Hemithoracic radiation after extrapleural pneumonectomy for malignant pleural mesothelioma Journal Article


Authors: Yajnik, S.; Rosenzweig, K. E.; Mychalczak, B.; Krug, L.; Flores, R.; Hong, L.; Rusch, V. W.
Article Title: Hemithoracic radiation after extrapleural pneumonectomy for malignant pleural mesothelioma
Abstract: Purpose: The treatment of malignant pleural mesothelioma remains a therapeutic challenge, with median survival rates of about 12 months and local failure rates of up to 80%. Our institution recently published results showing that extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP) followed by hemithoracic radiation yielded excellent local control. This paper reports our technique for high-dose hemithoracic radiation after EPP. Methods: Between 1990 and 2001, 35 patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma were treated with EPP followed by hemithoracic radiation therapy (median dose: 54 Gy, range: 45-54 Gy) at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. EPP was defined as en bloc resection of the entire pleura, lung, and diaphragm with or without resection of the pericardium. The radiation therapy target volume was the entire hemithorax, including the pleural folds and the thoracotomy and chest tube incision sites. Patients were treated with a total dose of 5400 cGy delivered in 30 fractions of 180 cGy. Radiation therapy was well tolerated, and toxicity data are described. Results: Of the 35 patients analyzed, 29 patients were male, and 18 had right-sided tumors. Twenty-six had epithelioid histologies. UICC stage was I in 4, II in 11, III in 19, and IV in 1 patient. As shown by axial and sagittal isodose distributions, we were able to deliver adequate doses to the target volume while limiting dose to critical structures such as heart, spinal cord, liver, and stomach. The most common toxicities were RTOG Grades 1 and 2 nausea and vomiting, as well as lung, esophageal, and skin toxicities. Conclusion: Extrapleural pneumonectomy followed by high-dose hemithoracic radiation therapy is a feasible treatment regimen that is well tolerated for patients with malignant mesothelioma. We have demonstrated adequate dose distributions, using a combined photon and electron technique with blocking of critical normal structures. © 2003 Elsevier Inc.
Keywords: adolescent; adult; child; clinical article; controlled study; human tissue; treatment outcome; aged; middle aged; surgical technique; fistula; cancer radiotherapy; radiation dose; combined modality therapy; cancer staging; liver toxicity; lung toxicity; lung resection; nausea; thoracotomy; pneumonectomy; radiotherapy dosage; radiotherapy; radiation injury; skin; cancer center; disease severity; tumors; dosimetry; tube; lung; pleura mesothelioma; mesothelioma; radiation therapy; anatomy; radiotherapy planning, computer-assisted; photons; patient treatment; toxicity; radiation induced emesis; diaphragm; extrapleural pneumonectomy; empyema; pericardium; pleura; esophagus disease; technique; pleural neoplasms; radiation dermatitis; thorax; radiation use efficiency; failure to thrive; hemibody irradiation; humans; human; male; female; priority journal; article; bronchopulmonary fistula
Journal Title: International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology, Physics
Volume: 56
Issue: 5
ISSN: 0360-3016
Publisher: Elsevier Inc.  
Date Published: 2003-08-01
Start Page: 1319
End Page: 1326
Language: English
DOI: 10.1016/s0360-3016(03)00287-6
PUBMED: 12873676
PROVIDER: scopus
DOI/URL:
Notes: Export Date: 12 September 2014 -- Source: Scopus
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MSK Authors
  1. Valerie W Rusch
    868 Rusch
  2. Linda Xueqi Hong
    88 Hong
  3. Santosh Yajnik
    3 Yajnik
  4. Raja Flores
    108 Flores