Palliative therapy treatment intended to maintain a good quality of life for patients in which long-term cancer control is not possible. Palliative radiation therapy can be used to control the symptoms associated with many localized tumors that cannot be treated by other methods. These symptoms include pain, bleeding, and decreased function.

Photo: malignant-mesothelioma-cancer.com

Palliative therapy is a relieving, but not curative method by which to treat and control the symptoms of mesothelioma cancer. During such therapy, a needle is used to drain and suction excess fluid from the affected tissue. Generally, post-palliative drugs are administered to the patient in order to prevent further accumulation of fluids.

Radiation is usually combined with anti-inflammatory and pain medications to maximize the relief of cancer-related symptoms. The goals of palliative therapy are to provide symptom-relief, and not to increase survival time or cure the cancer. Radiation therapy is particularly useful in alleviating pain associated with tumors that are arising from, or invading into bone. About two thirds of patients have moderate to significant improvement, and the effects can last for a few weeks to several months.

As mesothelioma cancer progresses, so does the severity of the symptoms. Mesothelioma palliative therapy is used to treat symptoms of mesothelioma cancer and provide some relief from the pain. However, palliative therapy is not considered a curative method to aggressively treat and control the cancer itself. Palliative therapy may involve medication, behavioral and cognitive techniques, or various procedures to aid in the care of a patient suffering from mesothelioma cancer. Palliative care and treatments are typically used in conjunction with other forms of traditional mesothelioma treatments such as radiation therapy or chemotherapy.

Photo: David McKelvey

Palliative radiation involves delivering a few large doses of radiation over several weeks. In most cases, palliative radiation therapy is a one-time course of treatment and cannot be repeated. Each treatment requires light anesthesia because the patient must be completely still during the procedure—there is no pain or discomfort associated with delivery of the radiation. Your pet must have no food after 8 PM the night before each treatment to insure an empty stomach prior to anesthesia.

Patients are treated as outpatients, with each treatment requiring about 2-3 hours at the Veterinary Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. This time includes preparation for anesthesia, treatment delivery, and recovery. The radiation is focused on the tumor, and the fur in this area will be clipped and pen marks used to outline the treatment area. A small area on a leg will also be clipped for an intravenous catheter (I.V.) used during the anesthesia. Your pet may be a little groggy or sedate for several hours after going home, and should be kept quiet and have limited food and water until fully recovered.

Side effects are minimal, and are limited to the area receiving radiation. They start after about three to four weeks from the first treatment and last for a few weeks. The radiated area will be pink to red and hairless and there may be some mild flaking or crusting of the skin.

Sources: mesotheliomatreatmentcenters.org, oncolink.com