Clapper, Patti, Schweizer and Mason

One of the main forms of treatment for advanced malignant mesothelioma (MM) is radiation therapy. Standard treatment for mesothelioma combines radiation with chemotherapy. 

 

Mesothelioma is an incurable cancer caused by asbestos, with the most primary malignancy showing up in the pleura, or lining of the lungs. Development of mesothelioma doesn’t occur until decades after exposure and is difficult to diagnose and treat. As there is no known cure, treatments focus on pain and symptom relief. Radiation is one of the proven therapeutic interventions that provide palliative relief.

 

Radiation effects mesothelioma patients differently, depending on the location of the tumors, overall general health, and other prior or concurrent treatments, such as chemotherapy. Radiation therapy consists of a beam of high energy x-rays or gamma rays directed toward malignant cells, causing them to stop dividing, proliferating, and spreading to other locations in the body. Radiotherapy is a localized treatment, so some side effects are confined to the area being treated.

 

Side effects can be immediate, but for most begin to show two to three weeks into treatment. For many, side effects dissipate or disappear within a month or two after treatment is completed, however some long term effects can remain.

 

Common side effects are:

 

Most symptoms will be temporary and will go away a couple months after treatment, although some can be more permanent. There are some symptoms, such as hair loss, that you have little or no power to minimize or change. Being aware of what side effects are likely to occur, as well as some simple steps to manage them, can really help to minimize the discomfort of treatment. 

 

Some tips may seem quite common sense, but are worth mentioning. One of the first noticeable side effects of radiation therapy will be fatigue, which generally worsens after two to three weeks into treatment. Getting plenty of rest and adjusting your expectations and level of daily activity  is vital. Eating healthy, avoiding alcohol, engaging in light activity, pacing yourself and accepting help from others will all greatly help with fatigue. 

 

To help reduce nausea and vomiting, talk to your radiation oncologist about certain medications that exist that you can take prior to starting therapy or as soon as symptoms begin. Again, diet and rest can also help, as well as anxiety reducing techniques. Medications will not eliminate nausea and vomiting but can be very effective at reducing the severity of symptoms.

 

Some mesothelioma patients experience difficulty swallowing due to the esophagus becoming irritated and inflamed. Heartburn and sore throat are common, and changing what you eat is the most helpful way to manage this side effect. Some easy tips are to drink soothing liquids, avoid alcohol, eat smooth, softer foods that are easier to swallow while keeping up nutrition, and avoid foods that are hard or rough, including acidic foods that can cause a burning sensation. Staying upright for at least fifteen minutes after eating as well as eating smaller meals more frequently throughout the day can also be helpful. 

 

As for irritated and red skin, protecting the skin and treating it sensitively will help. Avoid using or rubbing anything course on the skin, use soaps and detergents designed for sensitive skin, and avoid lotions or creams unless prescribed or recommended by your oncologist. As with foods, avoid anything with extreme temperatures, either hot or cold, and be careful with sun exposure. Wearing loose, non-binding clothes will be more comfortable and less abrasive. If your condition is particularly painful, ask your oncologist to prescribe a cream to use, especially in the area where radiation is targeting.

 

If you are currently undergoing radiation therapy, remember that for many symptoms do subside within a few weeks of treatment ending. If you would like more information about radiation therapy, consult the National Cancer Institute.