External Beam Radiation Therapy

External beam radiation therapy treats mesothelioma by administering a beam of high-energy x-rays to the tumor. This form of radiation aims to kill the cancerous cells while doing little harm to the normal cells.

During external beam radiation, the radiation therapist will take an x-ray or CT scan to help determine the size of the tumor. The oncologist will then decide how to arrange the beams to best treat the cancer. Next, the patient will be placed on the treatment couch using alignment lasers. The team of radiation specialists will then determine the amount of radiation to deliver to the tumor.

After the patient is positioned on the treatment couch, the radiation can begin. Immobilization devices may be used to ensure the patient stays in place. While the treatment does not hurt, a mesothelioma patient may experience various side effects from the radiation.