Peritoneal mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive cancer that affects the lining of the abdominal cavity. It is primarily caused by exposure to asbestos, a mineral fiber that was commonly used in construction and manufacturing until the 1970s. The development of peritoneal mesothelioma can take decades, and the disease often goes undiagnosed until it has reached an advanced stage.
Radiation therapy is one of the treatment options for peritoneal mesothelioma, along with surgery and chemotherapy. Radiation therapy uses high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. It can be delivered externally, using a machine that directs radiation beams at the affected area from outside the body, or internally, where radiation sources are placed directly into the tumor.
The success rate of radiation therapy for peritoneal mesothelioma depends on several factors, including the stage of the disease, the size and location of the tumor, and the overall health of the patient. In general, radiation therapy is not considered a curative treatment for peritoneal mesothelioma, but rather a way to manage symptoms and slow the progression of the disease.
Several studies have investigated the use of radiation therapy for peritoneal mesothelioma, with varying results. A 2017 study published in the Journal of Surgical Oncology found that radiation therapy was associated with improved survival in patients with advanced peritoneal mesothelioma who underwent surgery. The study followed 29 patients who received radiation therapy after surgery and found that their median overall survival was 36.6 months.
Another study, published in the International Journal of Radiation Oncology Biology Physics in 2016, examined the use of intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) in the treatment of peritoneal mesothelioma. IMRT is a type of external radiation therapy that uses advanced imaging techniques to deliver highly precise doses of radiation to the tumor while minimizing exposure to healthy tissues. The study included 25 patients who received IMRT for peritoneal mesothelioma, and found that the treatment was safe and effective in reducing tumor size and improving quality of life.
However, not all studies have shown a benefit to radiation therapy for peritoneal mesothelioma. A 2015 study published in the European Journal of Surgical Oncology found that radiation therapy did not improve overall survival in patients with advanced peritoneal mesothelioma who underwent surgery. The study followed 57 patients who received surgery with or without radiation therapy, and found no significant difference in survival between the two groups.
Overall, the success rate of radiation therapy for peritoneal mesothelioma is difficult to quantify due to the variability in patient populations and treatment protocols across studies. While some studies have shown a benefit to radiation therapy, it is generally not considered a curative treatment for peritoneal mesothelioma and is often used in combination with surgery and/or chemotherapy to manage symptoms and slow disease progression. As with any cancer treatment, the best course of action will depend on the individual patient’s unique circumstances and should be determined in consultation with a team of medical professionals.
