Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) works just like other types of radiation on cancer cells. IMRT uses high-energy x-rays to kill cancer cells. Like other forms of radiation used for mesothelioma the treatment is usually palliative at this time with current technology. Palliative means it's used only to make the patient more comfortable and slow down the cancer process but it will not usually "cure" the cancer completely.
What is unique about IMRT is that it's done with a 3-dimensional computer driven machine outside the patients body. The machine moves around the patients body delivering computer guided radiation beams to the mesothelioma cancer. And it does this from several angles which makes it more effective against the mesothelioma.
This IMRT is an important advance in technology because it can deliver more accurate radiation which will reduce damage to the healthy tissue surrounding the cancerous mesothelioma.
Several larger hospitals and cancer centers have IMRT. But it's not available everywhere.
The side effects of radiation remain the same for any type of radiation therapy treating mesothelioma which may include fatigue and skin changes that could resemble a sunburn. And the side effects could be different if the radiation therapy is directed at the chest or the abdomen as mentioned in an earlier post: shortness of breath for the chest and nausea, vomiting and diarrhea for the abdomen.
But don't forget some people experience very little side effects and some people experience more. Each person and mesothelioma case is different. Make sure everything is discussed in detail with your doctor.
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