In this study from the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, the researchers tested intensity-modulated radiation therapy or IMRT in pleural mesothelioma patients.

Intensity-modulated radiation therapy uses computer-controlled linear accelerators to deliver radiation. It is designed to conform more precisely to the three-dimensional shape of the tumor and can therefore deliver higher doses of radiation.

In this study, seven patients with pleural mesothelioma who had an extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP) were also treated with intensity-modulated radiation therapy.

After a minimum of 13 months follow-up, there were no cases of the mesothelioma recurring in the area that was radiated.

The most severe side effects were anorexia, nausea and vomiting. The researchers concluded that “treatment of the extensive operative area after an EPP is feasible using IMRT.”

Today intensity-modulated radiation therapy is still used in some centers as part of a multi-modality approach to the treatment of mesothelioma.

Treatment Details
Patients: This study involved seven patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma.

Treatment: The treatment consisted of surgery followed by radiation. The surgery, extrapleural pneumonectomy, comprised removal of the ipsilateral lung, parietal pleura, hemidiaphragm, pericardium, mediastinal lymph nodes and, for most patients, chest wall dissection of rib segments and intercostals muscles. The radiation consisted of Intensity-modulated radiation therapy. IMRT can potentially conform radiation doses tighter to the target and therefore reduce normal tissue toxicity.

Toxicity: Toxicities included grade 3 fatigue, anorexia, nausea/vomiting, and dyspnea.

Results: Of the seven patients, three are alive with no evidence of disease (as of the time the study was written). The median survival of 12 months was calculated by Cancer Monthly based on status of each patient (Table 7 of the study).

Correspondence: Dr. Craig Stevens

Survival:12.0 months
Toxicity Grade:3
Treatments:Radiation
Surgery
Drugs: 
Country:United States
City/State/Province:Houston, Texas
Hospital:The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center
Journal:Source Link
Date:3/2003

See all conventional treatment results for mesothelioma.