Radiation treatment is often used for malignant mesothelioma, combined with chemotherapy or surgery, or sometimes both. The procedure involves the exposure of a tumor or cancerous area to ionized energy particles in high levels. With cancerous tumors, radiation treatment destroys the ability of the cancer cell to divide and ultimately that cell itself is destroyed. This is so, because the treatment can damage the DNA of cancer cells.

 

Not only that, radiation therapy also damages even the healthy cells. In effect, the delivery of the treatment to the specific tissue mass is the same as the calculation of the medical effect of the therapy on the tumor.

Radiation treatment may include a number of radiation beams aimed at different angles to the target tissue. This way, the healthy tissues and organs that the beam passes through get lower doses of the treatment than the area where the beams intersect.

Different Types of Radiation Delivery

1. External Radiation – This treatment is done using a beam from a machine close to the patient. When applied prior to surgery, external radiation therapy will make an effort to shrink the tumor. When done during surgery, it will attempt to kill cancer cells close to the tumor site. If it is applied after surgery, the purpose is to lessen the possibility of recurrence. For mesothelioma cancer, the treatment program can last from three to five weeks, with the radiation being applied up to five days per week.

2. Internal Radiation – This therapy is not commonly applied for the treatment of mesothelioma since the cancer is not specifically concentrated in one area. Internal radiation therapy involves placing a tiny gadget with radioactive material near the tumor or cancerous tissue.

3. Systemic Radiation – Also known as radioisotope therapy, this procedure is conducted intravenously or orally. Its radiation source is a form of iodine which is treated to produce a radioactive effect.

4. Radio Immunotherapy (RIT) – RIT is a proven technique in minimizing the damage to nearby healthy cells. FDA approved two treatment substances last 2002 and 2003, Zevalin and Bexxar, joining an antibody to a radionuclide, an atom with unstable nucleus. The antibodies are directed to the cancer, which the radionuclide then destroys.

Side Effects of Radiation Treatments

1. Swelling, redness , soreness and ulceration of the surfaces lined by the epithelium – Radiation may cause damage to the surfaces lined by the epithelium. This includes the skin, the tissue on and within the mouth, esophagus, the inner part of the lungs, gastrointestinal tract and portions of the rectum. When the treatment is finished, external areas usually recover quickly. Swallowing may be made difficult by the damage on the throat. There may also be nausea and diarrhea as results of an affected GI system.
2. Hair loss – This is a side effect of both the radiation treatment and chemotherapy. However, with radiation, hair loss may be permanent but only on the area being treated.
3. Fatigue – This is one of the most usual complaints of patients undergoing radiation therapy. This discomfort may last for weeks or months, mostly depending on the intensity of the treatment and the health of the patient.
4. Dryness of the mouth and eyes – Unfortunately, dry mouth, as well as dry eyes can be disturbing long term side effects of radiation and may extend up to the sweat glands within the treated area.
5. Other side effects – There may be other side effects resulting from the treatment and may likely occur only on the areas being treated. Whatever short and long term side effects may potentially be experienced, a discussion with your physician will be helpful so that your expectations can be set.