Effectiveness of Radiotherapy for Mesothelioma Patients After Surgery

Researchers in the U.K. are measuring the post-surgery effectiveness of prophylactic radiotherapy in reducing the chances of a patient developing new tumors along the incision path. Although the procedure became standard practice more than a decade ago, continued debate over its effectiveness has led to the latest, multicenter clinical trial that began recently with more than 200 new mesothelioma patients. "This [trial] will answer the question, 'Is prophylactic radiotherapy of benefit to patients with large biopsy or chest wall incision sites in mesothelioma?'" lead researcher Dr. Nick Maskell, of the University of Bristol School of Sciences, told Asbestos.com. "This is the first, properly powered study to answer that question." The intent of radiotherapy is to prevent or reduce Procedural Tract Metastases (PTM), an often painful condition that can accelerate progression of mesothelioma. Debate Over Usefulness of Radiotherapy Post-Surgery Radiotherapy became routine for mesothelioma patients following a variety of surgical procedures, from aggressive pleurectomy/decortication to simpler biopsies or drainage of excess lung fluid. Acceptance of the procedure stemmed from a much smaller sampling at one center in 1995 that produced a significant difference between patients who had radiotherapy immediately after surgery and those who did not. Although two ensuing studies in the U.K. produced less definitive results, the acceptance of the procedure continued. Radiotherapy kills ...
Source: Asbestos and Mesothelioma News - Category: Environmental Health Authors: Tags: Research & Clinical Trials Source Type: news