as internal radiation.  The type of radiation prescribed will largely depend on the type of cancer from which someone is suffering.  Some patients may receive both forms of treatment.

External radiation is administered on an outpatient basis, usually 5 days per week for several weeks.  Internal radiation will require a hospital stay and because the level of radiation may be high for the first few days after the material is implanted, the patient may not be able to have visitors.  Implants can be temporary or permanent.

Side Effects of Radiation Therapy

The side effects of this kind of cancer treatment are much milder than those connected with other treatments prescribed for mesothelioma.  The most common complaint is extreme fatigue.  Skin reactions in the treated area may also occur, including inflammation.

Some patients also complain about loss of appetite during radiation therapy treatment.  Others will experience a decrease in white blood cells and may be more prone to infection.  Most side effects are controllable. 

Radiation and Mesothelioma

For mesothelioma patients, radiation therapy is often indicated for those for whom surgery is not an option, due to overall poor health or some other reason.  Radiation is also used as a palliative measure for meso patients, relieving symptoms such as shortness of breath, bleeding, pain, or difficulty swallowing.