(Feb, 2012)An experimental type of radiation could directly target mesothelioma tumors while limiting the damage to nearby tissue.

In a recent study, Italian doctors found that proton-based radiotherapy delivered higher doses to tumors while sparing nearby organs. Mesothelioma is a tricky cancer to treat because it originates so closely to organs such as the heart.

Mesothelioma is caused by asbestos exposure. The cancer originates in the lungs, the abdomen and the heart. There is no cure. But scientists continue testing methods to help patients live comfortably with the disease.

Conventional electron-based radiology comes with risky side effects. The highly charged ion particles destroy both the tumor and the healthy tissue around it.

The doctors said that proton-based therapy can be more effective in shrinking tumors because the ions are highly charged but diminish more rapidly than electron particles. When combined with intensity-modulation technology, which can shape the beam to mirror the tumor, proton radiotherapy can be made more effective.

The study monitored seven mesothelioma patients who received proton radiotherapy. The doctors observed both types of radiotherapy and calculated that proton therapy does less damage to the nearby tissue while it delivered equal doses to the tumors.

Swiss researchers were the first to test proton radiotherapy in mesothelioma patients in 2010. In that study, mesothelioma patients received proton radiotherapy after surgery. That study revealed similar results to the Italian study.

While the results are encouraging, mesothelioma patients may find this type of treatment hard to come by. Its still rare and very expensive.

Like any clinical trial, mesothelioma patients should be aware that they may not be eligible to participate. Travel, costs and the stage of the cancer can limit a patients access to the trial. Its also important to contact health insurance providers to determine whether some of the costs can be deferred.

Nearly 3,000 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year in the United States. Thousands more get the disease worldwide but accurate numbers are difficult to come by. The numbers are on the rise in developing countries like India because of the increased use of asbestos.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that has been banned in more than 40 countries except the United States and India. Asbestos is widely used as an insulator in building materials because of its ability to resist heat, water and corrosion.

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Contact: Baron & Budd, P.C. Susan Knape, 214-629-0596 email: susan@susanknape.com