Types of Mesothelioma Radiation Therapy
External Beam Radiation Therapy This is the preferred type of radiation therapy to treat mesothelioma. External beam radiation therapy uses a high-energy x-ray machine called a linear accelerator to direct radiation to the tumor. These treatments are much like getting a diagnostic x-ray except for a longer time. A typical course of treatment takes 3 to 5 weeks of daily treatments. The treatment is usually given once a day from Monday to Friday with a rest over the weekend.
Brachytherapy / Internal Radiation Therapy Radioactive material is placed near or directly into the tumor being targeted. Internal radiation therapy delivers radiation through sealed thin plastic tubes, needles, wires, or catheters. This method is not often used to treat mesothelioma.
Anna L. Kaplan, M.D.
