Types of Radiation
There is an internal form of radiation called brachytherapy and an external form called external beam radiation therapy (EBRT). EBRT is known to be more effective and is therefore used more often. External beam radiation uses high-energy beams aimed at mesothelioma tumors. Intensity-modulated radiation therapy can change the strength of rays in different areas. This allows higher radiation when necessary, in the tumor and prevents damage from the surrounding tissue. The radiation works by damaging the cancer cells DNA so they can no longer replicate, preventing metastasis. It can take weeks to months after the treatment for the mesothelioma cancer cells to die.
Brachytherapy is less common, but it’s still being researched to see how a patient improves. Brachytherapy kills cancer cells by implanting radioactive material in the tumor. Because the radiation is targeted within the tumor, it has little effect on nearby tissues that may be healthy. But this can leave skin problems, fatigue, and difficulty swallowing scarring of the lungs.
Brachytherapy can be applied in two ways permanent brachytherapy and temporary brachytherapy. Permanent brachytherapy Keeps the radiation seeds within the body and stops emitting radiation after three to 12 months. Temporary brachytherapy Allows the seeds to be implanted for a short period of time, such as several weeks or months. Then the seeds are removed depending on the dosage of the radiation and the desired effect.
In some multimodal therapy treatments, radiation is applied after surgery to kill any cancer cells that may have been left behind. This lowers the risk of recurrence and can slow down the meats of the mesothelioma process, extending life expectancy.