Study Shows Benefits of Focal Radiation Therapy in Mesothelioma Treatment

Malignant mesothelioma is known for many things, including the fact that it is notably resistant to traditional cancer treatments. Researchers are constantly working to find effective means of slowing the asbestos-related cancer’s spread and delaying the need for aggressive surgeries or toxic systemic therapies. A new study published in the journal Lung Cancer indicates that the use of high-dose focal radiotherapy may be an essential tool in this goal, offering a safe option for patients affected by the terminal disease.

Focal Radiotherapy Delivers Targeted Radiation to Mesothelioma Tumors

The mesothelioma study was conducted by researchers from a variety of Italian research facilities and examined the use of high-dose focal radiotherapy, which delivers radiation from multiple directions in a very targeted way to address mesothelioma tumors that have developed in sites distant from the original tumor. 

The patients involved in the study all had what is termed oligo-progressive malignant pleural mesothelioma, which means that they were not eligible for surgery and that their disease had progressed to three or fewer sites. All patients had already been treated with at least one line of chemotherapy, and then were treated with either stereotactic body radiotherapy or hypo-fractionated radiotherapy. 

Radiotherapy Delayed Further Progression of Mesothelioma Tumors

Of 37 mesothelioma patients treated with the radiotherapy between April 2006 and March 2019, local control of the disease’s spread was 84% at 6 months following treatment and 76% at one year following treatment. Patients who had received one line of systemic therapy prior to the use of radiotherapy realized a longer period of time before progression than was true of those that had required multiple courses of chemotherapy. 

For those diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma, finding ways to extend life and improve quality of life is a top priority, and these study results provide physicians with invaluable information on how to do so. For information on other state-of-the-art research, contact the Patient Advocates at Mesothelioma.net today at 1-800-692-8608.

Written by Terri Oppenheimer

Terri Heimann Oppenheimer is the head writer of our Mesothelioma.net news blog. She graduated from the College of William and Mary with a degree in English. Terri believes that knowledge is power and she is committed to sharing news about the impact of mesothelioma, the latest research and medical breakthroughs, and victims’ stories.

Learn more about and contact Terri