Radiation has proved to be of limited use in abdominal mesothelioma as a primary treatment. However, it has proved useful in preventing malignant seeding of the incision sites. Its use is highly recommended in the treatment of both pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma to prevent the appearance of mesothelioma in the area of surgical incisions.
Because of the easy access to the peritoneal cavity, some consideration has been given to using photodynamic therapy as an adjuvant treatment for peritoneal mesothelioma. The surface to be treated is bathed in a chemical that is absorbed by both healthy cells and tumor cells. Healthy cells tend to clear this chemical more quickly. The chemical sensitizes cellular tissues to exposure to light, causing apoptosis or cell death. If timed correctly, only the cancer cells self-destruct because only they retain the sensitizing chemical. Clinical trials for this have been attempted but the results aren’t convincing enough to make this a standard therapy.
The Mesothelioma Foundation is here to help the families and patients affected by mesothelioma. Contact our nurse practitioner with questions about your mesothelioma diagnosis and treatment options.
